How to make it happen
Setting Up Teacher Created Classes (unmanaged)
The Classroom App is one of a number of fantastic new innovations for education developed by Apple in the last year. In fact, I would say that it is the biggest educational advancement from Apple to date. The Apple Classroom 2.0 update made the app much more accessible by introducing the ability to set up Classroom 'on the fly' without the requirement for an MDM solution.
In an ‘Apple Classroom’, a teacher can control pupil iPads in a truly meaningful way. A teacher can launch devices into selected apps, divert them to web pages, open iBooks, lock the entire class into an app and/or lock the iPads down completely. On top of that, a teacher can oversee the screens of each iPad in their classroom and monitor activity in real-time.
It sounds great, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! It is awesome and it can completely redefine the digital workflow within your classroom. The 2.0 update means that a teacher can set up 'unmanaged' classes quickly and easily. However, it’s worth mentioning that there
So, what is the difference? Well, 'managed' Apple Classroom setups are managed through a Mobile Device Management system. Essentially, this means that an ICT coordinator or IT administrator can set up all of the classes and groups for the teachers prior to anyone using the devices.
'Unmanaged' Apple Classroom setups can be set up 'on the fly' by any teacher in a much less technical way. This flexibility means that as of now, anyone can download the app and start using it straight away with their classes.
In this blog, we are going to explore the setting up of an 'unmanaged' and 'managed' Apple Classroom. If you would like more information in relation to the 'managed' set up then please get in touch using the Contact Us button above and we can arrange a free webinar with our Apple tech team.
Setting up Unmanaged Apple Classroom
3 Simple Steps
Apple have been upfront from the beginning about what will work and what won’t work when it comes to Apple Classroom. Because the app is particularly sophisticated and advanced, older iPads will not be compatible. This is largely due to updated Bluetooth technology required, that is not available on on older models. Essentially, Apple Classroom is only available on 4th Generation iPad or later and 2nd Generation iPad Mini or later. On top of
Apple Classroom now offers a simple way of enabling children to join their Teacher's digital class. Before the update, an Apple Classroom could only be set up via an admin ICT person through a Mobile Device Management software (more information on this within the 'Managed Apple Classroom' part of the blog). However, 2.0 allows teachers to display a code for the children to type in. The children then find the Classroom app in their settings and type in the four digit
From there, you're good to go. The class is set up and the teacher is ready to guide the children through the lesson. It's as simple as that. Managed or unmanaged, the teacher still has the same level of interactivity and/or control over the iPads that have typed in the passcode. You can guide the children through web pages and iBooks. Divert everyone’s view to display your iPad or a specific child’s work. Lock children in apps or lock them completely out of their iPads. Monitor everyone’s iPad on your own screen and see their work developing in real time.
Setting up Managed Apple Classroom
5 Simple Steps
It doesn't matter. Managed or unmanaged, the iPads have to be a certain age and updated on to a certain iOS. Either way, Apple Classroom is only available on 3rd Generation iPads or later and iPad Minis. Again, the iPads must be on iOS 9.3 or later to support the app. With that in mind, if you are looking to set up your iPads via a central admin person in a 'Managed' way, that person must first make sure that all of the iPads are updated and/or new enough.
In order to centrally set up all of the classes, groups and children on Apple Classroom, you must first configure the devices to enable the deeper digital interaction (more details on the configuration of your iPads in Step 3). Therefore, the technology must be
Through your MDM of
The teacher can then actively open and use the Apple Classroom App on their iPad. This means that each classroom teacher can take control over their differentiated groups. The classes will already be set up via the configuration created on the MDM. Therefore a teacher will be able to see their different classes and tap on them to open them up. Within that class, a group button will appear. Simply name the group and select which children you wish to be in it. Then repeat this process for every other group. This means that it is easy for a teacher to address the entire class or direct differentiated tasks and provide levelled provision for pockets of pupils. A teacher can do this via an 'unmanaged' class set up, however, they cannot do it before the children have joined their class. Managed Apple Classroom
Two options. One is undeniably easier than the other. One is more time-consuming. However, they are both worth considering. It really comes down to your specific situation in your specific school. If you are looking to use Apple Classroom within one class, every so often, then creating 'Unmanaged' Apple Classrooms is maybe a better option. Alternatively, setting up an entire school or a year group's worth of pupils and teachers will be better organised through a 'Managed' set up.
Either way, its impact on teaching and learning with iPad is unparalleled by any other advancements over the years in my opinion. It really can re-invent the digital workflow in any given lesson. Ultimately,
Apple Classroom 2.1
By Nick Acton