Engaging students in an internet-connected safe learning environment

Of all the forces that have shaped the education sector during the past 20 years, none has been as
significant as the internet.

The global network has changed everything from how students research and learn to the way in
which teachers present lessons and assess assignments. It has rapidly become a fundamental part of
the entire education process.

These changes are also having an impact on education beyond the classroom. Equipped with
broadband connections at home, students have easy access to an entire world of information. They
can communicate with peers and engage in discussion with others around the world.

Despite these dramatic changes, the online revolution is far from complete. The rise of technologies
such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will deliver even more opportunities across the
education sector. Add developments such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the coming years will
provide opportunities for learning that are yet to be imagined.

The need for online security
Because the internet has made vast amounts of information readily accessible to students, ensuring
effective security is in place is now vital. Students need to feel safe and be protected from the
myriad of threats that exist in the online world.

Firstly, this means ensuring the networks used for internet access are protected from cybersecurity
threats. Secondly, effective content filtering measures also need to be in place to prevent students
from accessing inappropriate and potentially harmful materials.

The challenge of content filtering also is something many schools have struggled with since the
internet first emerged as an education tool. This is despite the fact that many have already invested
significant funds in filters, firewalls, and other tools to restrict access to appropriate materials.

The challenge of securing Apple devices
With Apple devices and software being the standard in many schools, there can also be challenges
when it comes to achieving effective digital security in this ecosystem. There may be a lack of
expertise when it comes to managing Apple devices and mitigating the threats that impact them.

This challenge has become even tougher with the rise of remote learning. Home-based students are
no longer fully protected by on-site cybersecurity measures and can be more likely to suffer an
attack or view inappropriate materials.

Apple is a recognised global leader in education technology solutions and Jamf has developed Applefirst technology to secure remote learning in a number of key ways. These include

• Blocking students from accessing harmful content through constant network inspections and content filtering
• Preventing security threats such as malware and phishing from impacting students
• Protecting student identity through multi-factor authentication (MFA) that incorporates
  biometrics
• Safeguarding and managing devices with effective end-point protections and frequent
  automated updates.

Boosting online security with Jamf Protect
In an effort to improve online security for both students and teachers, increasing numbers of school
IT teams are adopting Jamf Protect. This powerful toolset utilises Apple’s leading-edge security
systems to maintain Mac end-point compliance and provide effective protection against Macspecific threats.

Jamf Protect amplifies Apple’s standard security features by adding stronger controls, broader
visibility, and enhanced remediation capabilities. By closely aligning with the endpoint security
framework in MacOS, Jamf Protect supports the latest Apple hardware and software from the day of
release.

Improving ID management with Jamf Connect
Another challenge school IT teams face when it comes to achieving effective online security is the
management of identity and authentication. This is particularly important at times when teachers
and students are involved in home schooling.

Jamf Connect allows students and teachers to access all the applications they require after signing
on with a single set of cloud-identity credentials. Passwords can also by synched across multiple
Apple devices, allowing users to switch between them as required while maintaining strong security.

Achieving effective mobile device management with Jamf School
When a large number of apple devices are used within a learning environment, managing them can
be a challenging task. Each needs to be regularly updated with the latest software and configured to
meet particular school requirements.

Jamf School’s web-based interface makes achieving these goals easy. The interface incorporates a
constantly updated dashboard that allows IT managers to keep track of all devices in the school fleet
and monitor their status.

The package also gives the ability to drag and drop applications onto devices as needed as well as
managing which students have access to particular subject materials. This means teachers can focus
on teaching rather than having to juggle access rights and devices.

A secure learning environment
The internet has become a valuable educational tool that will continue to support the learning
process in new and exciting ways.

By deploying these tools from Jamf, schools can ensure staff and students can take advantage of all
the resources the internet offers while at the same time being confident that strong security
measures are always in place.

Francesco Garbellini, Education Lead, Jamf Australia & New Zealand.

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