Dive Brief:

• The first round of beta invites were sent out today for Netop's new Vision ME, an iPad workflow management app for classrooms
• The app, unveiled at ISTE, combines teaching tools and basic mobile device management tech, with features including ability for teachers to showcase student work to all iPads, distribute and collect files and assignments via Google Drive or Dropbox, blank students' screens or block Internet use, and chat with students one-on-one or in groups.
• The app also features multiple languages for dual-language immersion programs, and is set for release at the end of August or early September, just in time for the new school year.

Dive Insight:

In a conversation with Education Dive on Monday afternoon, Netop Vice President of Global Marketing Suzanne Balter detailed classroom challenges the app is meant to address: directing students to the right place for lessons, sharing and presenting content to groups or single students, keeping student attention focused with iPad in hand (especially with the added mobility that affords), and managing assignment flow in a paperless class.

Another benefit? The app's student-teacher chat capabilities allow a student who is shy or unsure of themselves, who may be otherwise embarrassed, to privately message the teacher for additional help instead of drawing attention to themselves.

The cost of $7.50 per user covers an annual subscription to the bundled Vision Learning Center, which lets teachers push lessons or quizzes to student devices for completion in class or at home, as well as the teacher and student apps.