From tablets to laptops, mobile devices are transforming the way students learn, collaborate and communicate with their teachers and peers. But this shift and the increasing use of students’ own machines pose significant challenges for institutions and requires advanced security measures. The implementation of mobile device management (MDM) systems has therefore become essential to ensure that students and teachers can use mobile devices safely and effectively.
MDM is a software solution that enables an institution’s IT department to manage and secure mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops across its estate. The technology allows administrators to remotely configure, update and monitor these devices, ensuring that security protocols are enforced and data is protected.
In education settings, MDM solutions like Intune and Jamf act as a central command centre for all of a school's mobile devices. IT teams use them to easily control access to apps, data and digital content. MDM can be powerful tools to juggle the need for faculty, staff and students to use mobile devices, while keeping the institution's data secure.
The main advantages of using an MDM system are:
It’s important to stress that the impact of MDM goes beyond basic device management. By providing a secure foundation, MDM can support institutions to develop and sustain a thriving mobile learning ecosystem. It fosters:
Research suggests that 85% of higher education institutions allow students, teachers and faculty to use personal devices on university networks. Whilst this represents a huge opportunity for staff and students to explore new teaching and learning approaches - it also offers new routes for hackers and criminals to damage key networks and access potentially sensitive data.
In response, MDM solutions can enforce security protocols on BYOD machines to ensure the security of institution data. This includes enforcing screen locks and pin codes as well as keeping the ability to push and remove data from devices to support security and manageability.
Another approach to handling BYOD challenges is for institutions to run all software deployment and licensing through the Academic Software platform. This enables institutions to give all users access to the digital tools they need, (whether native, web-based applications or VDI) on their personal devices, without compromising institutional security.
Academic Software goes one step further - creating, testing and syncing the Intune or Jamf package for each application. This also saves time for the institution’s IT staff, who can simply use the packages provided by Academic Software or request a bespoke solution if required.
To reiterate, implementing an MDM system is not about restricting technology; it's about harnessing its power for a more productive and secure learning experience. By addressing the specific needs of their users, institutions can foster a thriving mobile learning (and teaching) ecosystem. MDM tools therefore pave the way for a more engaging and effective learning experience across all educational levels.
Ready to embrace the full potential of mobile learning in your school? Explore how MDM solutions from Academic Software can empower your educators and keep your students safe.