CashCurtis_iPads+in+the+Classroom

__** iPads in the Classroom **__

In the first video, Glenn explains five useful iPad apps that teachers can use both outside the classroom and with their students. The main focus of the video is to highlight free and low-cost apps. For those that are interested, the apps mentioned in the video are listed below with links to the iTunes App Store. media type="custom" key="20954894" In the second video, Brandy is utilizing one of the apps, Socrative, mentioned in Glenn's video above. She downloaded this free app on her class set of iPads and allowed students to use the device as a [free] student response system. media type="custom" key="20954904"

__**Project Description**__ With the current push of iPads in the classroom (both of ours included), we thought that it would be appropriate to introduce those who may not have any experience (or even those with experience) to apps that we have found useful. The apps (short for applications) are mini programs that can be downloaded from Apple's App Store. Many of the apps mentioned in the video are free or low-cost because we have found that many districts are like ours, they __//only//__ purchase the hardware, but leave it to us, the teachers, to utilize it. Even though Apple does allow for school districts to be enrolled in a VPP (Volume Purchasing Program, which provides discounts on large purchases of the same app), the cost in deploying apps across all of the districts' iPads becomes restrictive. This project is different in that we are not simply presenting apps that teachers should use with their students; we are all diverse in our teaching assignments and to cover useful apps for every discipline would be too much. Therefore, we took the approach of introducing apps that we, as teachers, find useful. Some of the apps shown can be integrated into the classroom for use with students, while others are just for you, the teacher. Our goal is to make you aware of apps that are not only beneficial, but can improve your productivity.

__**Content Uses of This Technology**__ The iPad can be used across the entire curriculum. Any subject can benefit from its use and with over 250,000 iPad specific apps, chances are you will be able to find quite a few that can be implemented in the classroom. As a sample of the types of apps available, there are those that can dissect animals, tutor in Calculus, aid in literacy, teach typing and programming, allow for editing of audio, video and pictures, let the students take virtual field trips of historical places and much, much more. In addition, iBooks (mentioned in the video) allows for the downloading of current textbooks (aligned with the CCSS, currently limited to high school subjects) and iTunes U makes university classes (no credit however) offered from Stanford, Harvard and many others available for free for the motivated, self-paced learner.

__**Pedagogical Considerations for This Technology**__ The iPad is much more than a digital device that can be integrated into the classroom. If used correctly, it can aid in the development of the skills (reading, writing and mathematics) that students must learn. Furthermore, touch screen devices, like iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads in particular, are all very familiar to today's student. Therefore, there is little to no instruction needed to help these students become proficient with their use; they can seamlessly be integrated and the students can begin learning immediately. The iPad also allows for engaging, fun, self-directed learning, as properly selected apps can provide instruction that aid the students in accomplishing a task. This approach to learning allows for the students to work on something until they feel comfortable and no one knows how well they are doing except for themselves, thus saving them from any embarrassment in front of their peers.

In addition to the pedagogical considerations for the classroom, we also took the Nets for Teachers (NETS•T) into consideration. In terms of these ISTE standards, we feel the following are applicable:
 * **Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity**
 * Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
 * **Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments**
 * Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own education goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.
 * **Model Digital Age Work and Learning**
 * Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
 * **Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility**
 * Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
 * Promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.
 * **Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership**
 * Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.

__**Where to Purchase or Acquire**__ The iPad comes in various configurations. The base model iPad 2 starts at $399 and the base model New iPad (a.k.a the iPad 3) starts at $499. The device can be purchased at numerous places now. It can be purchased from Apple directly either through their website or their brick and mortar retail stores, Target, Walmart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, H.H. Gregg, Amazon.com, Verizon, AT&T, Radio Shack, Micro Center and [|Newegg.com]. There are many other places where you can purchase one (eBay.com, Craigslist, etc.), but we have listed the most common, trusted retailers. For the most part, the places listed above are all authorized Apple Resellers. What this means to you, the consumer, is that the iPad you purchase will be new in the box and sold for the same suggested retail price that Apple has set. If you are unsure of what Apple charges, click on the Apple link above. As a caution, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it typically is; caveat emptor for eBay and other auction type sites.

__**iPad Apps Mentioned in First Video (Including iTunes Description and Price)**__ __**Splashtop**__ - Splashtop is the easiest and fastest way to access your Mac or Windows PC from your iPad! Over 8 million users are enjoying Splashtop apps today, and you should too! Use Splashtop to access your computer on the local network, with the best-in-class video streaming performance, Microsoft Office Suite and PDF viewing and editing, full browser access with Flash / Java support (IE, Chrome, Firefox), playing 3D PC/MAC games, and access all your media library and documents.


 * __Price__ - Currently $6.99** **(updated 10/03/12)**

__**CloudOn**__ - CloudOn brings Microsoft Office® to your iPad and links it to your Box, Dropbox and Google Drive accounts. If that isn’t enough, the built-in Adobe Reader and File Viewer lets you open and view virtually any file type, including PDF, JPG, PNG, GIF, etc. And, because we know your work isn’t always just for you, you can easily email files to your contacts directly from the workspace. CloudOn provides you the files you want and the applications you need on the devices you love - all in a single workspace.


 * __Price__ - Free**

__**OnLive**__ - OnLive® Desktop is a service that provides a seamless, no-compromise, instant-response cloud-based PC desktop, wherever and whenever you want it. OnLive brings to your iPad a high-performance PC experience, regardless of the content, even when interacting with fast-action media.

Features:
 * Instantly view, edit and create documents using actual Microsoft® Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint
 * Easily transfer files between OnLive Desktop and other devices
 * Experience high-performance, instant-response PC applications
 * Interact with lag-free animation and video


 * __Price__ - Free**

__**iBooks**__ - iBooks is an amazing way to download and read books. iBooks includes the iBookstore, where you can download the latest bestselling books or your favorite classics – day or night. Browse your library on a beautiful bookshelf, tap a book to open it, flip through pages with a swipe or a tap, and bookmark or add notes to your favorite passages.


 * __Price__ - Free (book prices vary)**

__**Socrative (Teacher)**__ - Socrative brings smart clickers, student response and ease of use to a whole new level. Engage the entire classroom with educational exercises and games while capturing student results in real-time. Interact with the data to further student understanding in the moment, and review the reports to prepare for future classes. Socrative will even aggregate and grade your pre-made activities! Saving you time, so you can engage more with your students on an individual level. Create a library of activities and share them with your colleagues and learning community. Not a 1:1 school? That’s okay! Have students bring their own devices and join in the learning!


 * __Price__ - Free**

__**Socrative (Student)**__ - Socrative brings smart clickers, student response and ease of use to a whole new level. Be engaged for the entire class with educational exercises and games. See all your classmates’ ideas in real time and interact with the responses. Provide your instructor feedback on the lessons and how well you understand the material. Ask your own poll questions for the entire class or build a premade activity for your whole class. Have Fun! --WORKS ON ANY DEVICE WITH A WEB BROWSER: Tablets, Smartphones & laptops (expect some types of Blackberries)


 * __Price__ - Free**

**iMovie -** Make beautiful HD movies anywhere with iMovie, the fast and fun moviemaking app that puts everything you need to tell your story at your fingertips. Browse and play projects in the Marquee view. Create spectacular trailers and thrilling home movies in minutes. And share your finished projects with the world — right from iMovie. //**This app was used by Brandy to make the second video above.**//


 * __Price__ - $4.99**

__**Resources**__
 * 1) **iPads in Education**: [|http://ipadeducators.ning.com]. This site contains links to recommended apps and discussion posts from teachers with ideas and suggestions for integrating iPads into the classroom.
 * 2) **InterAction Education**: []. This site contains guides, tutorials and real-life examples to aid in the integration of iPads into the classroom.
 * 3) **Emerging EdTech**: [].This site contains a list of 8 free web resources that focus on using the iPad in the classroom.
 * 4) **Apps in Education blog**: [|http://appsineducation.blogspot.com]. This site is a personal blog (Australian in origin) that is frequently updated with links and descriptions to low-cost or free apps, typically by category, which can be used in the classroom.
 * 5) **The Next Web**: []. This article lists 10 incredible education apps. Each app mentioned has an explanation of why it belongs on the list.
 * 6) **Teacher Hub**: []. This site list 20 Amazing apps for educators. Some of these apps are for teachers and others can be used with students.
 * 7) **Apps For Children With Special Needs**: [|http://a4cwsn.com]. This site contains a list of apps that work on specific skills. As the name indicates, these apps are for students with special needs that can truly benefit from the iPad.
 * 8) **iTunes**: []. This video podcast contains tutorial videos for novice iPads users. There are many others available, but these videos are some of the highest rated.
 * 9) **iPad Academy**: [|http://ipadacademy.com]. This site contains tips and tutorials for both the iPad and its apps. Even as experienced iPad users, we have both found this site useful.
 * 10) **Apple**: @http://www.apple.com/education/apps/. This site contains a collection of apps (for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch) collected by Apple broken down by content. Apple has chosen these apps because they best represent the content available in the App Store.