As a Digital Learning Coordinator, one of my ongoing challenges has been managing iPads effectively — especially when it comes to storage and system updates. Over time, devices fill up with photos, apps and student files, and before long, updates fail to install automatically through the MDM. That usually means manual resets, wasted time and a lot of frustration.
Recently, I began rolling out Shared iPad mode in our school and even though I’m still in the early stages of the deployment, the initial results have been really encouraging.
What is Shared iPad Mode?
Shared iPad is an Apple feature designed for schools using Apple School Manager (ASM) and a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system such as Mosyle or Jamf. It allows multiple students to use the same iPad, while keeping their data separate — or, if preferred, no data at all through Guest Mode.
Each student can log in with their Managed Apple ID and their apps, files, and preferences follow them. Even better, Guest Mode allows anyone to use the iPad temporarily — and automatically wipes the device clean after each session.
In our case, we went a step further by linking Apple School Manager with Google Workspace, meaning students can log in using their existing school Google accounts. This integration made the sign-in process smooth and familiar for students, and it fits perfectly with how we already manage digital learning across the school.
The Setup Process
I’ll be honest — the initial setup was time-consuming. Between linking Apple School Manager with Google Workspace, configuring the MDM profiles and grouping the devices, it took a fair bit of time to get everything working as intended.
However, I see this as time well spent. Now that the system is up and running, I’m confident I’ll reap the rewards in the long run through easier maintenance, consistent updates, and smoother device management overall.
Early Wins
Even at this early stage, I’m already seeing the benefits:
- Automatic Storage Management
Shared iPad automatically manages storage and ensures there’s always space available for updates — something that used to be a constant headache.
- Guest Mode = Fresh Start Every Time
Guest Mode is ideal for quick access sessions in coding, EAL or gamification apps. Each use wipes clean automatically, keeping devices clutter-free and compliant.
- Google Workspace Integration
Students log in using their familiar school Google accounts, avoiding multiple usernames or passwords.
- Updates Running Smoothly
So far, updates have installed without any storage issues — a huge improvement from before.
- One Step Closer to Sustainable Management
With shared access, iPads can now be rotated across classes with minimal setup, making better use of the devices we already have.
Next Steps
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be continuing the rollout, monitoring performance, and refining how we use Shared iPad mode across different classrooms. My goal is to make iPad management more efficient, consistent and sustainable — freeing up more time for teaching and less for troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
While the setup took time and patience, I’m already seeing the payoff. Shared iPad mode — especially with Guest Mode enabled and Google Workspace integration — has simplified the way we manage devices and created a more reliable experience for both teachers and students.