How to Limit Student Access to One App at a Time

iPads are great instructional tools because they are so easy and engaging to use.  That ease of use, however, can result in some distractions.  Who hasn't had students who strayed to a different app or accidentally opened ads or the in-app purchase section of the app?  While these can be opportunities to teach students responsible digital behavior, sometimes you just want to be able to focus on one app without the added distractions.  The new iOS 6.0 makes this simple by using Guided Access. 

First, you have to turn on Guided Access:
(you only have to do this one time)

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap Accessibility
4. Tap Guided Access
5. Slide the switch to the ON position
6. Tap Set a passcode (so your students cannot disable the feature)

Then, open the app you want your students to use.  Make sure you have the sound set at the desired level because you will not be able to change this once in Guided Access.  

With the app open, triple click the home button.  This opens the Guided Access options.  You can circle areas on the screen you want to disable.  For example, disabling the more apps, advertisements, or settings buttons may be useful areas to disable.  Warning:  the area of the screen that you disable will be disabled throughout the app.  Check for buttons that move in different screens of the app, so that you don't unintentionally block access to something you need students to be able to use.

Finally, click Start to return to the full screen version of the app. 

To exit Guided Access, simply triple click the home button and enter the passcode.