Meraki Mobile Device Managment

We use Meraki as our "Mobile Device Managment" System. This system makes it easier to manage the growing number of mobile devices coming to school each day. Here is a rundown on how it works.

Students receive a link by email to enroll in Meraki Systems Manager. When they tap the link it prompts them to install a “Profile” on their iPad. The profile is a collection of settings that allow us to perform some functions on a class set of iPads. It does not wipe the iPad, but may result in apps, music, movies or TV shows that don’t meet “allowed content ratings” being removed. (That content is still tied to your Apple ID so it will still be viewable from other devices.) The profile allows us to remotely configure iPad settings for use at St. Clare, to gather some basic information about the iPad, and to deploy apps.



More detailed information on how we use Meraki to manage mobile devices.

The Simple Things - Part 2

Our students have been utilizing Google Apps for Education for several years. Until the start of this year, it has been leveraged for collaborative tools like Google Docs. This year we decided to enable a limited email service for middle school students to coordinate with the launch of 1:1. It was expected to be a possible channel to communicate with a student or an entire class. We did not realize what an essential tool it would prove to be. Teachers are frequently sending homework or project updates to the class list. In some cases, homework assignments have been distributed and collected by email. Teachers have appreciated the ease of communication that it provides. Students have also taken advantage. They can easily get clarification on grades or assignments from their device. Like the wired keyboards, email has been one of the simple things that have made 1:1 successful.

The Simple Things - Part 1

One of the simple things that has made the 1:1 program work better for our students was the addition of wired keyboard from Logitech. It was a long process; they were announced last spring, pre-ordered in June and finally shipped in October. These keyboards have the benefit of being full size and truly "plug and play." There is no configuration or temperamental Bluetooth connections to deal with. They have been a great addition to our program and they have really helped students when a class period will require a lot of writing.

Google Maps Engine

Quick Info:
- Google Maps Engine
- Web based service integrated into the Google Apps for Education Suite. Allows students to define points and paths on a map and to share with other users for collaboration.

Usage Examples:
Seventh grade science class has used Google Maps Engine in conjunction with Earthweek.com. Students have been plotting events like earthquakes, volcanoes and hurricanes to be able to study patterns over the course of the year.

Google +

Google+
Quick Info:
- plus.google.com
- Google+ is a social networking site that Mrs. Kollars adapted for use on the 8th grade Saints project.

Usage Examples:
Google+ made a great platform for the 8th grade Saint project. Students were able to create representations of events from their Saint's life through posts to their timeline. The social media aspect also enabled Saints to interact with each other. Here are a couple of example of timelines:

- Kateri Tekakwitha
- John Fisher