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| My photo of MacWorld magazine article on "Appstravaganza!" |
"APP for That" EDUCATION- Fine Arts Photo /Music/Presentation
With over 200,000 apps for the iPhone and 1,000s' for the iPad-we can usually find an app for all kinds of things- including education. I did a Google search for "iPads in the classroom" to see 82,000 results about how ipads support teaching to see how others are using ipads and encourage you to do the same. This new tool with it's mobility is rising in use and has educators why should I use it in schools? Change for what? I ask, "how can I use iPads in the classroom", "how is it better than a laptop", and "what apps work for what"?
If the tool can help me manage my classroom more efficiently, than I want it.
If the tool helps kids learn, I want it more.
These questions take some time to research, try it, and see if YOU like it. It means changing the way you do things and at first that always takes more time- AND finding out what does NOT work but there is no easy answer. Educators continue to select a certain book or lesson as it fits their style or addresses students' needs so I don't advocate for ONE tool to fit everyone's needs!
However, putting a tool in each student's hands that is mobile, multi-tasking, and engaging - there is plenty to do to make teaching and learning more efficient, rewarding, and advanced. For our students today are not going to be tied down to a pc or limited to reading paper only- they are digital natives born into a life of mobile devices and communications. Books will not be replaced but reading will be and IS on many platforms not just Paper. Writing on a surface to share with others is here to stay but we do have more tools than cave people or Egyptians did.
As a lifelong Mac lover, I am more open to portable devices that offer the array of apps and design for easy access and learning I love my iPhone - and appreciate the iPad introduction to more to do with more mobility than my MacBook Pro. Hence, I am exploring this first edition to new learning for "iPads in the classroom". You make your choice.
Here are some apps suggestions.
Presentation tools and more...
Presentation apps in addition to using iPad vga connector and document camera with great reviews:
iDemoWeb by MightyMeeting Inc to use a VGA out using iPad as a web browser to connect to projector. $1.99
2Screens-Presentation Expert 2Screens has the ability to output to a projector from a web browser in addition to many other useful features. $4.99
Keynote -$9.99 -slide show presentation
WRITING APPS
Pages-$9.99- word processing program, nice templates, will save as word document.
Scriptwriting- free- one writes and it will set the format for scripts.
Dragon Dictation- free-Voice recognition to speak, see, and read text, then share to edit and email
ART -Photo
Impression- free - allows you to add a water mark to pics
Photo PAD- free- manipulate pics and make products Zaggskin
PhotoShop Express-free- tools for cropping, color correction, borders
Louvre- free- Museum art work in gallery form
Getty Images- free- wonderful photographs displayed in true Getty form-editorial, creative, searches
Reuters Gallery- free- News in Pictures and video- great gallery updated daily
HIGH SCHOOL
Notes - free - note taking and saving
Evernote- free version- jot down notes, take pics, and voice recording, more versatile, can save many places
SCIENCE
GoSkywatch- free- great astronomy tool
MUSIC
Music Studio Lite - free- allows you to create instruments and record tracks
Entrackment- free- allows remote controlling devices.
Virtual Sheet Music- free- access to virtual sheet music
Pandora- free- Start with favorite music or artist and it creates a library or station of similiar music.
FOR FUN
Frogs in a POCKET- free - non-violent game getting frogs to develop and multiply for points
Netflix- subscription for film rentals
Using "iPads in the classroom" is a hot topic as more students and their families are sharing them at home for school research, entertainment, and communications with reports of how happy they are as the tools are "easier to hold" and multi- task. It's one big advantage being is the mobility, using less paper and ink, and multi-access to resources.
The apps make it increasing more user friendly and applicable to enriching our lives.
I will be exploring more and making more reviews for use, in the meantime, Enjoy!
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