IBM helps Bancroft teach people with special needs using cloud

IBM is to work with an educational firm to help special needs people learn new skills using cloud-based apps on iPads.

The educational programme uses the cloud to securely deliver a library of more than 300 educational and clinical apps for staff and students.

This programme uses IBM MaaS360, a mobile management and security offering that helps secure and monitor the iPads and easily manage app updates.

IBM said by delivering mobile apps over the cloud to students, therapists and educators are now equipped with the ability to quickly update and customise Bancroft students’ curriculum.

Big blue also said the cloud program would save money for students’ families by using widely available and free interactive learning apps, versus expensive and traditional educational materials, such as books and PC-based software.

Additionally, Bancroft clinical staff use iPads to make decisions about the health and well being of students outside the classroom – including conducting therapy sessions and creating personalised development programmes.

The offering also enables Bancroft’s IT staff to remotely lock and wipe data if a device is lost or compromised in any way. The school has also been able to cut the time the help desk spends managing apps by at least two days a month.

To expand its iPad use over time across multiple users and student scenarios, Bancroft needed a mobile management and security solution that was easy to use for teachers, students, families and IT staff. The firm turned to IBM’s MaaS360 and has benefited from 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.

“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 of Global Education Industry at IBM.

“Through flexible, efficient and centralised 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.”