Insider could earn an affiliate commission if you purchase through our links. Find out more.In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, both students and teachers have adopted digital learning.Apple's iPad has more capabilities than ever for handling the classroom. But you can still prepare it for school.Check out our guides to iPads and tablets that are the best.In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in America, schools across America have adopted digital learning. Teachers and students alike are turning to tablets and laptops as their gateways into the classroom.For college students who are leaving home for the first-time, laptops have been an essential back-to school item. But tablets like the iPad and Surface from Microsoft make great classroom companions.The iPad is becoming a more effective portable workstation with expanded support for keyboard and mouse devices.While netbooks and laptops are still better at multitasking and overall utility, the iPad is a unique tool that offers unparalleled flexibility. It has a top-quality display, touch controls and easy software. There are also two high quality webcams and Apple's highly acclaimed app ecosystem.Apple's cheapest MacBook is priced at $999 while the lowest iPad price is $329. Your iPad can be used for classes, which is a cheaper way to use Apple's app ecosystem. This benefit is not available on Android tablets at the moment.Although Android tablets have the ability to set up a workstation, it is better to choose a Chromebook over an Android tablet for school. With prices starting at $200, Chromebooks can be used with many of the same Android applications and provide more consistent work value than a tablet.It doesn't matter if you want to give your iPad as a gift to your child, or if you don't want another device to manage, your iPad can be transformed into a high-quality workstation. It's important to outline the iPad's inherent benefits and drawbacks before you purchase additional gear.ProsIt's more portable and easily accessible than a Chromebook or laptopBattery life is longMobile connection options available in 5G, 4G LTE and 5GMacOS computers are easy to use and can be used to streamline your workflow.ConsSome USB devices are incompatibleMultitasking with multiple apps is more difficult than using the computerExternal displays are not supported as well as ideal.Additional internal storage space drives are more expensive than a laptop, and cannot be added to after purchase.The iPad standard is the best iPad for education and school.A new iPad is not something I would recommend replacing a Chromebook or laptop for school. This is simply because of the high price of Apple's tablets when compared to a basic PC. I know that schools have adopted Apple's iPad system in their curriculum at an increasing rate over the years, with varying results. So, I have some suggestions for how to make the most of it all.The iPad 329 is the cheapest, but it does have a lot of potential. It's most often used in schools due to its speed, ease-of-use software and built-in cameras. Although the iPad Air has a slimmer screen and a smaller form factor, it offers no additional features that are worth $270 more if you intend to use your iPad for work.Although the iPad Pro's USB connector and Magic Keyboard support make it a great choice for work setups, the final cost of the iPad Pro's 13-inch MacBook Pro ($1,299) is almost the same.Continue reading: Apple's new iPad Pro is a great computer but I still don't think it can replace my laptop.You can quickly increase the price of your iPad by adding more storage.Deal icon A lightning bolt-shaped icon that represents a deal icon. Apple 2020 iPad 10.2-inch (8th Generation)Keyboard optionsAn iPad Pro connected with Apple's Magic Keyboard. Lisa Eadicicco/Business InsiderIt is important to get a high-quality keyboard if you intend to use your iPad for writing essays or other assignments. Bluetooth keyboards can be purchased for as low as $15 but you want something that will last through a lot of travel.If you intend to use your iPad as a primary workstation, keyboard cases may be an option. However, they can become cumbersome if the iPad is used frequently as a casual reading device. Only newer iPads will work with Smart Keyboard or Magic Keyboard cases via a magnetic connection. Make sure you check to make sure your iPad is compatible.iPadOS offers "Full Keyboard Control", which makes it easy to navigate between apps without the use of a touchscreen or mouse. The iPad, like macOS has its own set of shortcuts that make keyboard control easy. You can find a list on Apple's website.To find the right Bluetooth keyboard for you, check out our complete Bluetooth keyboard buying guide. The Logitech Craft is my personal favorite because it features a full number pad and FN media keys. It can also save up to three Bluetooth profiles. You can use the Craft with multiple devices without needing to keep it in pairing mode. You may choose a lighter option like the Arteck H030B Universal if you plan to take your keyboard with you on trips.Optional mouse optionsiPadOS now supports Apple's Magic Mouse, as well as other mice via Bluetooth and USB. AppleAn iPad can be connected to a mouse via Bluetooth or a USB-to-Lightning dongle. Instead of the standard mouse arrow on a Mac device's screen, the iPad cursor displays a circular touch zone. Although the mouse doesn't need to be set up, there are some settings that can control scroll speed and buttons. Touch controls can be used interchangeably with the mouse.Any mouse can be used, but I prefer the Logitech Triathlon because it allows you to quickly swap Bluetooth profiles with other devices. The Logitech MX Master, a rechargeable Logitech Mouse, is slightly more expensive. Our buying guide has more recommendations for mouse options.Apple PenciliPadOS includes support for the Apple Pencil. This stylus can be used within iPadOS apps to draw, edit and take notes. The Apple Pencil is a flexible tool that artists can use to improve their productivity. However, the pencil won't make a significant difference in your class workflow or when you use your iPad to write essays, reports, emails, and other school-related documents.Apple Pencil can only be used with older iPads. Before you buy one, make sure that your iPad is compatible.External monitorAirPlay is an iPad feature that has been around for a while, but it's not perfect. AppleAn Apple Lightning to Digital AV Adapter (49 USD) and AirPlay can be used to connect your iPad with an external monitor. The iPad can only mirror its own screen so an additional monitor is not possible. This also means that the iPad will not automatically fill displays with a 16/9 ratio when output with an HDMI cable.While setting up an external monitor might be useful if you have one, it is not a smart investment to buy another screen for your iPad. Sidecar, a new feature Apple introduced in 2019, allows you to use your iPad as a second screen wirelessly if you already own a MacBook.Many common programs have been optimized to iPad but compatibility may still be a problemAppleThe iPad has keyboard and mouse support, special Safari versions, a webcam and many other features. However, your success in using the iPad for school will depend on the programs and websites your school uses and whether or not the iPad is compatible.iPadOS 15 will bring improvements to multitasking capabilities. Users can organize their iPad screen as a workstation and divide the screen between multiple apps. Google's G Suite and Adobe Photoshop have been optimized for iPad. However, not all schools use the latest technology.If parents plan to gift their child an iPad to school, they should ensure that the parental control settings are checked to make sure only appropriate apps are available. Also, check the compatibility of the iPad with the school's policies and systems.Screen Time, Apple's time management app can monitor and limit the time spent with certain apps on your iPad. This is a great tool for both kids and adults.The bottom lineThe iPad isn't the best choice for school workstations, but it does offer some advantages over the many laptops and Chromebooks available. The iPad can be used as a substitute for a laptop in the classroom with the right accessories.
