Integrating iPads Into the Classroom
This blog post includes resources and links for participants attending professional development training. It includes information to help educators successfully integrate the iPad into their mainstream classroom. Information has been compiled by the Spectronics Consultancy Team. Please email us on mail@spectronicsinoz.com if you need any further information.
IPAD BASICS
If you want to know more about iPad Basics then watching the 101 webinar is highly recommended: iPad Basics 101 (iOS6) and iPads Basics 101 (iOS7). Top iPad Tips
Accessibility information via the Spectronics Blog: |
Accessories Additional accessories such as durable cases, speakers, mounts, switch interfaces, keyguards and styluses can also help to make the iPad more accessible for your students. A range of links for these can be found on our Accessories Page Integrate the iPad into your classroom Share your iPad screen to your VGA-equipped data projector, TV or monitor. Via a cable: Apple VGA Adaptor or Apple Digital AV Adapter OR Wirelessly: Apple TV, Reflection, and Air Server
Using iPads with Interactive Whiteboards
- How to Use the iPad with a SMART Board – Connecting the iPad and SMART Board
- SMART Notebook App for iPad
- Ways to have the iPad interact with the Smartboard
- Doceri – The interactive whiteboard for the iPad
KEY CLASSROOM APPS
While we like to recommend lots and lots of favourite apps, many times it is not about having lots of apps. In the classroom, it is about having a few really good ones. Ones that you can use to create your own materials. When you create your own teaching and learning materials, it means that they are relevant, age appropriate, specific, motivating and most importantly, they suit you, your classroom and your students!
1. Book Creator
[link ids=”book-creator”] Teacher and students can create books with photos, audio, text and video. 101 uses in the classroom! Book Creator Blog Spectronics Blog on Book Creator.
2. Bitsboard Pro
[link ids=”bitsboard-pro”] Vocabulary teaching with interactive games. Use existing vocabulary or easily add your own.
3. Popplet
[link ids=”popplet”] Graphic organiser to create mind-maps, allowing for classroom brainstorming, planning written work and much more!
4. Explain Everything
[link ids=”explain-everything”] Screencasting and interactive whiteboard app, allowing you to create videos with pictures, photos, annotations and narrations. Explain Everything iBook Manual Explain Everything Video Tutorials
5. Puppet Pals
[link ids=”puppetpals-hd”] Create fun and interactive videos.
6. Scan -QR
[link ids=”scan”]
More information on QR Codes
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7. 30 Hands
[link ids=”30hands”] Create slideshow videos easily from photos.
8. Aurasma
[link ids =”aurasma”] Take student interaction to a whole new level. Link videos behind images for on the spot learning and engagement.
APP LISTS
Here is a HUGE collection of team favourite apps that can be used in the classroom, some of which may be demonstrated during the workshop.
APPS FOR LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
{EARLY LITERACY/ SPECIFIC PHONICS INSTRUCTION} Blog links: Apps for Phonics and webinars on Spectronics Online. [link ids=”first-words-deluxe, oz-phonics-1, oz-phonics-2, oz-phonics-3, word-wizard, montessori-crosswords, lettersounds1-pro, lettersounds-2-pro, blending-sounds-1-pro, word-builder, Simplex Spelling Phonics 1, Simplex Spelling Phonics 2 Syllables, simplex-spelling-phonics-advanced-phonograms, Tap the cat, Spelling Games Grade 1,Spelling Games Grade 2,Spelling Games Grade 3,Spelling Games Grade 4,Spelling Games Grade 5,Spelling Games Grade 6, spelling tutor”]
APPS FOR LITERACY SUPPORT
Check out this webinar: Top 10 Apps for Literacy Support Full a full list of Literacy Support Resources, check out Greg’s blog post . GRAPHIC ORGANISORS Full list of apps here: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/apps-for-literacy-support#Mind-Mapping Some examples: [link ids=”tools-4-students-3, tools-4-students-2, popplet, corkulous-pro”] READING TOOLS Reading supports such as: clear formatting, cognitive rescaling, text-to-speech. Full list of apps here: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/apps-for-literacy-support#Reading-Support Some examples: [link ids=”iBooks, ClaroSpeak Australian Edition, Claro PDF, pixter, voice-reader-text-to-speech,readability-score”] Useful websites: Simple Wikipedia – a simple english version of wikipedia Text Compactor – compacts/ summarises inserted text Rewordify – a web based option to help students understand what they read by supporting understanding and vocabulary. WRITING TOOLS Writing supports such as: word prediction, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, word banks. Full list of apps here: http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/apps-for-literacy-support#Writing-and-Notetaking-Support Some examples: [link ids=”clicker-sentences, clicker-docs, tubenotes, WriteOnline, ireadwrite, ClaroSpeak Australian Edition, Co:Writer, Claro PDF, dragon-dictation”]
STUDENTS AS AUTHORS
It has never been easier to put the technology into the hands of our students. Allow them to create projects to demonstrate what they know. This blog post has more ideas and apps: Creation Tools for the iPad. All apps included here are ones that are easy to use and may have good sharing and publishing features. PICTURE CREATION APPS [link ids=”over, skitch, strip-designer, pic wall-plus”] BOOK CREATION APPS [link ids=”book-creator, creative-book-builder”] VIDEO CREATION APPS [link ids=”imovie, sonicpics, mycreate, videolicious, movenote, 30hands, explain-everything”] MUSIC CREATION [link ids=”songify”]
APPS FOR CLASSROOM ORGANISATION
TEACHER TOOLS [link ids=”random-name-selector-lite, random-name-selector-pro, silent-light, bang-boom-buzzer, decide-now”]
- Kahoot – Create quizzes and surveys on getkahoot.com . Students join in on any device or computer by entering the game-pin at kahoot.it .
- Online discussions on Todays Meet or Padlet.
STUDENT ORGANISATION [link ids=”evernote, forgetful”] FUN IN THE CLASSROOM [link ids=”bag-game, toontastic, tellagami-2, Toca Hair Salon 2, mad-libs”]
NUMERACY APPS
Number: [link ids=”Math Dictionary for Kids, Talking Calculator,MyScript Calculator,Panther Calculator,Panther Math Paper,MathBoard,1st Grade Maths: Splash Math,2nd Grade Math: Splash Math,splash-math-3rd-grade,4th Grade Math: Splash Math,5th Grade Math: Splash Math,Everyday Mathematics Addition Top It,Everyday Mathematics Subtraction Top-It,Everyday Mathematics Tric-Trac,Sail through Math, Montessori Numbers”] Money: [link ids=”Jungle Coins, iCAN Count Money Australia”] Time: [link ids=”Telling time – Photo touch game,telling-time-digital-clock,Learning to tell time is fun HD,Telling Time – Fun learn to tell time game ,mathtappers-clockmaster-a-math-game-to-help-children-learn-to-read-clocks”]
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
- Apple and Apps related blog
- Apps for Special Education list
- Apps for Literacy Support List
- Sources for quality app review sites
- Spectronics Online
- Weally Wonderful Apps List by Gerry Kennedy
Discover new apps via an app: [link ids=”Discovr App,AppStart,i.AM Search,Autism Apps,KinderTown,Appstar picks”] Websites:
- Quixey
- Apps for Learning
- Educational app reviews
- APPitic
- Appy Mall
- iPodsibilities
- iTunes – Special Education Apps
Using Social Media
Need to find more? Want to connect with others who are implementing iPads in their schools and exploring the use of the wide range of apps available? Using the time-honoured strategies of occasional conference attendance, as funds are available, or listserve participation or surfing the net is simply no longer enough However the collection of freely available resources and valuable time-sensitive advice for special education teachers and those supporting struggling students has grown exponentially on social media channels – supporting building of powerful Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) without geographic boundaries. A comprehensive overview of these online resources and networks, including Facebook Groups, Twitter hashtags, blogs and key influencers in the field around special education and learning is available via this link bit.ly/Ss4e28