Efficient App Organization for Apple Configurator

I really haven't spent much, if any, time on this blog discussing Apple Configurator, and I think it's about time I do. Let me start by saying I know everyone's set up is different, and that's why I really haven't shared much about my work with Configurator and managing iPad apps.

I know most schools that are 1:1 with iPads are using MDM (Mobile Device Management) to push out apps, but we are not 1:1 and after conversations with the FANTASTIC people at Apple Enterprise, I know that it isn't the right solution for us right now. There must be more schools out there who are still using Configurator to manage iPads, so I wanted to share about what I'm doing at the end of this school year.

A bit about our set up - 

  I work at a small elementary school, so we have 1 computer to manage all the apps and iPads on our campus. I configure iPads, add apps, free and paid (teachers can add free apps as needed also), and update the iPads. In order for an app to stay on an iPad, it needs to be installed from Apple Configurator, meaning it has to be downloaded to my computer and installed by me. This means I need to know and keep track of what teachers are using. 

Last year each grade level handed me a handwritten list of apps for their grade level. What a nightmare! With over 300 different apps (out of control!) and unorganized lists, it was painstaking for me to get the right apps for each iPad group at the initial set up this past year. 

Getting smarter after last summers lists, I asked teachers to use a Google Form to let me know if they needed a new app this year. I'd add what they needed, update their iPads and we'd all be happy! It is working very well, and I plan to continue using that form.

This summer as I collect all the iPads, I will be unsupervising the iPads, regrouping and making some changes. I'd also like for teachers to do some thoughtful iteration about what iPad apps they want for next year. 

So... I'm leveraging the power of Google Apps for Education to get organized! I created a Google Doc instruction sheet to help teachers create a Google Sheet with their list of apps organized in alpha order by App Name. They will share the sheet with me, and I'll quickly be able to add to my own spread sheet, and Apple Configurator what apps they need because they are in alpha order! 

This is me jumping for joy!!! The simplicity baffles me! Why didn't I think of this before! 

Here's a screen shot of Apple Configurator, and my spreadsheet for tracking what the teachers want. See how the apps are in the same order? No more hunting around for that app they need, then the next one, and so on. I'm so excited! It's not 100 percent finished (I need to add some useful information about the number of paid app codes we have and tweak a few things) but I'm still thrilled. 

 

This sheet is going to provide me with a significant amount of very useful data, all in one place, and should be pretty easy to update as I work throughout the year. 

I'm hoping this idea will help someone who was struggling with the same or similar issues! If you need more specifics I'd be happy to share. Just comment or email using the email icon at the top of the page.