Today in class, we discussed how iPads are used within the
classroom. We discussed a lot of different pros and
cons. Overall, I think iPads are a good tool to have in the classroom. During my student teaching, I had a 5th
grade class with three iPads. My
cooperating teacher received a grant and she was required to take a course to
become certified. We didn’t really use
the iPads much because we only had a few applications. The only time we used them was for taking
pictures in the class and if some students finished their work early, they
could use them to play games.
After
learning about all the apps we could have used, I think the iPads would have
been more effective.
I really enjoyed searching for educational apps,
online. I think this will be key when
keeping updated with the new programs.
Using some of the sites found on the wiki, I really saw some interesting
applications. One that I would use is
the StickPick. I know I could just
regular sticks, but I think they are great because you can change the settings
and label each student’s stick based of their abilities. Then, use the program
to randomly choose student’s names in discussion.
Today, we created a digital book talk using iMovie. Our group read The Eleventh Hour. We brought a bunch of different props and then
went outside to film our book talk. When
we were done filming, our
group worked together to edit the film. Some of our group knew a lot about iMovie and
some didn’t know as much. It was a great
way for us to work together and I think this would be a great way for students
to work together, as well.
I would definitely have my students use iMovie to create a book talk or to create another type of literature presentation. They are super fun and interactive! Plus, they can use these skills to create ideas to show their own personal experiences and in other classrooms. Last night, I created an iMovie to give to my last student teaching placement. I think my Kindergarteners will love it!
Looking through those apps today was so helpful. I found a lot that I could use in any grade level. I also found a few good math ones which would work great if I get a middle school math position. I found an app for a graphing calculator for only $0.99. The description said it didn't have all the same features as a normal TI83 calculator but had most. And I know in elementary and even middle school we wouldn't use this but I thought it was amazing how cheap this was. Most graphing calculators are around $100. So not only are iPads giving us neat educational apps, they are also providing us with a cheaper way of using other technologies.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at the applications today in class as well. I also had a little experience using the iPad at my last student teaching placement and my teacher had to attend a class to get certified as well. We used the iPad a lot during our Daily 5 reading time and the students loved it. It was by far their favorite station. From these pictures it looks like your group went all out today. I'm very excited to see the video in class!
ReplyDeleteI agree that taking the time to look for and through those apps was useful and will continue to be necessary for us to do to keep up-to-date on new and applicable apps to use in our classrooms. I like the idea of StickPick because we used actual popsicle sticks in both of my student teaching placements, but I think it would be even cooler (and more beneficial) to be able to add more information about students and not have to buy that many popsicle sticks for each year's class(es).
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ipad apps out there that we have to start somewhere to catch up! This will be an interesting field to follow because more and more apps are created each week!
ReplyDeleteLoved your book talk - fun to see how creative (even adults!) can be when given the opportunity to do different things in the classroom!