"Technology is changing many of our everyday lives' aspects. It is almost impossible to find someone who does not have a technological device that they use daily.
The iPad is undoubtedly the most popular among Americans. Its benefits (quick and easy access to the Internet, portability, and applications for almost anything that you can think of) are facilitating its adoption and integration into almost every field of study and work.
This infographic shows the state of iPad usage in the U.S., focusing on the Educational field, which is currently the one who is adopting mobile devices at the fastest pace. It was made using statistics from a 3-month period ending June 2012. "
"We have long been fans of the free Zite Personalized News on the iPad. The Universal app lets you choose groups of news types, then watches what you tend to read to find more of similar type content. Every now and then throwing in a bit of 'other' news to keep you well informed of your options. This week, the Zite developers released a version 2.0 with a new app icon and a new user interface throughout."
"One question I seem to get a lot about the iPad is what apps do I recommend that are free. I am hearing from a lot of teachers that they have no way to add paid apps and thus are stuck trying to find free apps. My experience is that many free apps stink. They have many adds, require in app purchases to be useful, or are just junk. I tend to stay away from most free apps. So what are you to do if the district controls adding paid apps? My suggestion is to build relationships with the decision makers. Don't just ask for a bunch of apps, instead provide documentation and purpose for a few apps you would like to have. I know this process takes time and effort but if you can show the purpose and learning you have a much better chance. If you need lesson ideas I suggest checking out my Pinterest page, and three of my favorite Pinterest pages: iPadsammy, TechChef4u, and Sue Gorman. Look for apps and lesson ideas there and modify them to fit your standards and kids.
If I was starting from scratch this is the $10 iPad app setup I would push for in my kindergarten classroom. (I will be posting a $20 setup later)"
"With so many schools adopting the use of iPads I find it strange that we aren't hearing more about the incredible opportunities available in iTunes U. Well I suppose it isn't that strange given that schools in the early stages of transitioning to an iPad platform are extremely busy and learning one more thing can seem overwhelming. Trust me, I understand that, but I believe if you were to learn one more thing it should be about the power of iTunes U. The possibilities of this incredible tool are endless. I'd like to provide you with just a few examples of the many uses of iTunes U in the hopes that more schools will join this incredible network of learning resources."
"Calendars help you keep track of what you're doing and when, which is why it's always been one of the core apps on mobile devices from the earliest PDA (personal digital assistants), to the latest iPhones and iPads. That why, when iOS launched in 2007, it included a Calendar app. Whether you simply use Calendar by itself, or whether you sync it via iCloud, Google Calendar, Microsoft, or something else, it's the default way to add and find appointments and events."
"Since our last post, NYC public school teachers participating in the Arts Achieve pilot have had 3 months to start working with their new projectors, iPads, styli, microphones, and other tech stuff."
"There is an ever growing number of teachers and students using iPads for creation projects. Little by little, people are understanding that the iPad is not just a consumption device for reading emails, watching YouTube and checking FaceBook and Twitter. The iPad is a powerful creation device. But an issue arose during the year at my school: How does one share large student videos and other projects with parents? Read ahead to find out."
"Lets face it, math is not the most intriguing or intuitive subject. For this reason, many students find learning math a real drag! As a math tutor in NYC that deals with children of all ages, I am constantly looking for fun, new ways to teach my students. Since many of them have access to an iPhone or iPad (or both), I recommend that they use their devices as an educational tool. Believe it or not, your smartphone or tablet can be a great learning resource."
"I did a quick search, delving a few pages deep in the results, but couldn't find what I wanted. I thought that it would be useful if a trailer could be planned in advance, rather than shoot footage and hope that there was enough of the various types of scenes to fit the trailer templates. I know that we should design a trailer around our content, but it is also nice to be able to create one quickly from the templates."
"I've pulled together the tips and tricks I find myself sharing with friends and colleagues repeatedly, the stuff that stumps people who aren't exactly technophobic. Maybe they stump you, too."
"Teaching Appz is a great new website to help teachers to find apps for iPads, iPods and other mobile devices (including Android, Playbook and web) that can be used in the classroom"
"In project-based learning, students work over an extended period of time answering a driving question. The question is so deep that it requires students to create a project to share their findings with others."
"Today, we'll be looking at coding on the iPad, specifically Koder Code Editor by iCodeLabs. Koder is a code editor that attempts to turn the iPad into a coding machine. Is it capable of doing the job of a traditional code editor, or is it just another swanky entry in the book of the underpowered? Read on to find out."
"An app that on the surface appeared too simple has turned out to be a great find, letting us to pinpoint tuning of images without complicated steps. The app, Paint FX Photo Effects Editor (say that 10 times fast), has both the full image effects and pin point editing capabilities."
"I have yet to find the perfect Digital Portfolio app that I think I would use exclusively in a Visual Arts class. Some apps can be used as graphic portfolios or as beautiful sketchbooks, others are great at sharing. Not all of the apps available are great at all of these things. I have spent a heap of time trying to find one and would be more than happy for someone to send me the name of one they are using successfully. Having said that the following are apps that I would consider using;"
"iTooch Elementary, by edupad, has hit a another home run, and this time it is a grand slam! They have combined age groups and content to give this app an incredible shelf-life. If you don't find what you need, you can even make your own. The app is free to download and nine titles can be tried out before purchase; in-app purchases can be made for each topic."