Bright Ideas: Keeping Classroom iPads Clean

Back for another "Bright Ideas Link Up". This month's focus is...

Our building just recently got a small set of iPads in all of the classrooms this school year. That being said, the teachers have been working to not only find the best ways to integrate them, but also keep them safe and clean so that they can be used for years to come!

Here are a few tips and tricks I have run across that I see them using in their rooms on a daily basis to keep their new tools fab and finger-print free throughout the year.

1. No food or drink while using the iPad.

With the risk of spillage and sticky fingers at snack time. It is just a good rule of thumb to have the kids keep these two things separate. 

2. Wash away the dirt and germs before each use.

If you only have a small set of iPads like the classrooms in our building, I would recommend asking the students to wash their hands before each use. Not only will these help decrease dirt and grime on the screen, but also the amount of germs spread between kids when they are passing iPads between them.

If you are lucky enough to have one-to-one or a classroom set of iPads, it may not be quite as feasible to have your kiddos wash between each use, but after coming in from outside, using the restroom, eating/drinking, or working with art supplies it still may be a good idea.

3. Find a student friendly cleaning tool.

One of my colleagues uses this little guy with a microfiber belly as a tool for her students to wipe off the iPads. I have seen these several places in hunting around the internet in every form from a kitten to a stuffed over easy egg shape. While I definitely think the kids would get a kick out of these, really any microfiber cloth will do. 

4. Return iPads to a safe (and clean) space after each use.

If you have an iPad cart, great, you are set!

But if not, have a place where students can place the iPads throughout the day when they are not in use so that they are up and off of the floor. 

Floor = likely to get stepped on = likely to get dirty or even worse, broken

I have seen teachers throughout my building do something as simple as have designated counter space for each iPad, to storing them in plastic containers individually like that pictured above, to creating their own "iPad cart" with a set of plastic pull out drawers.

What are some of the best ways you have found in your room to organize and sanitize these technology treasures? I'd love to hear your ideas.

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