As a 21st century educator, you should use every tool at your disposal. The one that is always in my pocket is my iPhone, as is the case with many of you readers. The line between a home-use device and a school-use device is blurred, as cost-sharing programs are becoming the norm. School boards and districts might not always provide you with the tech you want to use. With that in mind, a strong durable case becomes a must for protecting an expensive investment. Using a personal iPhone in the class should not be an issue with most teachers, but having solid protection is an important priority.
Here are just a few ways I use my iPhone in my classes:
- Controlling a Keynote presentation (either playing off my iPad or MacBook) from across the classroom
- Streaming, via AirPlay, videos from my phone to the projector.
- Using it as my camera to document student work
- Posting creations onto a class blog or Twitter page.
There are times when even students will handle a teacher’s phone (depending on how trustworthy the student is). Having the iPhone in this case should give you peace of mind.
Above: You can see the kickstand folds away nicely into the back of the case
You can see the solid protection the Zuna case provides around the iPhone
Video Chat
The built in kickstand is a huge advantage of this case. Using FaceTime/Skype/Google Hangouts to connect with other schools around the world, a sturdy stand at a fixed angle saves a lot of headaches fixed shaky screen problem. The people on the other side of the call will appreciate a steady camera, as we know that even the slightest shake can give us major headaches. Even though the front facing camera is on the bottom while using the kickstand, the orientation will be correct.
Here are some of my observations of the case after trying it for a few days:
The Good
- The case is actually quite a bit slimmer than I expected
- It looks sleek, but still provides solid protection, both from drops and everyday wear and tear
- The lip around the front of the phone is substantial, so phone can be placed screen down without worry of being scratched
- The rubber feel on the sides of the case feel good in the hand, similar to some of dual material cases I have used.
- The iPhone feels very secure in the case; it took a little bit of effort installing it, but that isn't a bad thing: the case will not come off unless you want it to.
- In the car, the patented built-in hook will rid the need of any ugly suction mounts to your windshield; yet the hook is completely unobtrusive when tucked into the case when not in use
- Installed very easily in both of my cars. It can also be removed with a gentle pull. While the iPhone isn't “snug”, it won't fall off. Even when compared to a vent mount, the iPhone has a lower profile, which might actually prevent you from getting distracted driving tickets(!)
- The case is ideal for people who drive multiple cars, travel and don't want to worry about bringing a separate mount for each car
- Most third party lightning cables will still be able to charge your iPhone while in the case
- Having the car mount eliminates the need of a bulky car mount that attaches to your windshield
- The case offers excellent drop protection for all situations
What to keep in mind:
- Won’t work with most docks, but this is to be expected with more protective cases
- Only works in portrait mode in the car
Above: Portrait and Landscape modes with the kickstand (and any card)
Conclusion
Most people don't use single function devices any more. This case, having three completely different functions (Car mount, kickstand, and protection) offers you much more than any regular case. The kickstand feature is a nice bonus for those who want to watch videos hands free. I am extremely satisfied with this case and you will undoubtedly be too.
These cases retail for $39.99USD, with free shipping in the USA. Check out their website for more info at Zuna.com.
Win one of TWO Zuna Drive cases!
I have two of these cases to give away: A brand new gray iPhone 6/6s, and my test case (gray iPhone 6/6s Plus).
Here’s how to win:
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Follow this blog (bottom of homepage)
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If you have Twitter: Follow me here and Tweet this (or any other) post from teachingwithipad.org with the hashtags #ipaded and #edtech.
If you don’t have Twitter: Just leave a comment below and let me know which you’d like to win:
iPhone 6/6s or iPhone 6/6s Plus
Optional bonus: You get a bonus entry if you follow teachingwithipad on Facebook.
Winners will be chosen randomly and announced here or in the comments in roughly two weeks. I will personally ship it anywhere in North America. If you tweeted, I will contact the winner via DM.
Please stay tuned for next week’s giveaway. It is something ALL iPad/iPhone users would love to own!
Steve
