So the problem still exists: how do we get 30 iPods to look identical? Its actually not a big problem, though the solution is time consuming. Basically, it involves setting one iPod exactly like you want the rest to look like, syncing it to your laptop, letting it backup, then restoring every other iPod to that backup. Here are the steps:
1) Sync 1 iPod with the computer it normally syncs with.
2) Organize that iPod the way you want the entire set to look (hold down on an app until it wiggles. Move one app on top of another to create a folder. Name that folder and hit the home button or create new folders)
3) Plug it back into the computer and allow it to backup and sync.
4) Unplug that iPod and plug in the remaining iPods (if you have access to a charging cart/case use that - if not, you'll have to repeat steps 5-8 for each additional iPod)
5) Right-Click (two finger tap on Mac) on the next iPod in the iTunes sidebar. Select Restore from Backup.
6) From the selection panel, find and select the last backup of the iPod you used in steps 1-3.
7) Click restore.
8) When iTunes completes its restore process, rename that iPod in the iTunes sidebar. I use Mobile Cart 02, Mobile Cart 03, etc...(click once on the iPod to select, then click a second time to rename). The iPod will now have its unique name but look just like iPod 1.
9) Repeat this process for each iPod.
Another quick tip for staying organized with iPods that look the same is giving them a numerical lock-screen wallpaper. Tony Vincent (Learning in Hand blogger and mobile tech extraordinaire) has a number of photo sets with numbers specifically for this:
http://learninginhand.com/blog/wallpaper-ipod-touch-with-numbers.html
1)Create a photo album in iPhoto or in a folder in Windows for the Number Wallpapers.
2) in iTunes with your iPods plugged in, select Pictures from each iPod's menu. Locate the album and allow it to sync to each iPod.
3) On the iPod itself, locate the newly synced photo album, select the iPod's number and set it as the Lock Screen wallpaper.
Can you do the same with multi-platforms? (to a iPhone and iPad minus the iPad only apps)
ReplyDeleteBen,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I would love for you to come organize my phone and ipod. I'm terrible with those folders. For someone who is so naturally organized, the inundation of new technologies and the influx of emails seems to paralyze my ability to keep up with a successful organizational system.
Amy
Unfortunately you can't restore an iPad to the iPod's backup or vice versa. While iOS looks the same essentially, they are different. What I would do there is set one iPad up how you want it and run the same process for all your iPads (the process is the same, you just need to start with an iPad instead of an iPod if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteThanks for this information Ben! I just wrote a grant for 15 iPads. This will be helpful when I get it funded.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate how you provide step by step instructions. Organizing the iPad can be a daunting task. Right now when we get our iPads reimaged/updated all the icons are all over. We end up organizing them in our folders and there is no true continuity. I am not sure if this is better so we can personalize the tool or it would be more effective for teaching and learning if we started with the same pages. Thanks for showing us.
ReplyDelete