Added by on 2012-10-04

We talk every day about how iPads and other technology can be implemented in the classroom. But many devices *cough* iPad *cough* are designed to do a myriad of different things. Sure, they’re terrific learning tools but they’re also great distraction tools. Just ask any student able to quickly check their Facebook account while they’re supposed to be using an iPad for research.

But Apple has you covered. The new iOS 6 has a very simple and powerful tool called Guided Access that lets you keep students focused on a single app of your choosing. It lets you disable the home button, restrict parts of the screen so they can’t be touched, and even stop responding to being turned over and upside down. It’s easy to implement and a great tool in the teacher’s toolkit. Here’s how to do it:

How To Use Guided Access

  • Go to SETTINGS then tap GENERAL
  • Toward the bottom, tap ACCESSIBILITY and then go to the LEARNING section
  • Now tap on GUIDED ACCESS and switch it to the ON position
  • Want to set up a passcode? You can do that now
  • Now go to the app you want to use. Tap the home button 3 times to launch the Guided Access options
  • Set the options as desired and then tap the home button 3 times again.

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  • http://www.knowledgenotebook.com Don Li

    Interesting concept, But not sure most students would like it.
    Another option would be to temporarily disable Internet connection, then, an app would have to have the ability of running off-line as well, such as ours, Knowledge NoteBook, a note-taking and learning tool, can run either offline or online.

  • Bob Wiley

    Why have an iPad if you are going to disable it or the internet? I think the more important thing to address is appropriate use and engagement.

  • Rui Fernandes

    I work with students with Special Needs (with moto impairments, etc.). Having the ability to prevent accidental (and, depending on the student, sometimes not so accidental) access to some areas is a very interesting tool. Thank you for another reason to upgrade.

    • MatthewWeld

      This is the exact group of kids I thought about when I read this article. I have one student who is obsessed with the camera feature, and this will certainly help! Thanks.

  • Erwin

    You could simply filter out or block access to Facebook as a Band-Aid solution to the distraction problem. I think the distraction issue is less of a tech/ipad issue and more of a behaviour and pedagogy issue. Similar distraction complaints came out when computers/laptops were introduced into schools many moons ago  teaching and pedagogy changed/adapted to accommodate, integrate and take full advantage (in some schools and classrooms) of computers/laptops. The same will happen for iPads/mobile tech.

  • Kelli

    Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…this is great. I have students (ASD) that constantly change apps. I love being able to use the iPad for lessons and development of certain skills without worrying that they will get out of the educational app I have installed and set up for them to meet certain objectives.

  • Theo Shatagin

    I tend to agree with Bob Wiley – appropriate use and engagement are better solutions than trying to block or filter sites. However, I do see situations where you might want to do this.