As the use of technology in the classroom continues to rise, schools need to be savvy about managing the many mobile devices on their network.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a term used to describe the management of mobile devices on a network, such as iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops.
MDM software is essentially a centralised management system from which you can push apps, control policies, rollout or wipe devices, and run reports. It allows you to manage all your devices from one easy-to-use interface instead of updating each device manually.
For schools, mobile device management is a gamechanger. Time and money saved is the most significant benefit, but the advantages go way beyond the savings.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the benefits.
With MDM software, you can strategically place relevant learning tools and apps within easy reach of students. For example, you can push certain apps to one year group and a different set of apps for another year group, enabling age-appropriate learning across years and syndicates.
Remove or restrict access to distracting apps and features of the device, that could detract from the learning experience, such as Chrome themes, social media and YouTube.
New devices will be automatically added to the MDM system – no fiddling or setup required. Devices can then be assigned to additional management groups, as set out by your school, for example by year, class or syndicate.
Arrange devices, users and admins into convenient groups. For example, you can split by class, department, school year or any other category you create.
You can buy apps within the MDM and then allocate them to specific devices and users. Different MDM software links to different app stores.
The beauty of the cloud is you can access it from any device, no server required. All of the MDM software that we recommend to schools is fully cloud-based.
If a device is reported as lost or missing, you can program it to automatically shut down, lock or wipe all data when it comes online, rendering it useless to the thief. This will significantly discourage people from stealing devices.
Generate reports based on metrics such as serial numbers, room numbers, and recent users. Get a birds-eye view of all the devices on your network or drill down on specific details. The reporting function will help you make better decisions about device management and acquirement moving forward.
Our preferred MDMs are Jamf, Intune and Chrome Management Console.
We recommend choosing an MDM based on the devices you already have in your school or the devices you plan to purchase in the future. For example, if you use Apple devices, Jamf is the best MDM for your school. Intune is the best MDM for Windows and Chrome Management Console the best MDM for Chromebooks.
Like any new software, learning to use an MDM will take some time. We can help speed up the process by taking care of the installation and setup and providing your staff with technical training and support.
Our team can help. Get in touch for a free consultation with an expert to determine how Mobile Device Management could benefit your school.
I have been working for TTS for the past 7 years assisting schools with their technology infrastructure and digital alignment with the MoE.
Before that I was completing a Batchelors of Business with a major in Management and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, I worked in Massey University tutoring, relief lecturing, and marking in the business college while also being a director of a small software company. I also previously held roles as sales manager in the corporate world.
Within the professional learning environment, I specialise in assisting schools with strategic management, change management and leadership. These are all challenging areas that often require specific planning and implementation. Change is not only synonymous with technology but is part of the daily environment in education and embracing change can be a daunting. My goal is to assist schools to feel comfortable and accepting of necessary change.
I am a graphic and digital designer with nearly 20 years experience designing for the digital realm. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, a Certificate in Computer Engineering and am a certified Adobe Creative Educator.
I am passionate about using technology to bring ideas to life and love encouraging learners to look for new ways to answer old questions. As a life-long learner myself, I always enjoy trying out new creative tools and exploring the impact they can have on students’ learning outcomes.
I am excited to be part of the TTS team and continue to help schools make the most of their websites and support teachers and students in creating engaging graphics, presentations, videos, websites, and more.
I’m a teacher with 20 years of classroom experience in a range of schools, locations, deciles and age groupings. I have background in technology education with a specialisation in Food and Material Technology.
I am passionate about technology education. So much so that it lead me to complete a Masters and PhD in Education qualifications where I explored communities of practice, teacher pedagogy and defined technological food literacy. I believe that many hands make light work, and networking and collaboration are key tools in the teacher kete.
I am currently part of the Subject Expert Group working with the Ministry of Education on the Review of Achievement Standards project.
I am a primary trained teacher with over 20 years’ experience finding new ways to effectively implement digital technologies into the classroom. I have always been passionate about finding and utilising digital tools within my class, and I enjoy exploring the internet to find new tools and learn about new ways in which other educators use digital technologies to best support their students.
I believe that is it important to find the right tools for you and your students as every class and school is different. Digital tools and technologies change rapidly and what may not have been suitable in the past could be just what you need now. I look forward to working with and supporting you to find and implement the best digital technologies for your specific learning environment.
I am a specialist teacher and PLD provider of creative writing, drawing on 20 years’ hands-on experience in the primary classroom teaching years 0-6, and as literacy leader, ALL teacher and CoL teacher.
In addition to my classroom experience, I bring my own experiences as a creative writer to my PLD sessions. I have published over 100-chapter books and 9 novels. Much of my published content is for the education market in NZ, Australia, the U.S, U.K and China. Publishers include Macmillan, Pearson, Oxford University Press, Capstone, Lift education, Sunshine books and Cengage. In addition, I have written several assessment and comprehension guides as well as books on how to teach creative writing (Essential resources). I hold a Doctorate in Education (EdD), where I investigated how primary school teachers teach creative writing, often focusing on the use of digital technology. As well as education and teaching qualifications, I also hold a Masters in Creative Writing.
I can provide individual hands-on modelling and feedback, as well as whole staff PLD. In addition, I examine the potential of new media (technology) in creative writing pedagogy.
I am a primary teacher of 30+ years experience covering all year levels from 1-8. I believe in “lifelong learning” and am passionate about encouraging teachers to be facilitators of their learning, and that of their students. I believe knowing when, what, why and how to implement digital tools to fit the purpose of “the teaching and learning” is essential today. I believe relationships are intrinsic in education, connecting people with tools/resources for teaching and learning, and how they support creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Michael is a teacher with 8 years classroom experience, and has taught students from years 1 through to 8. He has a bachelor of teaching and continues to learn through post-graduate studies. Michael is passionate about literacy education, and how reading and writing can – and should – be made accessible and interesting for all learners in schools. As a teacher, he recognises the need for resources that engage, enable, and empower students so they can achieve a meaningful, successful, and sustainable education.
I am an MoE Accredited PLD facilitator with a BEd (Hons) Degree in Education. I have over 20 years of experience in teaching 11 to 18-year-olds, with the last fourteen years being in New Zealand. I believe in empowering teachers to be confident in a modern learning environment and to discover new ways of inspiring students. I am a firm believer of continuous improvement in the skills of a teacher to deliver a more interactive, productive and engaging experience. I am extremely skilled with Google Suite/Apps and Microsoft.
