Classroom app for iPad frees up time to deepen student learning

A sixth-grade social studies teacher for 11 years, Brittany Hamilton began her journey with one-to-one iPad in 2013.

During class, Brittany divides students into small groups that rotate through a series of stations to focus on different elements of a unit, like reviewing new vocabulary and analyzing readings. Most stations are student led, except for a formative assessment station where Brittany spends time with each group to determine learning needs. But setting up other groups at their stations and managing the logistics of keeping all students on track often interrupted this dedicated station time.

“There are 30 students in my classroom, which means there are usually 30 different ideas.”

This year, Brittany started using Classroom, a powerful iPad app that helps teachers manage student devices, share work, and guide students through lessons more efficiently. Now she can easily launch an app, a website, or a book on student devices with a tap, which has dramatically reduced setup time at the beginning of class. And she can follow student activity by viewing all student screens at once. Brittany’s use of Classroom has led to fewer interruptions and more one-on-one-time with students.

“I can keep kids on task, I save time, and that makes our whole class run more efficiently.”

Because Classroom has helped streamline class time, Brittany was able to add a new layer of depth to her curriculum with a year-long group project. Each small group creates their own civilization, and after completing each new social studies unit, they demonstrate their knowledge of topics like agriculture and government by applying it to make decisions for their civilizations. What will people in their civilizations eat? What type of government will they have? What laws will be in place?

“I’ve attempted projects like this before, but after a couple of days it’s been all over the place. Now, with Classroom, I’m able to troubleshoot on the spot without disrupting the flow of class.”

Now that Brittany is using Classroom, she has more time to create richer lessons that increase student engagement.

“I hear students talk about their projects after class and during recess. They come to me with new ideas of topics they want to learn more about so they can make decisions for their civilizations. Engagement is super high.”

We’ve created a new collection of resources to help you get started with Classroom. Watch the Guided Tour for Classroom, learn how to set up and use the app, and find out how to integrate Classroom features into your workflows.