Setting up Android devices for a primary school

[TwistedHelixis]

Just wondering what the current best method of setting up some Samsung Android tablets is for primary pupils?

 

Previously (long time ago) I just created a generic pupil account, logged into the device with this account, installed some apps and handed them over to the teachers.

 

The school does have the free version of Google Workspace (Education Fundamentals).

 

I know Workspace can be used as an MDM, but it was terrible last time I looked.

[LeMarchand]

My schools use Fundamentals for their Chromebooks, but don't have "pupil" tablets. Don't have to use it much, though.

 

The only other MDM I have experience of, I'm beginning to hate. (Lightspeed for iPads).

[PrimaryNetMan]

Android management was a hot mess even when Google actively 'supported' the Nexus 7/10s with their Android Education Device Management solution. Chrome OS tablets are a much better bet.

[TechMonkey]

We use Intune and set them up as kiosks. Can scan a QR-Code to initiate set up and have the enrollment name used as an attribute for a dynamic group to assign policies to. Then use the Kiosk mode to push out icons and apps.

Works well as long as the staff remember they can't do anything except what has been planned.

[TwistedHelixis]

Thanks for the info. My other schools already have Chromebooks, so I know how well those work with Google Workspace.

 

Sounds like things haven't got any better for Android tablets.

 

They don't use Intune :-(

 

Looks like ill just log in as the pupil, install some apps and hand them out then.

[CTIDTech]

We used to use Kiosk mode, however we got complaints that Teachers could not customise or adopt/add anything to their classes. Is this something that you need to happen in your school if not you may be OK? We now use ClassLink and add apps to classes, & teachers can add apps from a vetted library or their own links if we give permission so this solved that problem. The other issue this solved is that all the apps live in ClassLink which is the only app I need to add to the tablets. Saved us lots of time and admin!

[TwistedHelixis]

Hey, Think I just got the Androids working properly with Google Workspace as the MDM.

 

I can assign an app to the school's own app store, so the pupils can install apps they might need from our own list of apps.

 

EDIT - Seeing as this seems to be working well now, I am also wondering how good their iPad MDM offering is now.

Edited January 27, 2023 by TwistedHelixis