Waffle Bytes

This is HUGE for those of you that either weren't quite ready to move to Google Apps yet, or that needed to use programs outside the scope of what the Google Drive apps could provide. Previously, if you uploaded a file from your computer, made a change to the original on your computer, and re-uploaded the updated file you ended up with two (or more) of the same file.  You probably needed to look at the dates associated with it to know which was the newest version - and if it got copied over as a Google document, you had the possibility of lost changes. Now, from Google - "Once launched, when users upload files that have the same filename as an existing file, they’ll be deduplicated, and the old file will be in revision history. This is so that if any mistakes are made, users can get back to the previous version. Similarly, uploaded folders will be merged with folders of the same name." Here's the message that appears when you begin using this -   You do...

If you have used Meraki as the MDM to manage your iPads for the past several years, you - like me - have moved through the transition of being told it would "always be free" to them implementing a paid model but maintaining a legacy version of the Systems Manager for those of certain criteria.  (If that sentence was confusing, you didn't experience the joys of the transition I would guess...) So, how can you tell which version of the Meraki Systems Manager you are using?  How can you tell if you can update for free?  What does updating - if you are able to - do for you? First of all let's review the possible situations you are currently in: You have over 100 devices on Meraki and you have paid for a license You have over 100 devices on Meraki and you have never paid for a license You have fewer than 100 devices on Meraki Now, go check your License Information - click on Organization and then select License Info: If you fall under case #1 you are on the...

Email is a great way to communicate...but it can consume your time if processes are not in place to control it.  It can also quickly become overwhelming, a place items get missed because of the sheer number in the Inbox. Here are three of my personal processes for managing email - how I keep my Inbox at (or near) to ZERO.  All of these techniques are easy for even a beginning Google Mail user. 1. The OHIO Principle - Only Handle It Once Before implementing this, I cannot tell you the number of emails that I would open and read five, six, ten or more times.  Each time I opened it, that was time used.  Make a commitment to only handle each email ONE time, and prioritize it with an action right then.  For me, I answer it, make a calendar event so I have scheduled time to deal with it, or archive it the first time I read it. Others use the starring system in addition to these.  Whatever your process, have a set one to get it all OUT of the inbox. 2. Sche...

Here are the steps to connect Meraki to the Apple Deployment site. (Prerequisites for this activity: Your district already enrolled in Apple Deployment Your Meraki server initially setup) Start in Meraki -  Go to the side - click on MDM setting under Organization Scroll down the area headed Apple Device Enrollment Program Click to download the Public Key  Go to the Apple Deployment website ( http://deploy.apple.com ) Click on Manage Servers under Device Enrollment Program  Click on the server you added for Meraki. (You will need to Add MDM Server if you have not previously added the server.) Under Server Details, click on Add Key  Find and select the key you downloaded A server token will show up - click to download & save that Click Done Go back to Meraki -  Click on Choose File to upload your server token Make sure to Save Changes at the bottom of the page Here is a video if you prefer that format:  ...

Here is a graphical overview of setting up for iOS device management with Meraki - Some lessons learned- This process is not linear! You have to touch every iOS device You must log into an Apple ID on every device Some settings conflict - figuring out what can be time consuming BETA is...well...BETA - expect some glitches Note - this is just all the setup!  It doesn't get you into the management of apps at all, just through the steps of getting your devices listed and managed in Meraki. Over the next couple weeks I'll be adding video support for each of the steps via YouTube.  They will also be added to iTunesU under Michigan's MI Learning, with a few companion documents.

The vast majority of my morning has been spent "playing" with iPads on Meraki.  This is only my fifth time I have blocked out some hours to work with it, and finally I am feeling like I've made some headway! It's been quite an involved process, and if you are wondering if you should go this route for your MDM solution for iPads there are some pointers I think worth sharing that may help you decide. Items to keep in mind when troubleshooting: It is a multi-faceted process - you have to deal with Apple's DEP and Apple's VPP, in addition to the tools within Meraki;  There are many ways to do similar functions - for instance, you can create & add profiles from within Meraki, or you can create them in iPhone Configuration Utility Tool and upload them, or you can create them in Configurator... you get the picture. Meraki has a definite delay in the data that displays - sometimes you just have to sit and be patient, or even walk away These all contribut...

(Part 2 - Deploying Mobile Devices) In my last post, I talked about the fact we should be talking about what our stakeholder needs are when discussing which device(s) should be considered for purchase.  Another piece that needs to be considered in a school setting is that of device management.  We often forget we are still dealing with several technologies that are new.  This means management techniques for these devices is still developing and changing. There are two key components to consider when making decisions about management.  We need to identify who is going to manage the devices, and how managed they are going to be. Some thoughts on these two components: Who Manages the Devices: Because we are dealing with an evolving technology, it is not just about teaching someone how to “change the lightbulb in the projector.” Rather, there must be a commitment to learning - and even relearning - skills necessary in managing devices.  Additionally...