The Best iPad Productivity Apps for Getting Things Done

First Things First:

1) Make sure you have an Apple iTunes App Store account (a Gmail e-mail address works well for
this). You will go to the App Store app on your iPad, scroll down to the bottom left corner in the
“Featured” section and log in. If you haven’t created an Apple ID, you will need one to
download and/or update apps.
2) Sign in to iCloud. This will not only allow you to sync your apps, notes, bookmarks, etc., but it
also tracks your iPad’s whereabouts online, just in case it is lost or stolen. It would also allow
the District or yourself to remotely wipe your iPad clean in the event of an emergency. This is
found under Settings>>iCloud.
3) Set up your alternate e-mail address. Gmail works well for this too. This is done in
Settings>>Mail, Contacts, Calendar.
4) Sync your Calendar, Gmail, Contacts, etc. This is done in Settings>>Mail, Contacts, Calendar.
5) Make Folders. Manually set up folders to organize your iPad by topic. Hold an app down for
about 3 seconds and then drag it onto another similar app. Then, title the folder. Tap the Home
button when you’re done creating folders.
6) Secure your iPad with a Passcode Lock. Go to Settings>>General>>Passcode Lock>>Turn
Passcode On. Type in a 4-digit passcode.
7) Set up Restrictions. Use these only if students might using your iPad. Go to
Settings>>General>>Restrictions>>Enable Restrictions. Enter a 4-digit Restrictions Passcode.
This will restrict such things as web browsing, YouTube, iTunes, Installing Apps and Deleting
Apps.

Accessibility Features within Settings: this isn’t an app, but this should be the first place you look to
address Accessibility issues for the iPad. There are a number of these functions built in, including
voice-over, Zoom screen, large text, Speak Selections and white on black. Go to Settings>>General.
Scroll way down to Accessibility.

Wireless Printing (free). For any district buildings with a wireless printing server set up, you can now go
into any app that prints, press the Share (curved arrow button) or the Print button, and you should see a
drop-down list of Toshiba printers. Pick one and print to it.

Business Cards

CardMunch (free) This is a contact-management app affiliated with LinkedIn. It automates the process
of adding a new business contact. Just snap a photo of someone’s business card and it will
automatically upload to a remote location where a real human will verify the data before syncing it to
your app. Contact info includes full LinkedIn profile data, when available. You just need a LinkedIn
account, which is free to set up.
(http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401403,00.asp)
 Calculator

Calculator Pro (free) This app features nice, big calculator keys especially great for anyone with vision
difficulties. Has two modes available: do basic calculations in Portrait Mode or go advanced in
Landscape Mode.

Jumbo Calculator (free). Jumbo Calculator is great for anyone wanting the ease of use of a large
buttoned calculator. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jumbo-calculator/id361121377?mt=8)

Calendars

Awesome Calendar Lite (+Google Task/Diary) (AKA: aCal) (free) Great, free calendar app which syncs
with Google Calendar. Contains color schemes for organization, supports multiple calendars, shared
calendars, and also has a To-Do List (integrates with Google Tasks), notes and add photos to your
calendars.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/awesome-calendar-lite-+google/id484829437?mt=8)

Calendar (free and already pre-loaded). Capable and effective calendar for the iPad. Go to
Settings>>Mail, Contacts, Calendars to sync your Google Calendar.

GWCalendar ($4.99). If you are a Groupwise Calendar user, this lets you check and add calendar entries
without using the District Web site or your computer. You get a much better interface than you will find
on the Groupwise WebAccess caldendar.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gw-calendar/id339345952?mt=8)

Pocket Informant HD ($8.99) If you find that the built-in Calendar app is just to basic, this is an excellent
replacement. Works perfectly with Google Calendar and Toodledo.
(http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586 )

Database

Bento: Database ($4.99 to $9.99) An extremely flexible organizational app that can get your everyday
life in order courtesy of 25 ready-to-use database templates. From the people who brought you
FileMaker Pro.
(http://appchronicles.com/bento-4-for-ipad-review-neatly-packaged-suite-of-database-tools-for-
keeping-track-of-everything-in-life/)

Dual Monitor

AirDisplay ($9.99) Turn your iPad into a secondary display for your PC or Mac
(http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586)
 EBook Managers

iBooks (free) PDF and eBook manager complete with a bookshelf for storage. Download your PDF files
here and store them in a bookshelf where they are easy to get to. PDFs and eBooks can be stored in
separate collections. (http://www.apple.com/ipad/built-in-apps/)

Kindle app (free) Surprisingly powerful eBook reader for the iPad. Check out these features:
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000490441)

E-mail Tools

GWMail ($9.99) Groupwise e-mail app that lets you check and send district e-mail without having to go
to the District Web site or your computer. You get a much better interface than Novell delivers through
their online Groupwise WebAccess, and you can check district e-mail easily from home.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gw-mail/id335575354?mt=8)

Mail (free and pre-loaded with all iPads). Allows you to set up multiple e-mail accounts and access your
mail wherever you go. Most e-mail accounts have a pre-made template to guide you through the setup
process, except for Comcast and Groupwise. Gmail is preferred. Use this to send e-mail attachments
from a computer to your iPad.
-Groupwise users can receive but not send mail through this app. See GWMail above if you want to
send Groupwise messages outside of the district.

MailChimp (free) E-mail management & newsletter publishing tool. Works with web app at
www.mailchimp.com.

File Storage/File Sharing

Dropbox (free) Online file storage & file sharing app. Install at home and access files anywhere. You get
2 GB of free online storage. If you recommend it to others and send your own personal link, you will get
an additional 250 mb of extra storage with each referral.
(http://www.cultofmac.com/188503/the-10-best-ios-apps-for-getting-things-done-gallery/)

Google Drive (free) Get started with 5 GB of free storage for your Google Docs and more. This is the
storage site for your Google account, so you can keep everything in one place and access it from any
device, anywhere. Store documents, pictures or other files and share them with anyone.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-drive/id507874739?mt=8)

SugarSync (free) It puts all of your data from all of your computers right at your fingertips. Sync files
and share folders, just like iCloud, Dropbox or Box.net. If you run out of space on one of the others, use
this as an overflow storage reservoir. Unlike Dropbox, you get 5 GB of free storage with SugarSync.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sugarsync/id288491637?mt=8)
 Flash Browsers

If you are using Flash-based web sites that don’t have an app created yet, use these Flash browsers
below to view the sites on the iPad:

iSwifter Games Browser (free) This is both better and worse than Rover because it accesses more sites,
but some of them may not be education-friendly. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iswifter-games-
browser-play/id388857173?mt=8)

Puffin (free) The only Flash browser that really performs and allows you not only to use Flash, but allows
you to use all Google apps in Desktop Mode (for editing) as well. A little slow, but it works almost
perfectly. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/puffin-web-browser/id406239138?mt=8)

Rover (free) Rover aggregates Flash-based sites, providing only education-friendly results. There is a list
of sites to choose from already loaded.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rover-browser-for-education/id483262612?mt=8)

Google Apps

Google Apps Browser by G-Whizz! (free) The ultimate tool for Google Apps users which lets you access
all of the Google apps in one interface. Just log in with your Gmail account and get to everything else
Google-related here. This can replace 7 or more apps that you previously used regularly on your iPad or
iPhone. You may live here.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-apps-browser-by-g-whizz!/id368305725?mt=8)

Microsoft Office Alternatives (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Windows)

OnLive Desktop (free) (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/onlive-desktop/id490292278?mt=8 )

This is a service that provides a seamless, no-compromise, instant-response cloud-based PC desktop,
wherever and whenever you want it. It does require you to set up an online account first. Then, OnLive
brings to your iPad a high-performance PC experience, regardless of the content, even when interacting
with fast-action media. Instantly view, edit and create documents using actual Microsoft Word, Excel
and PowerPoint. Easily transfer files between OnLive Desktop and other devices. Definitely worth a try.

Quickoffice Pro ($9.99) Create and edit all Microsoft Office files within this one app. Since being
purchased by Google, you can now store files on Google Drive. Also has Spell Check and Track Changes
features. A very capable and affordable tool to open and create Excel, PowerPoint and Word
documents.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickoffice-pro-hd-edit-office/id376212724?mt=8)

iA Writer ($0.99) An excellent writing app without a lot of distracting toolbars. Lets you focus on what
you’re writing and store in the cloud (iCloud or Dropbox).
(http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586)
Keynote ($9.99) Apple’s excellent presentation tool. It is a nice variation on Microsoft PowerPoint
complete with a great set of templates. An essential part of the Apple iWork suite.
(http://www.apple.com/apps/keynote/)

Numbers ($9.99) Spreadsheet/Excel alternative for any type of number crunching and tables with
numbers tasks. An essential part of the Apple iWork suite.
(http://appchronicles.com/numbers-review-2011-improvements-make-for-a-solid-app/)

Pages ($9.99) Apple’s word processor for iPad. Like Keynote, it comes with some great templates.
An essential part of the Apple iWork suite.
(http://www.apple.com/apps/pages/)

Note-Taking & Mind Mapping Tools

Confer Lite (free) or Confer ($14.99) A great note-taking app for teachers lets you record & keep notes
on students: individually & small-group. The Lite version is limited to 2 subjects, 10 students per subject
and 5 notes per student. It allows exporting data via email, but not importing.
Whether you teach Reading and Writing Workshop or simply want to take notes on your students,
Confer enables you to take notes quicker and it lets you sort, group, and view your students in ways you
just can’t do with paper and pencil. Confer also lets you export and import you data via email, or upload
it as a spreadsheet, so you can access your notes anytime, anywhere.
Free version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/confer-lite/id366737215?mt=8
Pay version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/confer/id387777553?mt=8

Evernote (free) Online note-taking & note sharing app. (http://www.cultofmac.com/188503/the-10-

best-ios-apps-for-getting-things-done-gallery/)

Evernote Hello (free) Although it has the small iPhone/iPod Touch interface, it does allow you to add
notes and pictures of each of your students. Organize your notes into Evernote by accessing this app
and file notes by student. (https://itunes.apple.com/app/evernote-hello/id484359282)

Evernote Peek (free) This is a learning app for the iPad 2 Smart Cover. If you don’t have a smart cover,
try the included “Virtual Cover” to use this app to help study for a test, quiz, or to create study materials
with your students. Make a notebook in Evernote and “peek” at the answers. Any note can be made
into studying material. Check out the link below for a video.
(http://blog.evernote.com/2011/11/02/evernote-peek-gets-virtual-cover-now-available-for-all-ipads/)

Instapaper ($3.99) If you’re an avid online reader, this is a great tool for saving website articles for
offline viewing. Optimized for readability on your mobile device. It should be called Invaluable.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instapaper/id288545208?mt=8)

Notability: Note-taking ($1.99) (http://appchronicles.com/notability-review-an-excellent-note-taking-

pdf-annotation-tool/)

Note Taker HD ($4.99) This great app lets you create pages by writing on the screen with your finger or
an iPad-compatible stylus. You can either write directly on the page for large drawings, or have the
"ink" you write shrunk down. You can write in large letters on the screen rather than trying to make tiny
motions like a pencil. Just keep writing and Note Taker HD automatically adds new writing next to the
old. To quickly correct mistakes, it has multi-level undo and redo buttons as well as an eraser -- just drag
your finger over the page to erase the "ink."
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/note-taker-hd/id366572045?mt=8)

Penultimate ($0.99) The best-selling handwriting app for the iPad. Like using pen and paper.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4)

SoundNote ($4.99) Take written notes and also record audio while you do it. Great for interviews with
students or to document speech or reading progress. If a student falls asleep in class, just tap what was
written while he/she was awake, and SoundNote will play the audio to help fill in the blanks. 
(http://soundnote.com/)

iThoughts HD: Mind-Mapping ($9.99) (http://appchronicles.com/ithoughtshd-review-five-star-mind-

mapping-app-for-brainstorming-ideas-organizing-thoughts-taking-notes-more/)

PDF Annotation, PDF Readers & Form Tools

DocuSign Ink (free) Good for situations where you need a “Sign this and send it back to me” response. It
removes the need for a printer & scanner and lets you annotate documents on the iPad easily, as long as
you have a built-in camera – so iPad 2 and above are compatible.
(http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586 )

GoodReader ($4.99) Excellent file reader that reads just about any type of file and does so much more.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goodreader-for-ipad/id363448914?mt=8) GoodReader has earned its
accolades by the way it handles huge PDF and TXT files, manuals, large books, magazines, and
renderings of 100 mb and more with great speed. The ability to mark-up PDFs opens up new doors to
GoodReader users who can now use typewriter text boxes, sticky notes, lines, arrows, and freehand
drawings on top of a PDF file.

iAnnotate PDF ($9.99) Excellent PDF annotation app because we know you have a lot of PDF files that
need to be written on. What makes this one unique is that in the latest release brings the same power
to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files as well as images – so now you can get this and go paperless
with more files than ever before.

iBooks (free) PDF and eBook manager complete with a bookshelf for storage. Download your PDF files
here and store them in a bookshelf where they are easy to get to. PDFs and eBooks can be stored in
separate collections. (http://www.apple.com/ipad/built-in-apps/)

PDF Expert ($9.99 ) Fabulous PDF app that lets you annotate onto PDF forms better than any other PDF
editor for the iPad. It lets you highlight text, make notes, draw with your finger and save these changes
being compatible with Preview and Adobe Acrobat. PDF Expert is the best iPad application that can fill
PDF forms. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pdf-expert-fill-forms-annotate/id393316844?mt=8)

Presentation Tools, Interactive Whiteboard & Video Tutorial Creation

Doceri (free) Combining screencasting, desktop control, and an interactive whiteboard in one app, you’ll
never have to turn your back to the class or audience again. Doceri does it all! It may be free for a
limited time. We’ll have to wait and see, but for now it is a pretty amazing remote desktop alternative
to Splashtop 2. Control your interactive whiteboard from your iPad and do your annotations anywhere
in the classroom.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doceri-remote/id412443803?mt=8&ls=1)

Educreations Interactive Whiteboard (free) This app turns your iPad into a recordable whiteboard.
Creating a great video tutorial is as simple as touching, tapping and talking. Explain a math formula,
reate an animated lesson and add commentary to your photos
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/educreations-interactive-whiteboard/id478617061?mt=8)

Explain Everything ($2.99) An easy-to-use design tool that lets you annotate, animate, and narrate
explanations and presentations. You can create dynamic interactive lessons, activities, assessments and
tutorials right on the iPad. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/explain-everything/id431493086?mt=8)

Keynote ($9.99) Apple’s excellent presentation tool. It is a nice variation on Microsoft PowerPoint
complete with a great set of templates. (http://www.apple.com/apps/keynote/)

Reflection App for Windows & Mac ($15.00 for each platform). Install onto a laptop or a desktop
computer with a wireless USB adapter. Provides iPad screen mirroring onto a projector screen or
computer monitor. Show your iPad on your projector screen wirelessly!
(https://www.reflectionapp.com/)

Skitch (free) Use shapes, arrows, sketches and text annotation to get your point across fast. Mark up
photos, screenshots, maps, and webpages then share them with anyone you like. From the people who
brought you Evernote. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skitch/id490505997?mt=8)

QR Codes

QR Reader (free) Read QR Codes for free with this app.

(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qr-reader-for-ipad/id426170776?mt=8)

Remote Desktop Tools

Doceri (free) Combining screencasting, desktop control, and an interactive whiteboard in one app, you’ll
never have to turn your back to the class or audience again. Doceri does it all! It may be free for a
limited time. We’ll have to wait and see, but for now it is a pretty amazing remote desktop alternative
to Splashtop 2. Control your interactive whiteboard from your iPad and do your annotations anywhere
in the classroom.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doceri-remote/id412443803?mt=8&ls=1)

LogMeIn (free with account) Allows you to access your home computer from anywhere. Must be
installed on your home computer first. (https://secure.logmein.com/solutions/personal/iphone/)

Splashtop 2 Remote Desktop ($2.99) Splashtop is the easiest and fastest way to access your Windows
PC or Mac from your iPad! Use it to access your computer on the local network, with the best-in-class
video streaming performance, Microsoft Office Suite and PDF viewing and editing, full browser access
with Flash/Java support (IE, Chrome, Firefox) and access your media library and documents.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splashtop-2-remote-desktop/id382509315?mt=8)
 Task Management & To-Do List

Awesome Calendar Lite (+Google Task/Diary) (AKA: aCal) (free) Great, free calendar app which syncs
with Google Calendar. Contains color schemes for organization, supports multiple calendars, shared
calendars, and also has a To-Do List (integrates with Google Tasks), notes and add photos to your
calendars.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/awesome-calendar-lite-+google/id484829437?mt=8 )

Clear ($1.99) Task Management app that lets you make a To-Do list and then drag the items you have
finished and clear them from the screen. Simple, clean, effective. You can now store your lists in
iCloud, and access them on iOS as well as on your Mac! (Check out Clear for Mac, brand new on the Mac
App Store) (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clear/id493136154?mt=8)

Wunderlist (free) With Cloud Sync and the ability to share your lists with friends and colleagues, this is
an excellent To-Do List app that can be put onto every device in the class and synced. View and edit
your tasks on Windows, Mac, iPad and the Web. The iPad app makes a perfect companion to the
desktop application.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wunderlist/id406644151?mt=8)

Timer / Stopwatch

Best Stopwatch (free) Excellent stopwatch for the iPad and the ads aren’t a hindrance.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/best-stopwatch/id505112994?mt=8)

LabTimer (free) Advanced Timer app contains four timers which count up and count down. LabTimer is
not just good for the lab, though - it is also convenient for medication timing, activity timing and child
timeouts. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/labtimer/id292202454?mt=8)

Presentation Timer (free) This is a simple timer application for your presentations.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/presentation-timer/id291171573?mt=8)

Video Conferencing
FaceTime (free and pre-loaded on the iPad 2). Allows you to do a live video conference with anyone
having an Apple ID (the e-mail address they download apps with). See #3 way at the top of this handout
for setting up an Alternate E-mail address. This will be your FaceTime account. A user must add you to
their FaceTime Contacts and then click on your e-mail address to see you.

Skype (free) Video conferencing with anyone who has an iPad with a camera. Create a Skype account
first though. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/skype-for-ipad/id442012681?mt=8)

Video Editing
iMovie ($4.99) Apple’s iPad movie editing tool. Edit the video you record with the Camera app right on
the iPad. (http://www.apple.com/apps/imovie/)
 Voice-to-Text (Dictation)
Dragon Dictation (free) Dictate notes to your iPad rather than using the keyboard. By far the best
voice-to-text tool currently for the iPad and still free.
(http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586)

PaperPort Notes (free) If you need a free iPad note-taking app that lets you speak whatever you want
to write down, PaperPort Notes is the best option. It also syncs with Dropbox or Box.net. If you’re
already comfortable using dictation software, this app is a breeze, and it doesn’t contain a single
advertisement. It will really boost your productivity.
(http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403390,00.asp)

Web Browser Alternatives (to Safari)

Dolphin Browser for iPad (free) The best free web browser for the iPad. Better than Safari in many
ways. (http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/seven-must-have-productivity-apps-for-the-ipad/19586)

Terra (free) Web browser with tabs, full-screen and offline modes. It’s also very fast and better than
Safari in most ways. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/terra-web-browser-tabs-full/id394704159?mt=8)

Wikipedia
Articles ($4.99) Award-winning Wikipedia reader. Just enter a search term and let Articles find the
entry you’re looking for. Clean, intuitive and simple to use.
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articles/id364881979?mt=8 )

Other Great Resources

Stephen Best’s List of iPad/iPod Touch Teacher Tools: http://tinyurl.com/cop97pn

--Check out the “Apps for Special Needs” at the bottom of the page and “Resource Information on
Apps” right above it.

Apps for Children with Special Needs: (http://a4cwsn.com/) Highly recommended! This should
be the first stop for a teacher working with special needs students.