It is no surprise administration monitors student iPads when they are not at school to make sure that they are being used properly. However, the new Apple Classroom app allows for teachers to control and directly monitor student iPads during class.

“It allows teachers to see where exactly students are on their iPad,” Leah Enright, Spanish teacher, said. “I can tell at any given moment if they’re not engaged in the activity even if I’m not standing there in the given moment and see exactly where they are or if they’re on task.”

The app has multiple different features allowing teachers to monitor, lock, control, and direct the students while they are using their iPads during class. Enright starts every class period with students turning on their bluetooth and allowing her access to their devices.

“I was very honest [with my students] and told them that I had it. I showed them what it looked like, I showed them what it could do,” Enright said. “All I have to do is look at their screen via the app and I can see that they’re [using it as a resource] but I can also participate in conversation with other students and listen to other students.”

Just like phones, the iPads can be a distraction, in Enright’s opinion. By using this app, teachers can help students stay on track and avoid using the iPad as a distraction, she said.

“It’s an expectation that you should be on task,” Enright said. “[Apple Classroom] avoids the time where they think they can be off task and do what they want.”