VIEWS & OPINION Developing education: how to simplify interactive
touchscreen lifecycles with MDM Comment by NADAV AVNI, Chief Marketing Officer, Radix Technologies
For today’s school kids who grew up playing with their parents’ smartphones, classrooms equipped with blackboards or whiteboards no longer make sense. Instead of using archaic whiteboards, projectors, and video players, these kids are a lot more comfortable learning via an interactive touchscreen. This is a technology shift that fits the current needs of formal learning. It’s also where mobile device management (MDM) can make all the difference in implementing and overseeing the necessary software—and taking care of its upkeep.
Why schools need mobile device management (MDM) The benefits of interactive touchscreens aren’t only for learners— schools can also be winners. When you deploy touchscreen devices in every classroom, teachers no longer need to wheel in or set up equipment. They simply boot up the touchscreen and start teaching. Then, at the end of the session, they log off or leave it on standby mode for the next class.
Managing these devices is much more straightforward with MDM software technology. Here, school IT administrators can remotely administer all school devices as well as execute updates and fixes. Moreover, with MDM, you can streamline a range of tasks— monitoring and regulating access and applying security measures whenever needed.
Streamlining procurement processes
Implementing a touchscreen device system throughout an entire school district helps simplify device procurement. A centralized MDM solution loosens restrictions on what types of devices can be used. Furthermore, the device-agnostic nature of the platform means schools won’t have to limit themselves to one brand or model. Rather, they can accommodate various devices aligned to diverse brands and operating systems. With the proper MDM setup, IT admins is able to make all these devices work together. In addition, for districts operating on a tight budget, a device-agnostic system can stretch resources much more effectively.
Once the system is in place, it becomes easier for administrators to track and monitor each individual school device. By using a reliable MDM platform, admins can immediately pinpoint the whereabouts of any device and even geolocate those that are lost, missing, or stolen. This helps school officials account for their hardware expenditures and ensure a better ROI.
Seamless deployment and configuration A key part of a great MDM system is having cloud capabilities. Instead of depending on older protocols, cloud computing allows IT admins to manage devices remotely, without worrying about bad or unsecured connections. Moreover, admins can remotely configure devices so that they conform to the school system’s security protocols. This includes assigning user levels that fit each user’s profile.
Instructors are able to access learning materials and student information through the learning management system (LMS). Students can only retrieve their own data, including the assigned courses and materials for the day.
Meanwhile, school administrators and analysts can collate user October 2023
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data in order to generate valuable insights on device usage. Finally, IT admins and staff have access to system settings in order to manage, maintain, and secure each device.
Upgrading and refreshing device inventories When in use, every touchscreen device requires periodic software or system updates. If there are problems, they’ll also need software fixes or application patches to continue working normally. Using remote access, IT administrators can easily download updates and diagnostic tools from the cloud to perform maintenance tasks for each touchscreen.
Furthermore, with a reliable MDM platform, it’s possible to schedule automatic repairs or updates during downtimes so as not to disrupt class schedules. Better yet, IT staff can perform these fixes selectively. Depending on the need, they’re able to choose to update devices one at a time, in batches, or for the entire fleet. MDM software’s remote monitoring capabilities mean better management for school touchscreens. Admins can check each device’s health, allowing decision-makers to determine when to pull out units for repair or replacement. Moreover, admins can make remote backups to ensure continuity—even when using replacement units.
Securely retiring devices
The proper MDM platform will also help you implement security measures for all school devices, taking care of data integrity and theft prevention. IT admins remotely monitors user access for every device to make sure that all connected users employ proper credentials. This monitoring team can freeze, disable—or even shut down— touchscreens that report attempts at unauthorized access. For lost, missing, or stolen devices, geolocation services enable IT administrators to zero in on each device’s whereabouts. Then, they’ll report the location to authorities for possible retrieval. If recovery is impossible, admins can choose to remotely wipe all data and applications from the unit to safeguard private information. The same protocols apply when retiring old or obsolete touchscreen devices. Admins can perform data backup, reformatting, or memory wipes on selected devices prior to decommissioning. This includes remotely scanning each device to check for any leftover user data or LMS documents that might raise data privacy issues. Finally, when turning the devices over to departments in charge of waste management, IT teams are able to confidently certify that all private files and documents have been either returned to the school system or deleted completely.
MDM is key to streamlining school device lifecycles When investing in modern educational technology devices like interactive touchscreens, it pays to add those extra dollars for MDM software. Instead of relying on throw-in solutions that rely on legacy protocols and older technology, rather secure top mobile device management software.
When you opt for MDM, your school system will also make full use of your hardware investments—from rollout to retirement. Ensuring that each touchscreen device receives the necessary management, maintenance, and security services, it’s a win-win for both students and teachers.
The right MDM software guarantees that each touchscreen device gets access to timely software and firmware updates. An added benefit is continuous monitoring for possible issues, so that fixes can be deployed as soon as possible.
After all, a school district’s edtech devices are only as good as the MDM software managing them. That additional investment you make for mobile device management will make all the difference in ensuring a better ROI for your touchscreen devices.
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