6 tips for buying a school-proof iPad case

More schools are offering bring-your-own-device, or BYOD programs, for children to bring their own iPad to school to use in class teaching. This reduces the impact on the school’s budget, but also makes students and their parents responsible for protecting the iPad to, from and at school.

So what should you consider for your school-going iPad? Here are our top 6 tips on what you should focus on.

Protective case with genuine drop protection

This iPad will be dropped. Face this fact right now. So you need to give it genuine protection from the inevitable – this is not the time for a cheap and cheerful plastic wrapper over your $600 iPad. High quality brands such as Gumdrop, Otterbox, Trident and Lifeproof engineer their cases to handle drops, shocks and more. This can include inbuilt air chambers, high density silicone, ABS plastic internal frames and other forms of clever to kid-proof your device. The dozen dollars or so you will spend on it will be worth it for the extended life of your iPad, and the fact that your little Jonny won’t be the only one without an iPad at school for a week while you get it fixed – again.

Screen cover

Screens cop a bit from grubby little people. Sand and grit being dragged across the screen can leave lasting damage to the glass and frankly you really need a screen to be clear to get the most out of a tablet. Many good quality cases include an inbuilt plastic screen cover that is both tough but also sensitive so the ever-so-slightly heavier finger pressure required to activate the screen is well worth it for the protection it provides. Of special note is the Otterbox Defender case which has an integrated plastic screen cover but also a detachable screen guard/stand which provides a tough ABS plastic barrier between your child’s iPad and compass set.

Alternatively, some come with adhesive screen protectors, such as Kensington BlackBelt and Safegrip models. Adhesive covers can be purchased separately so added to other cases, and replaced when required.

Port covers

Mashed banana in your charge port, m’am? No thanks! Make sure that your iPad case includes secure port covers to keep the nasties out of vulnerable places.

Stand up

Having a stand on the iPad case can make a difference to a child’s head and neck position while using the device, and assist to ensure good posture. Cases such as Gumdrop Hideaway, Kensington Blackbelt and Otterbox Defender include stands, while Trident Kraken AMS Media Stand is an optional accessory.

Protection in class – storage for lunch breaks etc

One of the major worries for schools is how to secure the iPads while they are not in use. Wall cages with charge systems – such as PC Locs or Ergotron - may be the answer, otherwise lockable trolleys to move devices around. There are many options available and the school needs to have a solution so that your iPad doesn’t vanish while the kids are at lunch.

Accessorise for success

Make sure that your child has the gear they need for using the iPad in class. This may be a child-friendly stylus pen, or volume limited headphones so that they can’t blast their heads off.

Powered Life www.poweredlife.com.au helps families and schools maximise iPads and tablets for learning, while minimising the cost. Protective cases and covers for children of all ages including those with special needs. Styluses, headphones, keyboards and other accessories. Charge-sync-storage systems for schools to reduce admin cost. All the best quality brands, all in one place at www.poweredlife.com.au or 1300 POWER 4 LIFE (1300 76937 4 5433) or hello@poweredlife.com.au.