What are shared iPads in education?

Last updated on 25 August 2023

iPads have become a key element of learning in many schools. In an ideal world, every school would have the budget to provide an Apple device to every student.

But for schools that are not yet able to implement a full distribution of iPad 1:1, using the shared iPad in Apple School Manager allows every student to enjoy the benefits of Apple technology using a shared device while enjoying a personalised experience.

What is the shared iPad?

The shared iPad allows multiple users to connect to a single iPad and make it work as a custom device.

When it is not possible to provide 1:1 iPads, the shared iPad allows students to have their own configuration and access their saved work on a device. Students have access to the device as if it were their own tool, but they can log out to allow someone else to access the same device. This can be a shared device in a single class or the creation of a class 1:1 environment in multiple classes.

Shared iPads require a mobile device management (MDM) solution such as Jamf School or Jamf Pro and managed Apple IDs that are issued and held by the school. Devices must have at least 32 GB of memory and be supervised. The shared iPad is supported on:

• All iPad Pro models
• iPad 5th generation or later
• iPad Air 2 or later
• iPad mini 4th generation or later

How does it work?

The shared iPad allows multiple users, using their managed Apple ID, to connect to a single iPad and make it work as a custom device with all their settings, resources and data in place. When they log out of a session, all this data is stored separately and inaccessible to the next user who logs in.

The content is stored on a cache server that allows the device to load the content needed by each user.

The storage space of the device is divided into different sections (depending on the number of users or the space allocation). Space is allocated to system data as well as apps and media on the device, and the rest is shared equally between the number of allocated users.

How is the shared iPad configured?

There are several methods to configure shared iPads, depending on how they are deployed by your MDM.

• iPad shared by class : With this method, each class can assign a device to a single user, thus reproducing a 1:1 environment. You can replicate this method for other classes (a maximum of five users per device is recommended) so that there are different users in each class, giving students in each class a personalised experience.

Jamf School supports class-shared iPads, with features such as automatic disconnection, configuring storage space per student, assigning profiles, adding restrictions for different groups/users, and adding wallpapers.

This method also allows you to avoid users having to enter a managed Apple ID to log in. Administrators can configure it so that users can select their class, find their name or image in a list, and then log in using an access code.

When a user logs out of an iPad, this data is stored locally and automatically appears in iCloud. It is recommended that users return to the same device each time. Thanks to the smart caching of the shared iPad and the Classroom app, a user can disconnect one day and reconnect the next on the same iPad they used last time. This allows them to quickly pick up where they left off, as their data is still on the same iPad.

• iPad Shared General : Here, rather than having designated devices, each student can connect to any device. However, this method can slow down the download of content. This is best done only if you still limit the number of users accessing the device, otherwise it will impact the speed of the caching server.

If you set up the iPad as a shared device (not in class), you will need to sign in using a managed Apple ID and password/access code. Students will have full access to all apps added to the device depending on the MDM configuration.

• Temporary sessions : In a temporary session, a single user can connect to the device without having a managed Apple ID in order to be able to use the apps. Since a managed Apple ID is not required, applications that use or require iCloud or cloud storage may not be supported. Purchased books also cannot be assigned as part of a temporary session on a shared iPad, as the books can only be assigned to users with a personal Apple ID or a managed Apple ID.

This is an ideal configuration for short-term lending of a device, for example in a library, but no data is saved when you log out.

Technology has transformed our approach to education, and the iPad has thus evolved into an inseparable partner in the learning process, able to enrich it and facilitate accessibility for some students. It has now become an essential part of modern teaching and learning.

More than just materials, technology engages teachers and their students in active, constructive, authentic and cooperative learning. The use of technology in the classroom promotes learning when used as a tool for mobilising and facilitating reflection for Supporting knowledge building, explore knowledge and Collaborate.

Invitation 

In order to deepen the topic, you are invited to participate in a discussion with Adeline Jacquot, Specialized Teacher, but also coordinator of a Localised Unit for School Inclusion (ULIS) scheme

It will be accompanied by Guillaume Pereira, Education Sales Manager at Jamf for this new edition of the Jamf Breakfast Club which will take place on Wednesday 27 September at 1.30 p.m.

During this exchange, Adeline Jacquot will share with us her experiences and best practices for learning to write with an iPad.

To register for this free online conference, it is by here.

 

This article is the result of a partnership with Jamf