Tag Archives: ipad

Nov 29 2012

Need to know which iPad apps to use in your classroom?

So the proliferation of iPads into the classroom shows no signs of letting up.  The obvious question in light of this is which applications make sense for educators.  Well I’ve come across a pretty good list that’s actually broken down into the following learning objectives…

  1. I want my students to record and edit video on the iPad. 
  2. I want my students to record and / or edit audio on the iPad.
  3. I want my students to read class content on the iPad. 
  4. I want my students to annotate course readings on the iPad 
  5. I want my students to be able to use audio books on the iPad. 
  6. I want my students to use the iPad as a digitial notebook / note-taking device. 
  7. I want my students to use their iPads to create screencasts to share and demonstrate their understanding.
  8. I want my students to create presentations on the iPad. 
  9. I want my students to create digital stories on the iPad. 
  10. I want my students to be able to study with the iPad. 
  11. I want to use the iPad as a student response system. 
  12. I want my students to create written content on the iPad. 
  13. I want my students to blog on the iPad.
  14. I want my students to create ePubs / iBooks to read on the iPad.
  15. I want my students to create and edit images on the iPad.
  16. I want to use the iPad in order to create a language lab environment for my students.
  17. I want my students to use the iPad to stay organized. (NEW)
  18. I want to use the iPad to conduct video / virtual conferences in the classroom (NEW)
  19. I want to control my computer or Interactive White Board from my iPad. (NEW)

Definitely check this site out… http://www.edtechteacher.org/index.php/teaching-technology/mobile-technology-apps/ipad-as

Advertisement
Nov 2 2012

Nearpod, an iPad classroom’s best friend?

iPad integration into the classroom has become all the rage.  Many educators and administrators have adopted the transcendent device in an effort to increase student engagement.  This adoption hasn’t come without challenges for many.  For one, producing relevant curriculum content for the iPad hasn’t been the easiest of tasks.  Also, there is the one in a million student (sarcasm) that might veer off topic and try to use one of the other exciting features of the iPad.

Enter Nearpod, “An all-in-one solution for the synchronized use of the iPad in the classroom”.    It allows an instructor to:

  • Create interactive content for classroom presentations
  • Push presentations out to classroom iPad devices
  • Control the content on a student’s iPad (and also allow the student a certain amount of control)
  • Monitor the iPad activity of all students in the classroom (instructor is alerted when student leaves app)
  • Perform instant assessment via quizzes and surveys

Students are able to:

  • Engage the coursework more closely
  • Get instant feedback from the instructor
  • Share their work with the rest of the class

In addition teachers can share presentations with each other.  Visit the Nearpod site to get more information at http://www.nearpod.com.  It seems like a great step in the right direction.

Jan 23 2012

Death of the textbook?

By now I am sure that you have heard, read and youtubed about Apple’s new iBooks 2 and iBooks Author for the iPad.  You are well aware of the how visually stunning and captivating the content made for it can be.  You are awed by how seemingly simple it is to create these highly engaging e-books.  So it is only natural that the question that you are asking yourself (or I am asking for you) is “does this mark the end of text books as we know it?”.  It could be argued that the two answers to that question are 1. Yes and 2. Not yet.

Yes because…

A) Though the initial investment might be substantial, the money saved on textbooks, computers, paper and supplies will greatly outweigh it in the long run.

B) Pearson, Houghton Mifflin and McGraw Hill have already partnered with Apple to begin publishing textbooks via iBooks Author.  They account for 90% of all textbooks sold.  I think it is safe to say that they saw the Apple train coming full steam and they had two choices…get on board or get run over!  We see the option they chose.

Not yet because…

Schools and districts that have recently made investments in new textbooks and instructional technology will surely try to get a return on their investment.  They will not submit until the next mandatory procurement cycle is upon them.