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Teachers I talked to seemed uninterested, almost dismissive, of animations and gamelike apps. Instead, the tablets were intended to be used as video cameras, audio recorders, and multimedia notebooks of individual students’ creations. The teachers cared most about how the devices could capture moments that told stories about their students’ experiences in school. Instead of focusing on what was coming out of the iPad, they were focused on what was going into it.

Most of the apps on the iPads for the lower grades are aimed at creating and expressing ideas. In addition to Explain Everything, they include MyStory, iMovie, Animation HD, Google Earth, Book Creator, Show Me, Brushes, and Comic Life.

• Tech breakfasts: Every now and then we have a techy breakfast. Of course, the breakfast is cooked by the principal (me), which is sending a good message. One team will share how they are integrating technology into their programs; for example: Web 2.0 tools, jing, using vodcasts to demonstrate progress, using e-portfolios in the classroom, learning journals, etc. “• Speed dating: Teachers with strengths share how they use a device or a Web 2.0 tool in their classrooms. They get 5 minutes individually with a teacher colleague as a taster.