Schoolwork 2.0 for Macs, iPads coming soon from Apple

Apple will soon launch Schoolwork 2.0 for Macs and iPads, an update to its software that lets teachers manage assignments and handouts. reports CNET.

The free app helps teachers create assignments, see student progress and tap into the power of apps in the classroom. Schoolwork builds on the success of Apple’s Classroom app, which is used in schools around the world to help integrate the iPad into the classroom. Schoolwork and Classroom are designed to help teachers and administrators get the most out of integrating Apple technology into schools.

With the former, teachers can assign a specific activity within an iPad app and direct their students directly to the specific point within the app. Popular education apps like Nearpod, Tynker and Kahoot are already integrating support for Schoolwork. Students can use the app to stay organized and keep track of the work they need to complete and when they need to hand it in

With Schoolwork, teachers have a snapshot of class performance and can check on an individual student’s progress across activities — progress within apps or projects they’ve created. Apple says privacy and security features are built in so schools get to create, own and control the accounts used by their students and decide when student progress information is shared.

CNET says Apple designed Schoolwork 2.0 to include features found in iPadOS apps, like Files, and to speed up navigation around the software. There’s a new Handout library with a source list on the left side that makes it easier to navigate to different classes or the student’s library with drafts and favorites. 

Apple also redesigned the Handout detail view on Schoolwork so a teacher can quickly see what percentage of students finished an assignment, how long it took and if anyone was an outlier. CNET says the tech giant also added the ability for a teacher to immediately send a message or call a student using FaceTime.