iPads in Education

"For my recent Engage post, I asked my students to review apps we had used to create presentations in our classroom. The apps included a variety of tools for making traditional slide show displays. But the beauty of the devices we are using in our classroom is that we can go so much further, and break past those conventional boundaries.

With that in mind, I would like to share some of the apps my students utilized in creating presentations that were of the less traditional variety. "

"Apple has released an update to its Configurator app. The OS X app allows users to configure and deploy iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices in an enterprise environment, such as schools or government institutions. While no major changes were introduced, there are several minor improvements that administrators of institutions will find useful. Here's the news from the release notes:"

These iPhone, iPad and Android apps won't leave you with a big bill, but will provide stimulating education, creativity and entertainment for children.

"The iPad takeover of public education isn’t just confined to the mainstream classroom: Special needs educators, too, are finding that  iPads can be a vital tool to support independence. What sets the iPad apart from other devices is the simple and visually robust user interface that can be used by almost everyone. It’s also a highly customizable device that can be set up with applications and assistive features to support a variety of special needs."

Technology allows students to become more independent in the classroom. But is the change from teacher to facilitator a positive move for the profession? Mike Britland is firmly in favour

"I’ve shared some of my favorite iPad apps to practice pacing and stamina. Whether students are performing everyday tasks or in the middle of test prep, you might need a timer to help students self-monitor. The Best Sand Timer is a great free app that’s an alternative to traditional countdown clocks – try it out in your classroom!"

Have iPads? Getting iPads? Confused a bit about how to actually use iPads?

You're not alone. Tons of schools are jumping on the mobile tablet bandwagon. But they often jump on without giving teache..."

A U.S. pilot study is examining how mobile technology might support the deaf and hard-of-hearing at college.

"An iPad is a pricey gadget but not necessarily an entirely extravagant purchase. The App Store offers much more than "Angry Birds" and Instagram. Its stock includes educational tools for just about every high school subject and standardized exam. By providing access to no- and low-cost alternatives to other academic expenses such as graphing calculators, textbooks and tutors, iPads have the potential to save families money. At their best, educational apps empower students to customize their study methods so that every learning style has a path to academic achievement"

"There’s plenty of free “wow your crowd” apps and Essential Skeleton http://bit.ly/14kpdpq ; is one of them!  Users can manipulate a 3D skeleton, highlight different sections and read information about each bone. Multiple entry points make this a great app for students of all ages."

Apps can help campers find a campsite, plan a camping trip or navigate the way across the countryside.

From kindergarten to college, the key to engaging students and enhancing learning is to bring ipad technology in the classroom.

"Some of the best use I’ve seen of apps on the iPad is where teachers have engaged students using apps in conjunction with others. Filming activities, recording audio, adding the media to Keynote and annotating, demonstrating learning – that said, there are some great subject specific apps out there and in this post I’ll cover some of the apps available for the Humanities subject Geography."

Reflection 1 - This is the most stimulating year I have spent in teaching.

Reflection 2 - I'm concerned and it's all my fault!

One word sums up this dissonance - opportunity. The iPad has provided ..."

"Note-taking apps for the iPad come at a dime a dozen. From the more popular offerings such as Evernote and Simplenote to fairly obscure ones, there’s something out there on the App Store for almost every kind of iPad user. And now, with Beesy, from French developers BeesApps the business user is also covered as well. It’s received rave reviews from publications such as MacWorld and was recently featured as an Evernote Pick — a pretty astounding achievement, especially from such a massive and well-established company."

"I think almost everyone enjoys a good movie.  The cost of going to the theater, however, is becoming terribly cost prohibitive.  The last movie I saw in the theater was Lincoln.  It was a great film and it renewed my interest in the history of the Lincoln era and the Civil War.  Living in Charleston where the Civil War began, I am able to walk on the very cobblestone streets that Union and Confederate soldiers trod."

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Arguably, the iPad can be a great classroom tool. However, lately there have been concerns about Apple’s tablet and its current role in the classroom. For instance, many have suggested that some of our schools are making the iPad the center of classrooms instead of remembering that students must be at the center of the classroom. Inevitably, this raises questions about the future of the iPad in the classroom.

Does the iPad foster or hinder creativity? Is it a comprehensive tool or just a mere distraction? Do we use the iPad just because it makes our classroom look cool? Are we missing the forest for the trees here?"

Here are the 10 iPad I can't live without. They are the first apps I install on any new iPad or IPhone I buy.