How to build a purpose-driven device management strategy for K-12

There are a lot of technology options that your school can integrate with the classroom. And many claim to have similar features. So how can you decide what software is best for your school?

It all comes down to analyzing technology's role in the learning process. Does it help teachers manage their classrooms and save them time? Does it help students learn? Does it protect sensitive data and keep students away from harmful content? If no, the tech isn't helping meet the needs of learners — and it may not be right for your school.

That's where purposeful deployment comes in. When technology is chosen with learning outcomes in mind, it can:

• Influence and accelerate learning
• Create equitable student opportunities
• Ensure secure and scalable deployment

In our e-book How to Build a Purpose-Driven Device Management Strategy for K-12, we break down how schools can integrate technology with purpose and intention. We'll summarize the e-book here, but be sure to check out the full publication for more details.

The foundations of purposeful deployment

Apple devices offer built-in accessibility and security features and a variety of educational apps. That's why many schools provide them to their students. Managing these devices and keeping them secure and operational is no small task. Any software your school adds must be able to handle:

• Deployment and configuration
• Inventory and application management
• Security
• User empowerment

Thankfully there are tools to help schools achieve this. With mobile device management (MDM) and Apple School Manager, admins can configure devices and add any content they volume purchase from Apple. They can also use Managed Apple IDs with Apple services like iCloud and the App Store, giving IT more control over their accounts. And with Shared iPad, students can share iPads seamlessly, with all their apps, content and work waiting for them after they log in.

Finding your purpose

Every learner has their own needs and learning styles. Devices need to be able to accommodate this variety, helping deliver accessibility and equity. This informs a school's purpose, which is unique for every administration and student body. In our e-book, we offer some questions for school decision makers, like:

• Who are the primary users of our devices? And how will they use their devices?
• Are devices set up to enable students and staff to learn and teach safely and securely?
• Where will devices be used and how does this affect their management?

Considering these questions can help narrow in on how technology and learning come together.

How Jamf can help

Jamf offers solutions purpose-built for schools. With features like zero-touch deployment, Smart Groups, Blueprints and more, Jamf makes device management simple for IT. Jamf helps distribute and update a wealth of educational apps, accommodating whatever lessons teachers come up with.

Speaking of teachers, Jamf helps them maintain control of their students' experiences. With Jamf, educators can configure devices, deliver apps and create restrictions on their classroom devices to keep everyone focused and on the same page.

Beyond management, Jamf also keeps students and devices away from harmful or inappropriate material. With network threat protection and content filtering, malware, phishing and undesirable content is blocked — all without violating student privacy.

There's more to learn — read the e-book for additional features, like classroom apps, time-based profiles and beyond.