Tech directors have been struggling with managing large numbers of iOS devices in their schools since the iPad bandwagon got rolling. With the iPad3 announcement, Apple also rolled out the new Apple Configurator to replace the previously existing iPhone Configurator that they recommended for also managing iPads. This app comes free for any Mac running OSX Lion and can be downloaded from the App Store.
If you are looking at setting up, managing, and deploying multiple iPads in your school, the the iOS 5 Deployment Guide walks you through configuration profiles, Volume Purchase Pricing, and deployment options. Thanks to iPad Academy for posting the link to the PDF.
Great blog post about the implementation of an iPad pilot program in a 5th grade classroom. The focus of the article is on student learning rather than technical configuration.