Ipads for Teaching and Learning

There is always one type of technology in today's classroom, and it seems that iPads are used more in a classroom because of its portability and easy-to-use features. I have compiled a list of apps that I have used before in a classroom setting or will use one day because it seems that it will be a great to implement them.

The Inspiration Maps is an app that can be used to create mind maps. Students can use the app to create a concept map which is a great tool to assess students' prior knowledge.

If you are trying to find an easy way to implement e-books in your classroom, Epic is great app that students can use to read over 20,000 books for children 12 and under.

Seesaw provides the necessary features to make learning engaging. Teachers, students, and parents are able to collaborate through Seesaw. It's like any social network site but it is emphasized on students' learning.

Visit this teacher's blog explaining how she uses Seesaw in her classroom. Also, watch the video that's included in the blog for more useful information.

Website: http://technologytools4teaching.blogspot.com/2016/04/using-seesaw-to-create-curate.html

Numerous teaching ideas shared from teachers all over the globe using Seesaw are gathered in Twitter. In addition, Seesaw hosts webinars so check out their pinned tweet.

Twitter: @seesaw

It's just like Skype but better. Teachers can use it as professional development tool to share ideas with teachers around the world. Students can use it a group project to work on it simultaneously.

Need more tips on how to use Google Hangouts? Visit the page by clicking the link below.

Website: https://www.weareteachers.com/7-ways-to-use-google-hangouts-in-the-classroom/

Click on the word Google Hangouts for more detailed information and features.

There are many interactive whiteboards that students can use, but this simple whiteboard application is great for students who are in third grade or below.

Website: http://minds-in-bloom.com/integrating-technology-in-classroo-2/

Teachers are witnesses on how brain breaks work automatically for their students to focus. Brain breaks are also needed for college students not just elementary students.There are two apps there are great for brain for students.

Have you used equity sticks before? Decide Now is another great tool to replace it. Teachers can use Decide Now for centers or seating charts.

Website: http://minds-in-bloom.com/decide-now-great-classroom-technology/

Sometimes teachers lose track of time with their set schedule, however, this app 30/30 will help you stay on task with teaching. 30/30 is a tool where a teacher can create a classroom's schedule with a timer.

Sometimes teachers lose track of time with their set schedule, however, this app 30/30 will help you stay on task with teaching. 30/30 is a tool where a teacher can create a classroom's schedule with a timer.

Yes, the iPad can replace a computer in a classroom setting. An iPad has so many features that are similar to a regular computer, but the iPad has more features than a computer. IPads are easier to download apps than a computer. It is easier to organizer apps and find apps than a computer with just a search box. Since iPads are portable, it is easier for students to grab an iPad from the cart and take the iPad to their desks. A computer has to remain in a certain place. An iPad has one cord whereas a computer needs to have a lot of wires in order to function. It is easier to use an iPad to save documents or projects with an online drive such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and Drop Box. Apple has been improving their devices so I won’t be surprised that the company will achieve to replace a computer. An iPad does not require a mouse so it is easier to zoom in or zoom out with just our touch of our fingers instead of remembering what keyboards do we need press in order to do so. In these past few years, companies are always finding a way to create a device that is slim, so it is highly likely that iPads may replace computers, although, we might still have laptops in the future.

Digital textbooks are books that can be downloaded on any device, but it is preferable that digital textbooks are downloaded in a device that has a large amount of space. I think digital textbooks are cheaper than printed full-copy textbook. Usually, digital textbooks are half the price of a new printed textbooks. Using digital textbook gives the students a reason to use iPads. Students sometimes have this idea that iPads are only for games, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Downloading digital textbooks saves space in the classroom as well as in the students’ backpacks. In a digital textbook, students can highlight or bookmark any pages that the students need to reference back. In the Epic app that I’ve listed on my Smore page, it kind of goes along with digital textbooks. Students are now using eBooks to read books and find books easily. Digital textbooks or eBooks are more convenient in terms of cost, accessibility, and space. Usually, with digital textbooks there are additional features, for example, publishers will add links, online tools, and documents just like a regular textbook with a code. Links may include a short study guide of the unit. Online tools may include manipulatives like ten frames or counters from math digital textbooks that the students can use.

IPad does engage kids in learning. I have witnessed that students would prefer to use the iPads as way to get work done, especially if it is a group project. In the future years, there will be always a new technology coming out whether it’s a new gaming system or device. Teachers will always have a new curriculum available that involves a new gaming system or device. Most of the times, students are aware of the new trend, therefore, students will be more engaged. In my classroom, students are using Minecraft as way to learn math. Minecraft can be incorporated in many other subjects. Once my cooperating teacher said to my students when looking at a building you can measure the perimeter and area, the students were interested throughout the lesson because the teacher used Minecraft as an example. IPads have the ability to download application which there are numerous in the app store. Apps can be ranged in different subject. Effective apps do engage students. It just takes time and research to find that fits the classroom and the students. IPads can be used to take brain breaks which NFL Play 60 and Jump, Jump Froggy allows. After the students take brain breaks, the students are back on their feet and ready to learn.

An iPad is cool because it can be used in a classroom, business, or for personal use. It is convenient because it portable and lightweight, especially, when you are student. A student can use an iPad to keep up with school work due dates. An iPad allows students to type a word document, create a presentation using PowerPoint, or use an app to edit a video. An iPad lets the teacher collaborate with any teacher in the world by using Google Hangouts which I have mentioned on my Smore page. IPads let us communicate via video or message. Google Hangouts allow students to collaborate on a project in real time. It is just like google docs. Teachers or students can schedule a time to work on a project then google hangout has the capability to send an email to remind them about a project. An iPad can take pictures which can be incorporated in a lesson. Students can use Skitch to insert pictures and label. For example, the students can label the bones in a human body. The iPad allows to record your voice. Voice recorder is great way to assess students orally. The students can use the voice recorder to record lecture and go back listen to it.