Device Recommendations for LEGO Spike Curriculum

Educators working with the LEGO Spike curriculum have expressed a need for student-accessible computing devices to support classroom activities. This article outlines Extension’s current recommendations and support options for device selection and management.

Recommended Device: iPads

At this time, iPads are the preferred device for running the LEGO® Spike application. They provide reliable compatibility and can be supported under existing UW–Madison IT structures.

Where possible, educators should work with their local county IT support team to acquire and manage devices. The expectation is that all devices are secured and managed in alignment with industry best-practices and standards in alignment with UW-526 (https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-526). Local device management is typically the most cost-effective and sustainable option.

Relevant Policies:

https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-526 - UW-Madison Endpoint Management and Security policy

https://kb.wisc.edu/itpolicy/uw-madison-it-endpoint-management-and-security-policy-implementation-plan - UW-Madison Endpoint Management and Security Implementation Plan

https://it.wisc.edu/services/endpoint-management/ UW-Madison Endpoint Management info

When Local IT Cannot Support

In some cases, county IT departments may be unable or unwilling to provide device support. In these situations, Extension can only offer support through UW–Madison DoIT Departmental Support. In these instances, it is critical that these requests go through our standard hardware procurement process and be ordered through DoIT. Failure to do so can result in delays and additional complications.

This option requires:

• Purchase of an iPad

• Annual DoIT node fee (support cost) for the life of the device

Also recommended but not required:

• Four-year AppleCare subscription

Note: iPads are currently supported on a five-year lifecycle.

To begin the order process, please use the standard Extension Hardware and Peripherals request form: https://forms.gle/M5Y5WFSrTNZmZN1h7

Hardware Specifications

To ensure compatibility with the LEGO® Spike application, the following minimum hardware is recommended:

• iPad Air 2 or newer

• iPad Mini 4 or newer

• iOS 14 or higher
  
  

LEGO® Spike App Access

The LEGO® Spike application can be used on iPads in two ways:

1. Web application (browser-based)

2. iOS App (download from the App Store)
   
   

Download link: LEGO® Education Spike App

Summary

• First choice: Work with your county IT department to obtain and support iPads.

• If not possible: UW–Madison DoIT Departmental Support can provide iPads under a managed service model, with associated costs. There may be additional limits on models available based on what they are currently able to support. 

• Minimum requirement: iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini 4 or newer running iOS 14+.
  
  

This guidance ensures that educators have access to reliable, supported devices for effective delivery of the LEGO® Spike curriculum.