Manage your Class with iPad and Mac

During this ANZ Back to School session, we examine a powerful way to manage student devices and maintain learning momentum. This post highlights practical approaches to leveraging Apple Classroom for real-time oversight of student work, directing class focus, and fostering an organized digital learning space that enhances teaching effectiveness and reduces off-task behavior with iPad and Mac.

Managing a classroom full of devices doesn't have to be overwhelming. Apple Classroom is a powerful app that helps teachers stay connected with students, guide their learning, and keep everyone focused on what matters most.

What is Apple Classroom?

Apple Classroom is a free app available on iPad and Mac that transforms how you manage student devices during lessons. It gives you the ability to see what students are working on, share content instantly, and help students stay on track.

Keyways Apple Classroom Supports Teaching

See Student Screens at a Glance

With Screen View, you can see thumbnails of every student's screen in real time. This helps you quickly identify who might need help, who's off task, or who's ready to move forward. It's like being able to look over everyone's shoulder at once, even in a large class.

Guide Student Attention

When it's time to focus on a specific app or website, you can open it on all student devices at once. You can also lock devices to a single app during assessments or activities that require concentrated attention. This helps minimize distractions and keeps the whole class moving together.

Share and Collaborate Seamlessly

Need to showcase exceptional student work? With AirPlay, you can display any student's screen on the classroom TV or projector with a single tap. Students can also share their screens with classmates, fostering collaboration and peer learning.

Control Access When Needed

Apple Classroom lets you limit which apps students can access during class time and manage their browsing to keep them focused on learning content. You can also mute student devices when you need everyone's attention for instruction.

This MacBook shows a teacher's view of their Classroom and students with the apps they have open.

How to Get Started

1. Download the free Classroom app from the App Store on your iPad or Mac
2. Ensure same Wi-Fi network for your device and student devices
3. Work with IT to set up Apple School Manager and Managed Apple IDs for the best experience OR have students join your Classroom via a code
4. Create your class manually with invitation codes or sync automatically via Apple School Manager
5. Start with Screen View to get comfortable before trying other features
6. Add features gradually—try one new tool at a time
7. Communicate with students about how you're using Classroom
8. Practice first with a colleague during planning time

Take things further with these resources from the Apple Education Community:

• See a professional learning presentation on Apple Classroom from Lauren Lavelle
• Explore some community developed Classroom resources here from @CaitlinM
• Download an Apple Classroom quick guide Keynote shared by Brisa Cabe

Looking for support to elevate teaching and learning through technology at your school?

Connect with an Apple Professional Learning Provider or Specialist to get personalised support for your educators and students.

• Australia: https://www.apple.com/au/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/
• New Zealand: https://www.apple.com/nz/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/