Technology Corner

Common iPad/iOS Questions from Teachers

2012-01-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

As I began developing presentations for upcoming iPad "basics" and "apps/advanced" sessions for the "Let's Talk Science" professional development (PD) series, a number of questions from past iPad training sessions with classroom teachers came to mind that I wanted to share. From these past iPad inservice teacher training sessions, I quickly realized why classroom management needs to be an integral part of any technology PD initiative. Topics ranging from "what is the best way to connect my iPad to a projector?" to lesson plan development that utilizes biology/productivity iOS apps and engaging instructional strategies, need to be (1) ongoing and a collaborative effort between classroom teachers and administrators and (2) a priority in any technology/PD plan if there is to be any evidence of a "return on investment." Below I have listed several questions that have become a recurring themes; especially for districts or individuals that have recently or are considering deploying an iPad 1-to-to computing program.

Can I create an iTunes App Store account (i.e. an Apple ID) without having to use a Credit card? Yes. Read here to learn how to do this.

What are some different options and equipment needed to mirror my iPad 2 through a projector?

Connect with VGA adapter.
Connect with a digital AV adapter (via HDMI).
Connect wirelessly with an Apple TV. This may not be typical of most classrooms, but the following must be in place:

Both the iPad 2 and Apple TV must be connected to the same WiFi network.
The projector (or monitor) must have an HDMI input port. This allows you to connect the Apple TV to the projector via an HDMI cable.
Both the iPad 2 and Apple TV must be updated to iOS 5.

NOTE: The full mirroring options listed above only works with the iPad 2 (and iPhone 4s) only. "Full mirroring" means that you want to display your iPad 2 desktop and any app through the projector. For the original iPad, mirroring only works for apps that enable mirroring such as sideshows in the Photo app or playing video via the Video app. You can not mirror the desktop of the original iPad (iPad 1) using the methods above.

More questions will be added to this blog post as I, and others, encounter them with classroom teachers. Also explore the Science, Math, and Productivity iOS Apps post for links to apps and integration ideas. Feel free to add your frequently encountered questions and resources in the comments sections below.

Science, Math and Productivity iOS Apps

2011-09-13T15:41:00.001-04:00

Although the iPad, or similar tablet devices, can easily be viewed as an instructional technology fad, and an additional technology that may overload students and teachers with, the educational implications of such devices to engage learners and transition our schools out of the Industrial Age surpass their disadvantages. As STEM education continues to be of great importance throughout the United States, educators, administrators, and other educational leaders must be cognizant of the instructional resources, including mobile devices, that provides access to information and multimedia content, aligns to curriculum standards, induces sharing and collaboration, induces other 21st century skills in conjunction with effective classroom management and instructional strategies, and most importantly..........engage learners.

Below you will find two lists, math and science, of Web resources to iOS (Apple's operating system for mobile devices) apps that support specific math/science content areas and general productivity.

Math iOS Apps

Elementary

ClockMaster, MathBoard, Basic Math, Counting 123, Name That Number, Count Money, KG Math HD, Understanding Fractions, Calculator Pro.

Secondary

Algebra Touch: Order of Operations, Graphing, Freddy Fraction, iFactor, eSolver HD, Exterior Angles of Polygons, Geometry Test, infoCircle, Video Calculus, Math Snacks HD, Ratio Gear, 180-in-1 Math Calculator.

Puzzles & Games

iCut, Cut the Rope HD, Slice It, Let's Tans, Sound Drop, Unblock Me.

Other Apps and Classroom Integration Ideas

Science iOS Apps

Astronomy, Space & Weather

GoSkyWatch: Astronomy Star Guide, Star & Planet Finder, NASA, 3D Sun, Weather Channel, Seasons & Weather.

Biology & Life Science

A Life Cycle App, Pocket Zoo with Live Animal Cams, 3D Brain, iLearn w/ Mighty Jungle, Mitosis, Bacterial ID Virtual Lab.

Chemistry & Physics

Periodic Table+, Vernier Video Physics, Organic Chemistry Essentials, Xperica, H2O, iFormulas.

Games

Physics Gamebox, Draw 'n' Go: Awesomeness!, Angry Birds HD, Cut the Rope HD, Arriving HD, Tinker Box HD.

Other Apps and Classroom Integration Ideas

Productivity

Scan (QR code reader), Evernote, Evernote Peek, Google, FileApp, Presentation, Show Me, Dropbox, Quick Graph, Dragon Dictation, Math Sheet Calculator, Screen Chomp, Photosynth, Photo Mess, Skype, Geometry Classroom, See. Touch. Learn., Science 360, Video Science, Doodlelicious.

Twitter in Education: Initial Thoughts and Resources

2011-06-24T15:03:00.000-04:00

Many educators are bringing authentic real-time communication of Twitter that support students' learning. After several years of backchanneling at conferences and building a learning network with individuals with similar educational interests, I've come to the conclusion that Twitter can help teachers learn as well. Twitter has simply become one of the best resources for teachers to build personal learning networks, collaborate, share Web resources and ideas to common classroom challenges, and discuss educational policy.

During my time as a technology administrator in a school district in South Carolina, I was constantly asked "how do you find out about these emerging technologies and Web tools for the classroom?" My response was always "Twitter." Twitter, along with RSS feeds via Google Reader, have been valuable resources for keep up with the latest trends in classroom technologies and pedagogical practices. I hope to instill in participants at this year's Texas Regional Collaboratives Seventeenth Annual Meeting how Twitter can be used to engage students and be an integral tool for collaborating with other teachers with similar interests. The resources below should provide a starting point for further exploring implications of Twitter. I will be adding more resources so be sure to check periodically for updates. Enjoy!

Blogs and Websites

How to Use Twitter to Stay Informed in Science and Math
Robin's Technology Tips (blog): Summarization and Twitter, Twitter and Summary - Part 2, Twitter - Part 3
Twitter Glossary
Using Twitter to Break Down Classroom Isolation
What are hashtags?

QR (Quick Response) Codes in the Classroom

2011-05-06T14:33:00.001-04:00

Recently, I've been receiving a number of articles and blog posting about the use of QR (Quick Response) codes in the classroom. While reading the Using QR Codes in Education blog post on the ISTE website, I started watching the following embedded YouTube video, Black & White and Scanned All Over, which helped me put this unique technology into perspective.

From a professional development perspective, QR codes can be an efficient way for teachers to access Web-based supplemental materials. Even on print-based handouts that many teachers prefer to have on hand, QR codes can be used to reduce the amount of printing and place links to even more resources on the World Wide Web. QR codes can be read with any device that has a camera and an appropriate reader. Devices such as the iPhone and iPad 2 can read QR codes. Scan the QR code to the right to view an example that links to a Web page. Below you will find links to (1) QR code generators that are free on the web, (2) QR reader apps for the iPhone and iPad 1/2 and (2) integration ideas for classroom use. Enjoy and share any thoughts and/or resources you may have in the comments sections below!

QR Code Generators

iPhone/iPad 2 QR Reader Apps

QR Reader for iPhone/iPad
i-nigma QR Code, Data Matrix and 1D barcode reader for iPhone/iPad
QR Scanner for iPhone/iPad

Integrating QR Codes in the Classroom

iPhone in Education: Using QR Code in the Classroom
Using QR Codes in the Classroom
10 Ways to Use QR Codes in Your Classroom
Periodic Table of Videos - A great way to introduce QR Codes to teachers for professional development initiatives.
How to set up a QR Code Treasure Hunt
QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator
Link to the SMART Board math and science activities used in episode 26 of the Technology Tips for Classroom Teachers vodcast.

The Difference Between a Student and a Learner

2010-11-01T14:53:00.008-04:00

Technology, curriculum standards, organizational culture, innovation, 21st century skills, and other variables, have greatly contributed to the paradigm shifts we see today in K-12 education. Many blog postings and articles have been published describing today's role of a teacher as a facilitator of the learning and instructional processes from the traditional role of the teacher-centered instructional delivery medium and sole expert of content knowledge. As I watched and listened to this interesting video entitled Student/Learner 3.0: The Teacher, I asked myself "is there a difference between a student and a learner?

I would argue that there is a difference between the two in today's classrooms. In my short explanation, a student is highly dependent on the teacher defining what, when, and how to acquire knowledge while a learner expects the teacher to guide, or facilitate, to seek explanations as to "why" we acquire knowledge. There would be deeper explanation to my interpretation, but tell us what you think.

No Future Left Behind

2010-10-15T09:34:00.003-04:00

As I watched this YouTube video that I came across via Twitter over a week ago, I began reflecting on my experiences as an instructional technology and design professional working directly with K-12 classroom teachers and administrators. In the occasional isolated instances where I observed effective integration of instructional technology tied to curriculum, in combination with great classroom management and instructional strategies, learning and understanding of content/concepts appeared to be a natural yet engaging process for 21st century learners. When students are in a learning environment where they have to think, solve real-world problems, collaborate, utilize technologies that help accomplish learning goals and objectives, and take control of their own learning, they are engaged and test scores are typically impacted in a positive direction. This video brings up a number of pondering questions and messages; particularly in the fact that learning is not confined to the classroom walls. What messages do you think this video is sending about where education needs to be headed?

Who knew you could do this with a Wii remote?

2010-07-19T11:23:00.001-04:00

When I watched this YouTube video, I thought to myself "who knew that a Nintendo Wii remote can be used to create a simple interactive whiteboard?" As a casual video gamer myself, I never thought of how the infrared (IR) technology at the end of a Wii remote controller can have potential implications in the K-12 classroom; especially for school districts with limited technology budgets. Although the ideas presented in this video are innovative and exciting, they do pose some limitations. Nevertheless, gaming devices, or gaming in general, will have educational implications. What are your thoughts?

Google Documents Resources for Teachers

2010-04-26T13:38:00.008-04:00

Google documents consists of several integrated productivity tools that enables students and teachers to easily create, store, share, and collaborate on documents in real time. These integrated applications include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, forms. Recent updates to Google Documents includes a drawing tool and the ability to upload and share any file-type. This post will list various Google Documents resources organized by specific tools for classroom teachers. If you have any additional resources to share with teachers, please post them as a comment to this blog post.

Document (word processing)
- Peer Editing Using Google Docs
Spreadsheet
- Google spreadheet charts
- Spreadsheet Formulas in Google Docs
Presentation
- Using the Presentation Toolbar in Google Docs
Forms
- 10 Google Forms for the Classroom
- Introduction to Google Forms (blog post by Matt Silverman)
Drawings
- Google Docs: Create a Drawing
Any Google Document
- Google Apps Lesson Plans
- Google Docs File Management
- Google Docs in Plain English
- Google Docs in the Classroom
- Google for Educators Classroom Activities
- How to Share Documents in Google Docs
- Introducing a new Google Docs (overview of current Google Docs interface and features)
- Teach Collaborative Revision with Google Docs
- Using Google Docs in the classroom: Tips and Tricks

Learning Networks and Environments with Symbaloo

2010-04-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

When I came across this video I thought to myself "we should see more teachers and students doing this." As I was listening to the 7th grade student I noticed she had used Symbaloo to organize her Web-based tools to research, collaborate, and share content all on a single page. With all of the social networking, social bookmarking, and other Web resources that I have piled up in my browser bookmarks, I wanted to find a more efficient way to organize and access my resources that are part of my own professional learning network (PLN). After creating a free Symbaloo account, I was able to quickly create and organize links to my PLN tools such as Blackboard, Twitter, Google Account, and Ning all on a single page known as a desktop. You can even share your desktops with others. Take a look at Symbaloo to see for yourself and share your thoughts.

Flip Video Integration Ideas

2010-02-10T10:00:00.003-05:00

The easy-to-use Flip Video camera can be used in creative ways for teaching and learning. From digital storytelling and podcasting activities to recording science experiments and model lesson plans in action, the Flip Video has endless possibilities. Here are some websites to get you started in your search for potential classroom integration ideas.

Flip Video recorder in the classroom (blog post)
Pre-K Pages
Flippin' Marvellous: Using Video in the Classroom (article)
Using Flip cameras in your classroom
Video in the classroom
Student video and student achievement (find the link to Project LIVE)
Using Flip Video Cameras in High School Math Class (from the Reflections of a High School Math Teacher blog)
Flip Share Update
Flip Video Specifications

Audacity Resources

2010-01-14T11:51:00.022-05:00

Audacity is an easy-to-use audio recording and editing software application that can be utilized for engaging student classroom activities. Activities such as performances, oral histories and documentaries, spoken languages, and soundtracks for Movie Maker projects, just to name a few, can support curriculum goals and objectives. Below is a list of Audacity software "how-to's" and classroom integration resources to get you started. Please reply to this blog post if you have other ideas or resources that you want to share with other classroom teachers.

Audacity "how-to's" and tutorials
Classroom integration ideas

What can widgets do for your classroom blog, website, or Blackboard course?

2009-10-26T16:04:00.000-04:00

Widgets are small applications (apps), that normally run directly from your Web browser, that can enhance your classroom blog, website, or Blackboard course. These apps can make common tasks more efficient as well as be used to engage your learners. As I work with teachers on Web 2.0 applications and Blackboard courses, I wanted to provide a list of useful educational widgets, especially (but not limited to) for those who teach in full or partial one-to-one computing environments. There are all sorts of widgets on the Web that can potentially enhance learning including ones that contain photo, dictionaries, interactive puzzles, document converters, and translators just to name a few. Check out the list below to get you started and enjoy!

Index listings

Application specific widgets

CommunityWalk. This free web-based service allows you to create informational, interactive, and engaging maps.
Poll Daddy. Create free online surveys and polls for your blog or website.
Studiyo. Create simple interactive quizzes that can be embedded into any website, blog, or Blackboard course.

Clip Art Websites

2009-10-15T10:43:00.002-04:00

Looking for clip art resources on the web for student projects? Here are just a few resources to get you started. Just make sure to read notices and copyright information regarding use of these images for educational contexts. These links will open in a new pop-up window.

Cool Web 2.0 Sites

2009-10-15T10:43:00.001-04:00

Did you know you can broadcast an event through a live blog using your cell phone? What about embedding interactive video from your portfolio into your resume? Or better yet, get paid for creating content? New Web 2.0 tools are popping up on the Internet almost everyday. Check out some of these websites that list links to Web 2.0 tools that you've probably never heard of.

Go2Web20.net (allow a few moments for the page to load)
Listio
SEOmoz.org
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators: Web 2.0 Tools.

Listen to some of these thoughts about Web 2.0 from Will Richardson.

Educational Resources Through iTunes U

2009-10-15T10:42:00.004-04:00

iTunes is a common Web 2.0 tool that many of our students use on a daily basis outside of class. Despite the fact that the iTunes Store does have some distraction material, iTunes can still be a powerful tool for classroom use.
One component of the iTunes Store that is useful is iTunes U. iTunes U was originally created to distribute educational podcasts for higher education. However, iTunes U has been expanded to provide educational podcasts for K-12 education. In addition students can subscribe to teacher created audio/video podcasts and download media to portable devices such as MP3 players and iPods for content "on the go." Should students have access to iTunes Store resources such as podcasts and iTunes U in the classroom? Let's hear your thoughts!!