The Essential Role of Mobile Device Management in Modern K-12 Education

Troy Lunt, Technology Director, Data Privacy Manager, Iron County School District

Troy Lunt is the Technology Director and Data Privacy Officer for Iron County School District in Cedar City, UT. With extensive experience in global data integration software, he brings knowledge to K-12 education. Troy is also a veteran, serving as an Army Intelligence Officer in the Utah and California National Guards. He graduated from Weber State University.

Through this article, Troy Lunt examines the vital role of Mobile Device Management (MDM) in modern K-12 education. He reflects on the evolution of classroom technology, notably the transition from basic calculators to sophisticated devices like Chromebooks and tablets. Lunt emphasizes the necessity of robust MDM solutions to ensure efficient device management, compliance with regulations, and the security of student data in increasingly complex educational environments.

Over the past decade, we have witnessed technological advancements and expanded roles in K-12 curriculums and classrooms.  I recall when it was required to solve mathematical equations using written long-hand solutions.  Our understanding of the solution – namely, how we developed answers and came to our conclusions – was as equally important as submitting the correct answer.  Despite the large variety and colors of electronic calculators found in every home, the thought of using a calculator in classrooms was met with much resistance as it was feared they would hinder proper mathematical understanding.  Over time, a transition in our goals and expectations would give way to accepting technology use.  This revealed an ability for students to solve even more complex mathematical equations in lightning-fast time.  A shift led to an elite form of more advanced learning.

Analogous to the monolith from the film “2001: A Spacey Odyssey”, calculators in the classroom represented an “event-marker” in time … a marker for change.  Adopting positive change is necessary for societies to realize and accept technological advancements.

The calculator was inexpensive, simple to manage, replaceable, and completely secure.  The vast majority of its stored memory was in the form of machine instructions.  The simple calculator did not possess any personally identifiable information (or “PII,” as it has been introduced into our vocabularies).

"As student devices in modern classrooms surpass the complexity of traditional tools, a robust Mobile Device Management system is crucial for ensuring efficient management, compliance, and security in the rapidly evolving educational landscape"

Decades later, a new technology-marker appeared at near-breakneck speeds.  This marker advanced from challenges heaved on education due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many Local Education Agencies (LEAs) were ahead of this global event and made the necessary preparations months earlier by providing each student with an assigned device.  LEAs lacking a 1:1 ratio of [students-to-devices] before the pandemic were limited in their abilities to allocate and deploy student devices.  Shortly after that, an abundance of funding sources surfaced for LEAs.  Most LEAs would (collectively) settle on the “Chromebook” as the most cost-effective student device for higher grades.  For lower grades or grade levels where keyboarding exercises have yet to be introduced, the device of choice may have been a “Touch Tablet.”  LEAs purchased tablets and Chromebooks in the thousands and tens of thousands.  However, even the most prepared LEAs face hard times if they fail to implement a robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) application.

We have technically and securely surpassed unmanaged [and PII-free] personal calculators.  Student devices in modern classrooms far exceed the complexity and management requirements found decades ago.  School board members, administrators, educators, and even technology staff have tip-toed carefully through the increased levels of student technology to collaborate and approve new policies for technology use in LEAs.  New government regulations supporting student safety and data protection have recently passed in nearly every state.  Traditional student protection laws, such as “FERPA” (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), are exceedingly important.

The MDM is an LEA's most important resource for managing student devices.  Consider an MDM as filling the role of a technology staff resource assigned to manage a set of student Chromebooks.  Staff resources may configure and assign student devices, install apps on the devices, and later clear the device for reassignment or surplus.  However, as the number of students and devices increase, this will quickly reach a critical state where there are not enough technology staff being added to sustain the growing number of students.  The MDM can interface with LEA classrooms, including Student Information System (SIS), Learning Management System (LMS), classroom management tools, technology inventory applications, student productivity systems, and data privacy/security applications.

Modern MDMs make it possible to (1) Push profiles and commands to a student device and to configure the device securely, (2) Monitor compliance and adherence to local, state, and federal laws and policies, (3) Remotely locate, lock, and wipe a student device, (4) Update device software and learning applications, (5) Enforce security policies such as screen locking controls and passcode securities, (6) Provide remote and wireless support for the student device.

Modern classrooms are experiencing a rapid rise in using artificial intelligence (AI).  Student devices are advancing in capabilities and complexities. Without an integrated and reliable MDM, the workload and effort exhausted will quickly outpace the ability of technology staff to deliver end-user support for student devices.  In an environment where student devices have increased tenfold, selecting an MDM to fit the needs of an LEA best will be among the most critical decisions an LEA will need to make.  Make the necessary effort to evaluate and make a fully-educated product selection thoroughly… and remember to choose wisely!

inventory

Artificial Intelligence

Learning Management

Student information system