Everything iPads

In our more modern, connected, and ever-busy age, however, traditional library book clubs have been undergoing a quiet revolution. Lack of time, scheduling conflicts, mobility issues, desire for anonymity, and other factors have moved the conversation online—namely onto social media.

Teachers are faced with this challenge of keeping students engaged in the classroom when their world outside of school is one of constant engagement and stimulation. Knowing the world outside of our institutional walls is only one step in addressing modern learning styles. How to act and adjust schools today is the next step in making the classroom of today ready for tomorrow.

While there has been a bit of question as to the effectiveness of SAMR, a shift to move beyond SAMR, and a few proposed changes to the structure of the model floating around online, Lisa Johnson has to say that after hearing Dr. Ruben Puentedura (you may know him as the father of SAMR) speak at iPad Summit a few weeks ago still felt like a rare app-ortunity and a truly inspiring treat. She shares some really great resources from the Dr. SAMR. 

Sometimes forget about the basic capabilities of our iPads, like the camera and video camera.  Adding a camera and a video camera to your classroom can be so powerful.  Kids can immortalize their creations and learning moments with this simple technology.

Apple recently added a page to iTunes that highlights a few dozen apps for learning how to play music. There is a category for virtual instruments, reading and composing music, music theory, and tools for musicians. 

One thing Apple's always been pretty good at is creating an ecosystem that supports smart accessories from third party manufacturers.

11 Tips For Students To Manage Their Digital Footprints by Justin Boyle If you’ve scratched your head over suggestions to manage your “digital footprint,” you aren’t the only one. A surprisingly large percentage of people have never even heard the phrase, let alone thought about how to manage theirs responsibly. Among students, the percentage is probably higher. We’ll talk about ways you can help students understand and manage their digital footprints before they get themselves in trouble.

What will I gain by using new technology? Many teachers are faced with this question as they are encouraged to integrate new computer-based learning tools into their classrooms and curricula. Thanks to Dr. Ruben Puentedura, we have the SAMR model to help answer this question.

Lisa does it again her  'S.A.S.S.Y. SAMR' is a fantastic Toolkit for Educators to Transform Instruction |

Explore Lisa Johnson's hand-picked collection of Pins about SAMR and Technology Integration Models on Pinterest.

Social media means communication, whether it's among tight circle of friends or a public broadcast. Just take care that you don't give away too much information.

iPad is a great versatile device that can be utilized for a wide range of educational purposes in our classrooms. One of the best uses is to turn it into a whiteboard canvass to record and create tutorials and step by step guides to share with your students.