Resolving Common Issues with Apple Classroom
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Category Archives: Apple
Student Connection Issues with Apple Classroom
If you have seemingly random students that are not connecting to your class in Apple Classroom, here are some things you can try to remedy the situation.
- Of course, sometimes the issue is behavioral. Students turn off Bluetooth to avoid Apple Classroom but quickly turn it back on as a teacher approaches.
- Aside from this, the first place to start is making sure that a student’s Bluetooth is turned on in Apple Settings.
- Make sure the student’s iPadOS version is relatively up-to-date. It should be updated to at least iPadOS 14.6. If the iPad is using an older iPadOS, such as 13.1, this could be part of the problem. To update, go to Apple Settings, choose GENERAL > SOFTWARE UPDATE > DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL. If it won’t install, contact your Technology Systems Specialist (TSS) for assistance.
- Sign the student out of her or his Managed Apple ID and then sign back in. Learn how in this video.
We know Apple Classroom can be a big help in managing your instruction and your classroom. If you are still having issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Eric Murphy or Jimmy Stewart. Teaching is tough enough without all the technical issues. We can help get Apple Classroom back on track.
Find more general help with setting up classes and adding students to Apple Classroom here.
Missing Classes in Apple Classroom
Update from the MIS Department
The MIS department is working with Apple and is seeking ways to prevent the loss of manually created classes for Apple Classroom in Apple School Manager going forward. If you need assistance rebuilding your classes, please visit our post titled The New Apple Classroom.
This morning, you may have noticed that your classes are missing in Apple Classroom. The MIS department is aware of the issue. When they know more, we will be sure to pass along any information.
Some teachers have begun to rebuild their classes. There appears to be no harm in this with this caveat: Currently, it is unknown if a restoration of the data is possible. If it is, and an attempt to restore the data is not successful, any rebuilding of classes may be lost again.
Have a happy Monday! 🙄
Yay… New Software! Bummer… My App Doesn’t Work Now!
MacOS Monterey (Mac laptop) and iOS 15 (iPad software) are the new operating systems from Apple that were released recently. It is always an exciting time for me to check out the new features that a new operating system brings, but at the same time it is nerve-racking when software that was working suddenly stops or develops glitches! One glitch we are aware of so far will affect you if you use Apple Classroom with your MacBook. If your MacBook updates to the new MacOS called Monterey 12.0.1, you will be able to open Apple Classroom and everything will look fine. When you click to open a class, your Apple Classroom software will most likely crash. Apple is aware of this issue and says an update to the Apple Classroom app is coming soon.
Also, we have been made aware of an issue, after updating to tvOS 15.0, when a user tries to mirror their screen using AirPlay from a Mac or an iPad, the TV just turns black. tvOS 15.1 has come out and the issue is supposed to be fixed. If you are experiencing this issue, please update your tvOS to 15.1 to take care of the problem.
The New Apple Classroom
Need to reset your managed Apple ID password? Click here.
With new changes to Apple Classroom it has become more important to make the move toward using Managed Apple IDs when signing into iCloud on school devices. This includes student iPads, teacher iPads, and teacher MacBooks. Learn more about Apple IDs.
Apple Classroom Step 1 – System Requirements and Managed Apple ID
Apple Classroom Step 2 – Setup and Add Students
Step 3 – Reset Student Managed Apple ID Passwords
Step 4 – Using Apple Classroom
Setting up Managed Apple ID on a MacBook
With your iPad and MacBook both signed into iCloud with the Managed Apple ID, it will allow Apple Classroom classes to sync across devices so you only have to set up your classes once! Even if your device would need to be wiped or reset, your classes would come back once you sign into your Managed Apple ID and then open Apple Classroom.
Please understand the immense importance of everyone using the Managed Apple IDs. If one person chooses to use a regular Apple ID in iCloud, they will not be able to get Apple Classroom to work unless they sign out all the students as well. If that is done, it will cause all other teachers who are using the Managed Apple ID to not be able to use Apple Classroom until all their students are signed back in.
Have you forgotten your managed Apple ID? No problem. You can contact your building’s TSS or request a reset here and we will send it to you via email as quickly as possible.
Apple Professional Development Opportunities for the Week of March 29th
Scan, Sort, and Share with iPad
Monday, March 29, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
iPad makes it simple for students and teachers to scan, annotate, organize, and share documents. Explore a variety of ways that students and teachers can collaborate and share files and folders using cloud-based services.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Create Videos with Clips
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
Clips is a free app that lets teachers and students easily create and share fun and engaging videos. We’ll show you how educators can use Clips to create instructional videos for exploring new skills and ideas — and how students can make videos to share what they’ve learned.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Create Content with iPad
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
Explore Time-Saving Tips for Teachers. Learn how to digitize handouts, make interactive worksheets, create video newsletters, and more. Discover a variety of ways to capture the imagination of students and stay in touch with parents.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Apple Professional Development Opportunities Next Week
Get Started with iPad
Monday, March 22, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
iPad is packed with features for learning and teaching. In this hands-on session, learn how to use gestures, work with text, enable accessibility features, and work with multiple apps simultaneously.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Explore Data with Numbers
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
Numbers is a free app that helps students and teachers organize information with tables, charts, and illustrations that go way beyond everyday spreadsheets. We’ll show you how to use built-in templates to quickly add data, perform calculations, and visualize everything with photos, videos, and sketches.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Get Started with Mac
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
Every Mac includes powerful apps and features for learning and teaching. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to personalize your Mac, use the Finder, work with text, enable accessibility features, work with multiple apps at the same time, and more.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Create Presentations and Demos with iPad
Thursday, March 25, 2021 — 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CDT) — Online
Presenting information in compelling ways is even more important when you’re not able to be face-to-face with your students. In this session we’ll show you how to use built-in apps and features to create demos and instructional videos to share with colleagues and students.
*iPad is used for all sessions unless indicated otherwise.
*Please note the time zone when registering.
*All sessions are offered in English.
Using a Pointer During a Class Teams Meeting
When you use an iPad to present to students during a class Teams meeting, you don’t have the advantage of using a mouse pointer to guide students through your presentation as you would on a laptop. You can, however, use an accessibility option to not only mimic a mouse pointer, but also have quick access to shortcuts that come in handy in the middle of a presentation.
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Meet indi by Sphero
Working with early learners? It’s never too early to begin teaching computational thinking skills and problem solving. Sphero, makers of the spherical coding robots, have introduced a new product that is aimed at younger students. Introducing the Sphero indi. It allows students to connect all kinds of ideas and understand how they can be used […]
On-Demand Training: Flip Discovery Library
The Flip Discovery Library offers ready-to-use discussion prompts that are sure to get your students talking. Discover their quick intro course (rated 5 stars!) to help you navigate it and find inspiring topics to use with your learning community. Discover the Flip Discovery Library Course (37 minutes) Flip Discovery Library
Using Microsoft Whiteboard During Teams Meetings
Have you often wondered how teachers use their iPads to demonstrate content to students? Many teachers utilize Microsoft Whiteboard in coordination with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Whiteboard is simply a digital dry erase board that you can use as a stand-alone tool or collaboratively with students. This tool also allows teachers and students to create a digital product that can include features such as photos, shapes, drawings, text, backgrounds, etc. To learn more about using Microsoft Whiteboard during a Teams Meeting, please check out this resource. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of your Wood County Schools Technology Integration Specialists.
MacBook Rollout Begins
Beginning today, MacBooks will be rolling out to elementary and middle school professional educators. The MacBook provides a powerful tool for teachers working with students both in-person and remotely. Working in tandem with an iPad, teachers will be better positioned to effectively engage with their students using Microsoft Teams when working with remote learners. MacBooks also share common software and communication options across the Apple ecosystem, lessening cross-platform issues and frustrations.
Working with colleagues since the beginning of the pandemic, one common theme I hear often is concern or outright anxiety about the significant learning curve experienced in the adoption of our new learning management system, Schoology, the challenges of engaging students via video conferencing using Microsoft Teams, and adapting their content to be delivered virtually rather than in-person. The good news is that teachers have risen to the challenge. For many, the level of discomfort and anxiety has lessened. In fact, many have mentioned that they are surprised at the level of technological skill they have acquired since the beginning of the pandemic. The learning curve is still a challenge, however.
For teachers accustomed to using Windows-based computers, the Mac operating system (OS) on a MacBook would seem like another challenge. Many may discover that they are already familiar with aspects of the OS after using an iPad for instruction. In fact, many have iPhones that they use every day. Apple tends to keep experiences similar across devices, so, for example, using Apple Classroom on an iPad is almost identical to using Apple Classroom on a Mac.
Multiple teams across Wood County Schools have collaborated extensively in the planning process to help make the adoption of MacBooks as smooth as possible.
The Academic Coaches, along with the Technology Integration Specialists, have created a Schoology course to assist you with questions you may have about a MacBook. From where to find the power button to how to install Office 365 products, including Teams and Outlook, the course allows you to start from the beginning and work at your own pace, or jump around and just learn concepts based on your needs.
Innovate also provides videos and how-to information for beginners as well as advanced users.
You will find these resources linked below, but we want you to know that we are here to support you. The technology integration specialists, Jimmy Stewart, Amber Matty, as well as myself, along with Academic Coaches, Greg Merritt, Joanna Mulligan and Candace Lewis want to help you find success using your new devices.
The MacBook Essentials Course on Schoology is open and ready to use. As teachers, we know all about learning styles. Learn in ways that work best for you.