Jamf has announced new features for ZuluDesk aimed at empowering teachers to utilise Apple technology in the classroom to its fullest potential.
ZuluDesk is a purpose-built mobile device management solution (MDM) for education with an intuitive web-based interface that makes deploying, utilising and securing Apple technology simple and accessible.
The ZuluDesk management system includes three apps: ZuluDesk Teacher, which gives teachers the tools to manage their class and keep student focused on learning; ZuluDesk Student, which gives students restricted permissions over their own devices allowing them to complete coursework without being distracted by unauthorised apps and ZuluDesk Parent, which gives parents the ability to limit apps and device functionality.
With the new features, ZuluDesk strives to further empower teachers to deliver a best-in-class and engaging experience for students:
Creating ad-hoc classrooms within ZuluDesk Teacher for flexible teaching allows teachers to initiate and create a classroom easily and instantly. Usually classrooms are defined in the management system by IT, but sometimes an educator needs to create an instant classroom themselves. Now, when a teacher creates an ad-hoc classroom, students in close proximity to the teacher will get a notification inviting them to join, and the teacher is then able to quickly focus and guide students in the ad-hoc class seamlessly.
Filtering content for maximum focus now allows an admin to manage the iOS built-in web content filter and offers a more user-friendly way of filtering apps. Educators and parents can now use the ZuluDesk Teacher and ZuluDesk Parent apps to block categories of apps, such as “games” or “social media”, ensuring students stay focused during the school day and when doing schoolwork at home.
In addition, ZuluDesk works seamlessly with Apple’s Classroom app so that teachers can experience the multitude of benefits that both apps provide.
“At its very core, ZuluDesk aims to create the optimal digital experience for teachers, parents and students”, said Craig Smith, education sales manager, UK and Ireland, Jamf. “These enhancements make ZuluDesk a more competitive management tool enabling teachers to utilise technology seamlessly in the classroom to keep students focused and engaged. We’re dedicated to increasing focus and investment in our education product portfolio offerings to unlock new opportunities for schools to succeed with Apple.”
“ZuluDesk has already transformed the way we use iPads to support learning,” said Simon Elliott, Director of Digital Technologies at Mounts Bay Academy in Penzance, UK. “Giving teachers autonomy to create classrooms themselves is a feature that many have asked for here in our school and these updates will give our teachers greater flexibility, supporting the project-based learning that we do. With the ability to create resource-rich lessons, ZuluDesk moves further towards being an integrated learning system, rather than just an MDM solution."
These enhancements support Jamf’s latest investment in education across its entire product portfolio. In addition to ZuluDesk, Jamf Parent, an app that allows parents to guide their children’s use of apps and features on school-issued devices, will soon be available for Jamf Pro customers. Jamf Pro will also see a workflow for requesting apps added this summer, providing teachers with a streamlined way to find and request new iOS apps for their classrooms. Teachers will be able to request an app right from Jamf Self Service, and IT will be immediately notified of the request, empowering teachers to get the apps they need faster.
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