In Sync...

...or Synchronicity II.

A small update:
As previously mentioned, I have experienced a problem with apps syncing to some of the iPads.  I have noticed that the students that religiously and regularly log into iBoss when they begin using their device tend to have all of their apps updated without issue.  I do notice that the devices that I have to "handle" in order to begin the sync have not been logged into iBoss and I have to additionally enter the iTunes password at the AppStore.

Alternate issue (and the reason behind this post):
During the course of my day, I work with 4th grade intervention students that use the System44 program.  One of the core components of that program are a series of Audiobooks that students listen to   multiple times and then complete a series of responses that help them increase their literacy skills.  They are really well-designed, in my opinion.

The books come with a CD that students can use to listen to the book.  From years of experience, I have found that there isn't a portable CD player that can withstand the paces that an elementary student can put it through.  So, scratch portable CD players.  Computers are at a premium with the program, as students must utilize the System 44 software in order to advance through the program.  So, no computers to play the CDs.  A few years ago, I purchased some middle of the line MP3 players that I preloaded all of the Audiobooks, but they have been literally played out.

Which brings me (FINALLY you are probably thinking) to my great idea.  I would load the Audiobooks onto the MacBook Pro and then sync the Music to all of the devices.  The whole library would be at the students' fingertips at precisely the right time and entirely individual to their needs.  Super-duper awesome!  Right?  Not so fast....

I could NOT get the devices to sync the music.  I checked all of the device settings.  I checked my iTunes preferences.  All fine.  The music should have automatically synced wirelessly, said it my most petulant voice.  Up until this point the iPads had never been connected via USB to the MacBook Pro, as they were able to sync over WiFi.  *sigh*

After way too much fretting and frustration, I finally made an appointment with the Apple Genius Bar to get some help with my music sync issue.  She explained that in order to sync music I would have to connect the iPads (one at a time) to the MacBook Pro and click (and unclick) a few important things.

Here are the steps (borrowed from Apple Support pages...but translated into easy to understand "point here-click here" language):

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect the iPad to your computer using the USB cable and select it in iTunes under Devices on the left-hand side. Some tabs may not appear if you do not have corresponding content in your library. For example if you do not have any podcasts in your library, the corresponding Podcast tab will not appear.
3. It will prompt you to Register or Continue.  Select "Register Later."
4. You will then choose "Set Up a New Ipad" and will need to rename your iPad.  I chose to name my iPad in this pattern "Del Rio iPad 001" through "Del Rio iPad 135."
5. Now that you have connected your iPad via USB, you will need to CHOOSE the button that says "Sync with this iPad over Wi-FI under the "SUMMARY" tab.  

Whenever the computer and the iOS device are on the same network, the iOS device will appear in iTunes, and you can sync it. The iOS device will sync automatically when all of the following are true:

• The iOS device is plugged in to power
• iTunes is open on the computer
• The iOS device and the computer are on the same Wi-Fi network

You will also need to UNCLICK (if it selected) the button that says "Manually manage music and videos."

WARNING:  This is true in my case because I wanted EVERYTHING in my iTUNEs library to sync.  (I had only Audiobooks.)  If you want to choose select music and/or libraries you will need to be sure that this button is selected and manage this under the "MUSIC" tab.  

Additionally, while the iOS device appears in the left-hand column of iTunes, you can select the content tabs and configure sync options.

Be sure to click Apply or Sync to sync the iOS device or all of your work for naught.  Don't ask me how I know.  I just do.  :)