IBM has partnered with Bancroft, a provider of specialized services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to manage an innovative, cloud-based educational program.
Under this partnership, IBM offers its MaaS360, the mobile management and security software, to help staff and students access a library of more than 300 educational and clinical apps via an iPad more securely.
Bancroft was looking for a mobile device management solution that delivers the flexibility and security, along with ease of use for students , teachers, families and IT staff.
A part of IBM MobileFirst portfolio, IBM MaaS360 helps secure and monitor mobile devices and easily manage app updates. It offers benefits including the ability to push apps and monitor policy compliance remotely, and deliver cost savings by reducing the amount of physical IT infrastructure and necessary educational software licenses.
The cloud-based educational program puts mobile apps in the hands of classroom teachers, clinical staff and school administrators to better engage with students and improve the learning experience, the company said.
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The cloud delivery of apps lessens the burden of therapists and educators in customizing and updating the curriculum, while also enabling students’ families to save thousands of dollars each year through free interactive learning apps, versus expensive and traditional educational materials, such as books and PC-based software.
Bancroft clinical staff also uses iPads to improve their ability to make decisions about the health and well being of students outside the class room. The cloud-based IBM MaaS360 helps Bancroft IT to comply with HIPAA guidelines.
“iPads and apps are truly revolutionary tools for the Bancroft community,” said Beth Greer, a Bancroft Assistive & Instructional Technology specialist and special education teacher. “Given the number of apps we use, successful app management is essential to our program’s success. We simply could not manage and securely deploy our iPad program without IBM.”
“Bancroft’s use of cloud-based mobile technology is enabling growth in individuals who have been challenged to speak or write before, which is truly transformational,” said Michael King, vice president, Global Education Industry, IBM.
“Through flexible, efficient and centralized iPad management, the school’s staff can now focus their efforts on education and improving lives of and outcomes for students – instead of debugging computers, constantly upgrading software and solving other IT problems,” King added.
