Using Kiddom on iPad - Best Practices
Kiddom is device-agnostic. While we encourage you to use the latest version of Google Chrome to access Kiddom, using Kiddom on Chromebooks, iPads, or other web-capable devices does not change the user experience. Schools using touch-capable devices like iPads will benefit from a few best practices because they don't have hover states, plugin access, or built-in software typically only found on traditional laptops and desktops.
Before using Kiddom on an iPad, we recommend configuring your iPad’s settings. Learn more in our iPad configuration educator guide.
In this article, we’ll explore a few common challenges younger students face when using iPads and how to prepare for them using easy-to-apply best practices.
Audio and Video Best Practices
What do I do if sound recordings are too sensitive?
iPads have sophisticated audio recording capabilities; unfortunately, this means they can pick up even very quiet background noises. Two ways to improve recording quality include:
- Using an external plug-and-play microphone to help directionally isolate sounds vs. recording omnidirectional audio (this is how iPads record by default).
- Record audio using built-in iPad apps such as Voice Memos, which allow you to “enhance recording,” which reduces background noise and echo. Saved Voice Memo recordings can be uploaded to Kiddom.
How can I use text-to-speech on iPad?
We recognize how vital text-to-speech is to many learners, including multi-lingual learners and students with disabilities. Kiddom is actively developing built-in text-to-speech functionality for back to school 2025. In the interim, we encourage you to use the iPad’s built-in Spoken Content.
Navigation Best Practices
Why do my students see assignments as individual questions instead of a continuous, scrolling view?
Kiddom offers flexibility in how students look at assignment questions. “Focused view” shows students one question to reduce distractions. “All questions view” shows all questions, including instructions and background information.
Students can toggle between these views at any time.
My students cannot see the question on an assignment while inputting answers. What should I do?
Unlike laptops and desktops, zooming in and out on a webpage is not easy on an iPad. Ensure that your students know how to scroll page content and how certain buttons may expand answer and show work boxes to allow them to have more working space.
Student Tools Best Practices
Why can’t I swipe to erase?
To ensure you have complete control over your drawings and text in Show Work (student tools) on iPad, Kiddom’s eraser tool is designed to remove entire objects with a tap.
This intentional design prevents accidental erasures common with swipe-based erasers, especially when dealing with layered or rich drawings. Students can confidently build complex diagrams and labeled drawings, knowing they can easily remove specific items without disrupting other elements they’ve already added.
How should I switch between drawing and typing tools?
Toggling between tools such as drawing and text is best done by following these steps:
- Tap to go full screen with student tools.
- When you toggle between tools, make sure you select all options (e.g., size, thickness, and color).
- Tap outside the tool selection options but within the canvas to use that tool.
