New Casper Suite Enables Mix-and-Match 1-to-1 and Shared iPads

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 04/11/16

Software for managing Apple devices in a classroom or other settings has gotten an update to leverage features of iOS 9.3. The Casper Suite "Spring 2016" release from JAMF Software takes advantage of Apple's managed "lost mode" to enable IT to locate and recover lost or stolen devices without compromising student or staff privacy. When lost mode is enabled for a given user's device, it displays a customized lock screen message that IT has specified, is disabled from use and sends its location to IT.

Casper Suite is intended to automate computing device activities IT staff may take care of manually, such as inventory, distribution, updates and maintenance. A self-service model enables users to take care of certain activities themselves without needing administrative credentials.

The latest version of the software lets a teacher customize what apps will appear on a home screen. A "shared" mode, which can reside alongside a 1-to-1 program, enables students that share their devices during the day to get a personalized learning experience. The function works with Apple School Manager, which serves as a portal for iPads used in the classroom and allows students to be granted managed Apple IDs.

The program also allows a teacher to launch all devices in the classroom to a specific app, website or book and share work openly through Apple TV or to the teacher's device.

"For years, school districts have had to make the choice between 1:1 and shared iPad programs. The tradeoff has been a personalized learning experience," said Dave Saltmarsh, education evangelist at the company. "With iOS 9.3 and Casper Suite, schools will no longer have to make this choice. They will be able to deliver a personalized experience for each and every student regardless of the school's implementation model."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • A top-down view of a person walking through a maze with walls made of glowing blue Wi-Fi symbols on dark pathways

    Navigating New E-Rate Rules for WiFi Hotspots

    Beginning in funding year 2025, WiFi hotspots will be eligible for E-rate Category One discounts. Here's what you need to know about your school's eligibility, funding caps, tracking requirements, and more.

  • glowing digital lock surrounded by futuristic dollar signs, stacks of currency, and coins, connected by neon circuit lines

    FCC Reports Strong Interest in Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program

    The Federal Communications Commission has received 2,734 applications totaling $3.7 billion in funding requests from schools, libraries, and consortia for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, the agency reported in a recent announcement.

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Debuts Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has announced the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.

  • magnifying glass hovers high above a tablet, showing a zoomed-in view of binary code and digital circuits

    Evidence in Ed Tech: A Matter of Importance

    When evaluating which ed tech tools to adopt, evidence of impact is one of the most important factors to consider.