tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.comments2014-03-05T13:10:17.424-08:00iPad ReflectionsCommonManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16531166394557006845noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-81048279203915128092011-08-03T10:59:18.354-07:002011-08-03T10:59:18.354-07:00I had the ipad for the summer and although I did n...I had the ipad for the summer and although I did not have the opportunity to use it with my Kindergarten students, I did allow my 3 year old daughter and 8 year old niece to use some of the educational apps! The first thing that amazed me was how easily my 3 year old could navigate and use the apps! She loved PBS kids, Easy writer, pocketphonics, read me stories, see touch learn, and preschool mm. After just a few times using the Ipad, she was independent in most of her use! <br /><br />The way I would see the ipad as a practicle use in the classroom for Kindergarten would be to use it for tutoring, a reward for free time, or as a center. I took a course in Technology in Special Education this summer and read about the benefits of the use of ipads and computers for all students as a supplement to thier curriculum. I would LOVE to have the opportunity to use an Ipad in the classroom! <br />To answer the questions of are they worth the money. I would say yes. My husband was happy this summer because he had our personal laptop almost to himself. Aside from my masters coursework, I used the ipad for everything else. <br /><br />As for upkeep, my 3 year old managed it well and learned to take care of it. She knew that if she did not, she could not play with it. I would have concerns about germs on them if the classroom was sharing and want a safe way to clean them between uses.Maggie Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11583882801805590560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-6573823833428204522011-05-27T04:55:47.522-07:002011-05-27T04:55:47.522-07:00I just came across another list of educator Websit...I just came across another list of educator Websites and Apps in the May 2011 issue of IB World magazine which also includes a Daniel Pink article about Creativity: Why Knowledge is No Longer Equals Power, which I highly recommend! <br />The article: Learning Without Borders- asked IB World Schools and digital experts for the best of the web. The result is 20 sites (and four apps) every teacher should bookmark.<br />You can find it here:<br />http://www.ibo.org/ibworld/may2011/learningwithoutborders.cfmL. Hollidayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02774799200065833809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-17288534763515133512011-05-26T09:00:14.885-07:002011-05-26T09:00:14.885-07:00I have also downlaoded and used a couple apps for ...I have also downlaoded and used a couple apps for social groups and students with autism working on pragmatic skills. <br /><br />EveryDay HD (Functional Skills System)<br />Emtions<br />Hidden Curriculum-Adult<br /><br />The Functional skills system is a wonderful program that can be used with any student that needs/benefits from visual support (as many of the students with autism and in the MD classrooms DO!) It has short video clips of people acting out the skills required for greetings, introductions, starting a conversation, maintianing a topic, ending a conversation etc. These are all skills that are targeted for many of my kids on their IEP goals.<br /><br />The Emotions app is also a great FREE resource that has pictures of children showing different emotions. Reading other's body language and facial expressions can sometimes be a challenge to individual's autism. I used to app to show the pictures and covered up what emotion the child was feeling with a post it. Then each group member had to guess the emotion and give his reasoning. We talked about the expression that can be shown with the eyes, mouth, and body language that can give clues to what emotion the child may be feeling.Nancy Reed and Sarah Osmondnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-91531999978176313762011-05-26T08:34:35.883-07:002011-05-26T08:34:35.883-07:00I recently used a couple of new apps for speech an...I recently used a couple of new apps for speech and language therapy at the middle school.<br /><br />ArticPix is a wonderful tool for any speech therapist... epescially at the elementary and middle school level and when working with the MD population. It has every sound, in all positions of words, and has recording capabilities. The group of boys that I used the app with enjoyed recording their voices and then hearing themselves saying the target words played back. As a group we then judged their sound production for accuracy.<br /><br />It was really great to have the visual support of pictures as well as auditory modeling without having to suffle and organize numerous articulation cards!Nancy Reed and Sarah Osmondnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-73126595131523214782011-05-25T10:01:17.200-07:002011-05-25T10:01:17.200-07:00Is it worth the money ($500 each)? I think the po...Is it worth the money ($500 each)? I think the potential of this technology and the enthusiastic reactions to them by the students makes them a valuable tool for education. The creative and productive Apps as well as organizational tools continue to improve and become more relevant to the educational setting.<br />If you could exchange it for a laptop (netbook/mini laptop is about the equivalent) would you rather have that or the ipad? Right now, I would have to say that I would still prefer a laptop. The interactive aspect of the iPad compared to the laptop creates some unique opportunities (i.e. the virtual potter’s wheel to create ceramic vessels with the touch of your fingers), but it is also limiting as far as more traditional creative or productive activities used to assess learning (text documents, slide shows, etc.). I hope that future iPads have a USB port to allow us to upload image and text files. Although maybe I just need to adapt to using more on line digital file storage that I could then open, edit, and use on the iPad.<br />Third, long term, what are your thoughts about upkeep (are they sturdy enough) and usability? I think they seem sturdy. I was not worried about high school students using them. I do think that teachers would benefit from a set organizational strategy for maintaining a classroom set, if we were issued one. I can’t remember which website or blog I looked at, but a science teacher had come up with a storage/ charging station for his iPads that seemed to make it seem easy and possible to store and keep track of all of them, clean them, and charge them. Updating Apps would have to become routine. I think it is all possible and very exciting!L. Hollidayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02774799200065833809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-32002933821528019802011-05-17T08:23:03.700-07:002011-05-17T08:23:03.700-07:00I have throughly enjoyed and I am very fortunate a...I have throughly enjoyed and I am very fortunate and glad to have been a part of this project. I have found the IPad to be a positive addition to my teaching and learning. Since using the IPad, I have started to think, do I really need my laptop. I have thought about getting rid of my laptop at home, although I have decided I still need it for pictures, videos, flash capability, etc. But since getting the IPad, I rarely use my laptop. The IPad is just so much more convenient. It is always with me (except for when I sleep and have to charge it!). I love all of the free apps. They have been a great addition to my teaching. My students have loved using this cool new device. I have loved the fact that it is so portable, has a great battery life, very user friendly, and pretty durable. I have also used it for note taking at conferences, as well as for observations ( I had a grad student, and it was so easy to use for observations.) If I had my choice, I would choose the IPad over a laptop.....especially for small group work and for the students that I work with.Melissa Francenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-11494072083422767102011-05-12T11:11:09.568-07:002011-05-12T11:11:09.568-07:00Is it worth the money? I don't have a say on s...Is it worth the money? I don't have a say on spending, but I know having it in the classroom is a great investment, especially in Kindergarten. Very user friendly. The students are comfortable using the apps. <br />Would I exchange it for a laptop? IN A MINUTE!!!! Again, easier for my student to use the touch screen than the touch pad. <br />Upkeep? Sturdy? I know my students had some drops and falls with it, and it seemed fine. <br />Annie Anglin<br />KindergartenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-51780438397986880972011-05-12T10:31:28.152-07:002011-05-12T10:31:28.152-07:00Hello:
Is this worth the money? Yes, definitel...Hello: <br /><br />Is this worth the money? Yes, definitely. I believe, however, that money should first be spent on teachers. I realize this is separate funding, but this is my opinion. <br />I liked the ipad in the classroom. I could not use the wireless in my classroom, so we journaled. the ipad is very student friendly. I was able to encourage reluctant writers to journal at all times. Theft is an issue. The ipad cord was taken from my class. Good news, though-- a student brought one in from home and donated it!. <br />I would recommend this to anyone for a classroom experience! The students love it!celine@potatohillfarmhttp://www.potatohillfarm.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-89038406431136659252011-05-11T06:14:54.506-07:002011-05-11T06:14:54.506-07:00I like the iPad and have found many uses for it in...I like the iPad and have found many uses for it in accomplishing daily tasks. While I believe it is worth the money for me, I am not ready to say that it would be worth the money for students. At the elementary level, it should not replace laptops until the Flash issue is resolved. There are too many Flash products in use right now. The apps that support Flash only show Flash videos; there are no touch features available yet. I have also been using a $300 tablet pc with touch screen capabilities and it has been reliable in supporting more educational applications (for free) than what I found available on the iPad. There are great apps available for early learners. As far as upkeep, they seem to have few technical issues, however apps could be costly. I don't know how updates would be handled. It seems that it would have to be done on each iPad.Renitanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-70756538507399336542011-05-10T18:56:38.888-07:002011-05-10T18:56:38.888-07:00Is it worth the money ($500 each)? Yes, it well wo...Is it worth the money ($500 each)? Yes, it well worth the money. I used this iPad both in my special ed classroom as well as with the KDG students. It is much cheaper than a communication device (although limited) and I found that this is one of the few items (tech or toys) that ALL my students could utilize INDEPENDENTLY. I also LOVED the portability. I could take it to KDG, work with a few students here and there and not worry about lugging a awkward laptop. <br /><br />If you could exchange it for a laptop (netbook/mini laptop is about the equivalent) would you rather have that or the ipad?<br />Yes and no, I would exchange some of my current computer tech within my classroom with an iPad. I still need a desktop or laptop for students who need alternative access methods. However, the portability and app selection, having the iPad being accessible to all my students is nice.<br /><br />What are your thoughts about upkeep (are they sturdy enough) and usability?<br />I have been thinking about the logistics of having multiple iPads within a classroom. I think that they would be much more time consuming to update and download apps to keep them current. Not sure how that would look, teacher responsible or tech. I also wondered about if our tech dept could even "work" on the iPads or would that have to be an "APPLE" person. I worry that the iPads are fragile. I have not dropped mine nor have a I had a kid throw it across the room (which has happened with other assistive tech in my classroom, so it durability is uncertain. I envision the iPads as a center or remedial/extension activities. I could see a classroom having a few filled with reading apps and a few filled with math apps. The students could then rotate having iPad time reinforcing those skills.<br /><br />In conclusion, I have truly enjoyed my time with the iPad. I was amazed at how well my students (and own kids) learned how to navigate through the apps. Several of my students are using the AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) apps everyday. The "read along" books have also been a hit. I also liked that I was able to find "seasonal" apps that I could use whole group. In addition, I have networked with several special educators to see how they are utilizing them (and iPods) within the classroom (amazing stuff!). I feel as though I am officially a "tech geek" and as I now get excited when I find an article or app that I really like. And I have converted my hubby as our iPad 2 should be delivered this week!<br /><br />Thanks for this opportunity!!<br />MelanieMelanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-3065149038345039122011-05-10T11:38:58.307-07:002011-05-10T11:38:58.307-07:00Is it worth the money ($500 each)? Yes, but I fee...Is it worth the money ($500 each)? <b>Yes, but I feel it is better used in a special needs or special education setting.</b><br /><br />If you could exchange it for a laptop (netbook/mini laptop is about the equivalent) would you rather have that or the ipad? <b>I would prefer to have a netbook because it has more functions than the iPad. The iPad is good for light productivity, but is limited.</b><br /><br />What are your thoughts about upkeep (are they sturdy enough) and usability? <b>I am still very cautious about placing them in students' hands just for the fact that they seem very fragile, unless we encase them in 1/4" rubber covers. Repairs are also a concern. Unlike laptops and netbooks it seems like tech staff would have a difficult time repairing the iPad.<br /><br />All said and done the iPad is a powerful tool that definatly has a place in education. We would really need to evaluate how and where we place them.</b><br /><br />AndyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-56351972578715716612011-05-04T18:37:43.912-07:002011-05-04T18:37:43.912-07:00Ok. I tried to comment last week, but somehow my c...Ok. I tried to comment last week, but somehow my comment was erased. So, now, I am sitting at home using my iPad for this post. <br /><br />I agree with those who said it worked better at home than school. The wireless in the buildings is not great, so I have trouble accessing online content or downloading apps at school. <br /><br />As a coach, the iPad is great for much of my work on the go... Checking email, accessing calendar, using the Internet, etc. I have been using it for notes as well. It is great to be paperless. The size and instant on make this the perfect portable device for these things. If only, I could access Internet in all rooms I work in, it would be great. It is not great for everything because I cannot access and work with h drive and I drive files. <br /><br />I was able to use this at the annual NCTM conference which was great. I downloaded 2 note taking apps for other purposes before the conference. Sundry notes (free) and paperdesk lite (free version). I originally got them so that I could use the iPad in rooms like an individual slate. These apps worked well at the conference because I could record the session with audio and take notes at the same time. For this purpose, I definitely liked paperdesk better. However, if I planned to do this again, I would get the full version. There was a 5 page limit on the lite vision. The reason I liked this one better is because the recording continued as you turned the page. Also, you could click on a word or drawing in the note and it would take you to the part of the recording where you typed it. I think there are a lot of educational applications for this too. <br /><br />(Sorry this is so long, I have been meaning to comment for a while.)<br /><br />I also have 2 and 4 year old sons. They love the iPad. We took it on a plane trip. It was great. I was able to copy movies that we own to iTunes and put them on my iPad for the kids. They were both able to easy navigate between movies and games. I especially liked the free Montessori apps that I downloaded. When I asked my 4 year old how he liked the Montessori game, he said with a smile, "Mom, it's not a game. It is work." :)<br /><br />BTW, I used a free program I downloaded on my home computer called Handbrake to copy the DVDs to my computer. <br /><br />I have really been enjoying this preview of the iPad. I just found out that with the camera connection kit, you can transfer Flip video footage directly to the iPad. However, iMovie is only meant to work with the iPad 2. I am going to try to get it on here anyway, but haven't gotten to it yet. <br /><br />I got a math app called Kakooma (created by Greg Tang). I have had some 3-5th graders try it. They really love it. I think this is long enough. Hopefully, it will actually post this time.Mrs. Lindsey Younghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11058122916221272211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-90104608844814076622011-05-02T17:17:48.463-07:002011-05-02T17:17:48.463-07:00Comparing iPad 1 to iPad 2...<a href="http://www.subtraction.com/2011/05/02/two-weeks-with-ipad-2" rel="nofollow">Comparing iPad 1 to iPad 2</a>...PHSChemGuyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13704670328790930306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-40456296681394964262011-05-02T06:40:29.316-07:002011-05-02T06:40:29.316-07:00app list/chart from an OT magazine
https://docs.g...app list/chart from an OT magazine<br /><br />https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B5suOfnPEdWtMjBkMWRlMDAtMDdlYy00MjgxLThkYWUtNDA1NGJhODMzMDVl&hl=en&authkey=CMDXwc0DMelanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-74942253114176792512011-05-01T20:20:03.824-07:002011-05-01T20:20:03.824-07:00Last but not least...True Confessions..I have been...Last but not least...True Confessions..I have been lacking in the "posting area". I have been enjoying the IPAD and found it is great for small group work especially in the lower grade areas. It is so much easier for younger kids to be independent when all they have to do is touch the app and go! I have been using it with two kdg. groups...one in math and one is the area of phonemic awareness. It engages the learners and the students love the change from our other activities. I also have a son with Down syndrome and the size is "perfect" for him and I can see it is also the perfect size for developing independence in the field of technology. He has an IPAD touch but it is too small and harder for him to do on his own. My 4th grade son also loves working on it and it is a great way for him to explore areas of interest like..how to throw different "wiffle ball" pitches, weather watching during all these storms and some math review. He also loves the "stack the states". <br /><br />I also get a little frustrated in bldgs. because of network connections or lack of..<br /> <br />Melanie's blog and resources are amazing and I need to take a summer vacation to take time to explore all her wonderful work. I enjoy reading the posts and like so many others...I wish I could build in "blogging" as a daily routine or at least read blogs one day and write blog on another. <br /><br />My dream would be to have a day at Starbucks and explore, read and install! I love the size and find it more convenient than my laptop.<br /><br />Promise to blog more with resources next time!Kelly Flynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01059766639434996258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-6293702767431797932011-05-01T11:04:47.619-07:002011-05-01T11:04:47.619-07:00I will try again to leave a comment. I love the ip...I will try again to leave a comment. I love the ipad in my classroom. The students are very comfortable using it. They are willing to 'share' it with a buddy to show them the new apps that are installed. <br />Annie KindergartenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-33032899307541825382011-04-26T16:28:23.765-07:002011-04-26T16:28:23.765-07:00The iPad has been an awesome tool to have in the c...The iPad has been an awesome tool to have in the classroom! I teach second grade and I have found some useful/free apps to use. One app called "Stack the Countries" is great for helping students learn about the countries that are in a certain continent. With this app you can decide what type of questions you want students to be asked as well as which continent you want them to focus on. Once the students stack countries above a certain line, they earn a new country to go on the world map. <br /><br />CandiceCandicehttp://www.Princeton.k12.oh.usnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-54817181299878936382011-04-26T09:41:16.435-07:002011-04-26T09:41:16.435-07:00I'm really enjoy having the opportuntity to wo...I'm really enjoy having the opportuntity to work with this device. Since I've gotten wireless it has been a nice tool to bring up visual references on the spot when working in small groups. I'm finding that searching for apps has been more trial and error than I thought. It seems to me that way it is organized makes for searches that take way longer than they should. I think nettrekker should step in on this!....one can dream can't he.<br /><br />It's been very user friendly for the kiddos and certainly gets them engaged. I'd really like to see it be able to programs like MS Office. <br /><br />I've also tried to some reading apps with my soon to be one year old in place of standard board books. He prefers the old-fasioned format and bores easily with the interactive modes (maybe once his fine motor gets better and his urge to place everuything in his mouth goes away I can revisit this). I'm hoping to get more mileage out of it with the coming curriculum. <br /><br />At this point I'm not seeing it as a total gamechangeranymore than a quality laptop would be.Mr. Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01789287904576783929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-65408750868576346102011-04-24T18:55:53.297-07:002011-04-24T18:55:53.297-07:00here is info that HS intervention may be intereste...here is info that HS intervention may be interested in...link is to technology blog that give description of DO2LEARN website with a section titled Job Tips.<br /><br />Also, check out the site for app info. Lots of reviews of a variety of apps.<br /><br />http://techinspecialed.com/2011/04/23/job-tips-website-from-do2learn-a-must-read-for-all-the-parentsteachers/<br /><br />MelanieMelanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-29409785319044352182011-04-24T18:48:05.696-07:002011-04-24T18:48:05.696-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Melanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-57864609581744685562011-04-24T17:00:26.474-07:002011-04-24T17:00:26.474-07:00Technology in Special education.
http://techinspe...Technology in Special education.<br /><br />http://techinspecialed.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-39779723070538980672011-04-20T12:10:25.696-07:002011-04-20T12:10:25.696-07:00I've been frustrated with using the iPad durin...I've been frustrated with using the iPad during work hours. Not because of the iPad itself, but because of the lack of wireless in the learning centers in the district. At home I love it - but I think of something I want to try at work and have to roam the halls looking for a wireless connection. <br /><br />I'm starting to hit this wall with a few other projects happening in the district. Great things - ipods, new laptops , etc... but the infrastructure and management part is lagging behind.<br /><br />Or else I'm just not in the right place. :)Library Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17657618909585698459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-66637820817900121672011-04-17T13:36:52.778-07:002011-04-17T13:36:52.778-07:00a blog to check out....
http://appsineducation.bl...a blog to check out....<br /><br />http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/<br /><br />~melanieMelanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-47994236803848910902011-04-15T15:46:40.245-07:002011-04-15T15:46:40.245-07:00Great new free app.....
verbally - it is a voice o...Great new free app.....<br />verbally - it is a voice output app, labeled for "medical" but can definitely work with the non-verbal or low verbal kids IF they are readers. No pictures, all words. Does include work prediction. I used it with one of of my autistic students who can read/write, but has difficulty "using her words". He didn't use it functionally by himself, just kind of an "explore day". But with my modeling was able to type "I was more please", then verbalize when prompted.<br /><br />This app would also be helpful for any student who would need word prediction when writing. So many uses....and it's FREE!!<br /><br />melanieMelanie Broxtermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10032567083898440857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8177816650425724052.post-51379965324691751552011-04-15T09:33:18.705-07:002011-04-15T09:33:18.705-07:00I really like the IPad 2. It's smaller, light...I really like the IPad 2. It's smaller, lighter, and comes with a camera. About the only drawback I see so far is I do not care for the multi-fold cover....it seems like a great idea, but I keep tearing it off....so I may have to invest in a newer one. Best app is Facetime (or Skype, same principal). Love quick video conferences. Otherwise for my purposes it's the same as the first one (supposedly faster, but to be honest I was pretty impressed with the speed of the original.)CommonManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16531166394557006845noreply@blogger.com