Biddenham School iPad Research Project

iPads in Education

In September 2012, a research group at Biddenham International School in Bedfordshire was put together to examine the use of tablet computers in teaching and learning. This is their final report.

This small project collates the work of individual teachers who explored the use of mobile technology in improving student engagement in a Bedfordshire secondary school.  It regarded engagement as a crucial factor in pupils’ success in school.

Mobile devices are part of everyday life in a rapidly changing technological world.  This project investigated the experiences of a small group of enthusiastic teachers exploring the use of tablet devices, not only the iPad but also the Nexus 7 in their teaching.  They sought to discover if either device was better suited to education, and whether any device in fact had a place in their classroom.

Data was collected through a research framework adapted for school use.  Further evidence was gathered from reflective journals, correspondence, minutes and informal interviews.

The project found that the teachers saw benefits from working collaboratively with the research group, coaches, mentors and other colleagues within and across schools in the UK.  The impact of using mobile devices showed possibilities for improved student engagement, staff development and creativity.  The extent to which this was possible was influenced by technical logistics, availability of class sets of devices and time for training.

A clear outcome of the project was the necessity to establish robust protocols covering the technical aspects, security, management and safety of all mobile devices.

In a chapter dedicated to the technical aspects the report gives details of how this has been done in the school and recommendations for further development.  Decisions around Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or whole school device and the implications of that for school policy are explained.

It was found that the management of technology and a proper planning of the rollout process are essential whether for BYOD or whole school device.

The report and all conclusions reached plus a technical overview of the steps necessary for successful deployment of iPads in education are included. The report is available for download below or you can read the full report by using the links below.,

Introduction

This information is from a primarily technical perspective, and any conclusions should be seen against the background of the teaching and learning outcomes outlined elsewhere in the project.

This report is an overview of the technical issues that we addressed during the Tablet Research Project at Biddenham School and from our experience setting up Great Denham Primary. I have also included some of the planning stages that we went through and opinions on some of the likely trends that we will see in the short to medium term affecting the use of mobile technology in education.

Contents

• 1.0 Bring Your Own Device
  • 1.1 Categories of Users
  • 1.2 Students With Personal Devices
  • 1.3 Staff With Personal Devices
  • 1.4 Students With School Procured Devices
  • 1.5 Staff With School Procured Devices
  • 1.6 Guest Devices
  • 1.7 Getting the Balance Right – Carrot and Stick

• 2.0 Wireless
  • 2.1 Planning
  • 2.2 Future Proofing

• 3.0 Networking
  • 3.1 Internet Access
  • 3.2 Transparent Proxy
  • 3.3 Accessing Documents

• 4.0 IT Services Support Issues
  • 4.1 Educating Staff
  • 4.2 Cost of Applications

• 5.0 Device Management and Security
  • 5.1 Apple Configurator
  • 5.2 Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • 5.3 Screen Mirroring & AirPlay
  • 5.4 AirPrint
  • 5.5 Apple IDs
  • 5.6 Volume Software Licensing and Bulk Installs
  • 5.7 iCloud

• 6.0 Summary
  • 6.1 Technical
  • 6.2 Supporting Staff
  • 6.3 Data Protection
  • 6.4 Software Procurement Policy
  • 6.5 Managing Multiple Platforms
  • 6.6 Long Term Considerations