The Saint Maur Technology Department has released its first native iOS app, now available in the Apple App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The app aims to improve communication and accessibility by offering many school resources on Apple’s popular tablet and mobile devices.
School newsletters, handbooks, and calendars are all accessible through the app. It also includes a full school directory with individual email hyperlinks, as well as sections devoted specifically to students and parents.
For students, the app provides direct links to the Saint Maur eLearning platform and IB Programme Console, and updated calendars for Sports and Fine Arts activities. Students can also upload event pictures to the school directly from their device, effectively creating a fleet of school photographers at every event! Other features include direct links to call or email the front office, and a built-in, interactive train map and timetable to help students reach school on time from anywhere in the Tokyo or Yokohama area.
While parents can make use of the student features, they also have easy access to Parent Support Group contacts and calendars, Adult Enrichment Programme information, Outreach Activities, and the Alumni association.
One of the single best features of the app is that it can be instantly updated with the latest information using The Cloud, without requiring app users to constantly download App Store updates. Each time a newsletter is published, for example, it will automatically be available within the app. However, app users can manually refresh the app with the built-in refresh button to manually check for new content and information.
Another feature is the ability for users of the app to receive push notifications from Saint Maur. A push notification is a short message to app users that not only provides important updates, but also serves as a reminder or alert for pertinent information. Notifications will be received on any iOS device that has the Saint Maur app installed, regardless of whether the app is currently running. Users of the Saint Maur app can select whether they wish to receive push notifications and how they’d like to be notified (via badge update, banner, sound, or text alert).
The app contains a single login screen that grants access to all information that previously required individual document passwords to access. Once the user is logged in, all password-protected documents are readily visible and accessible.
The Saint Maur Technology Department and IB Technology students developed app in-house. Currently, version 1.1 is available for free download through the Apple App Store. Questions regarding the Saint Maur app can be directed to Chase King, Head of Technology, by emailing [email protected]. — GILLES GAURY
