[mrTG]

Hello,

Our school computer art lab is in need of an upgrade. We are currently on PCs but are looking into going with Macs. For the PCs there is software called 'smarttech synchroneyes' that allows you several control features over student computers. We did find that Macs offer 'Apple Remote Desktop 3' which looks very similar. I have one question about it - the main feature I need is to be able to occasionally turn off internet access on the student computers (when I'm lecturing or giving notes for example). Does Remote Desktop 3 offer this? The info on Apple's site about its features is slightly limited.
Thanks for any help.

- Mr. G

[ibook_steve]

Yes. Apple Remote Desktop gives you full control over any of the client machines.

Steve

[Sal]

BTW, the automation support built-into Apple Remote Desktop can be very useful for teachers who don't have the time to learn or master the program. Check out the Teacher's Helpers workflows at AUTOMATOR.US.

[mrTG]

Thank you for the replies. I checked out the Automator, but honestly I am only concerned about a few features that the Synchroneyes software offers(I've listed them below). The impression I am getting is that Apple's Remote Desktop is more for generic remote destop use, whereas Synchroneyes is specifically designed for a k-12 classroom. I'd be happy to be wrong, if Remote Desktop has these features it would be perfect. There just seems to be a lack of detailed information out there about its features.

Here are the Synchroneyes features - and really the only features I am interested in: (if anyone can tell me - or direct me to where I can find out - if RD3 has these features or not I would be eternally grateful)

Keep the focus on learning
You can control access to the Internet or to specific computer applications. You can also block students individually or as a group, making it easier to manage a class where students are working on different projects or at different paces.

Share screens
Demonstrate a concept or example by sharing your screen or any student screen with the rest of the class. You can also take control of any student’s computer and guide them remotely through a particular task.

Switch easily from individual to group instruction
You can work with students one to one or in groups directly from your desktop.

Help students stay on track
With a view of all the student computer screens on your desktop, you can ensure that students are paying attention and staying on task.

[Sal]

The features you mentioned are all part of Remote Desktop.

[dowNNshift]

What might work better for you would be bonding the entire lab of Leopard based Macs to a simple Leopard Server. You can enable single sign-on for each standard or guest account which would have specific parental controls, an internet proxy, and a simple finder.

ARD3 would definitely enable you to observe multiple desktops and lead a group instruction. Just install ARD3 on your administrative machine and the clients on all Macs you'll support, including the server.

[mrTG]

Thanks for the info, I feel a more at ease and comfortable with the decision to go with Macs now. I'll pass the lab info on to our tech guy.

Best regards all,
Mr. G