ND Title I Conference

Picture from: http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/title1/fallconf2012.shtm

In about four hours I will be presenting two sessions on iPads at the Title I Fall Conference held in Bismarck, ND. I'm hoping that participants will take back lots of good ideas to their classrooms. It's always exciting for me to share with other teachers and educators! 

Three Tips for Introducing the iPad to Students

It's hard to believe, but summer is over and students are already in their desks. Where did the time go? This post will give you some tips for introducing the iPads to your new students. 

Welcome back to school everyone!

Tip #1

AirPlay using AirServer

Having the ability to roam the classroom with your iPad in hand, can best be done with Apple's AirPlay. The low price makes it a must for classrooms with Activboards or Smartboards. AirPlay will make demonstrating iPad rules and procedures easier.

For more information on the AirServer software the click visit the website at: http://www.airserverapp.com

Tip #2

iPad Scavenger Hunt

Use an iPad Scavenger Hunt to help introduce iPad to your students. Below are a few examples that I found online and can be done with partners at any grade level.

Downloaded from www.olecommunity.com

Few examples of Scavenger Hunts:

http://ipadschools.wikispaces.com/iPad+Scavenger+Hunt

http://primaryipad.weebly.com/ipad-scavenger-hunt.html

Tip #3

iPad Contracts and Use Policy

Students are better users of technology when they know the do's and don'ts. Consider going through your expected behaviors while using the iPads. The example below came from a site on the internet. I like this example because student can see pictures of the behaviors they are expected to display.

http://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/Page/7136

Cover Up Math

 

Cover Up Math  (Free) is a great app that works with students on solving multi-step algebra problems. To begin, the player chooses a level and pulls down the lever, which spins and gives the player a problem. 

If students are not yet fluent, they can use the "cover up" feature to work each step of the problems. These problems can be a good way to work on mental math with higher-level algebraic problems.

   

Algebra Card Clutter

Algebra Card Clutter  (Free) gives users a fun way to practice fluency of a variety of rational numbers. The object of this activity is to touch the cards in the lowest to highest order. This app gets more challenging as the player makes their way through each level. Players have the option to select levels with a list of each level and their focus.  

What a great way to practice with rational numbers...Enjoy!

How to "Zite"

The Zite Personalized Magazine App (Free) can be an educator's best friend when locating the latest professional development, lesson plans, or trends in education. This fairly new app is a fun way to create your own "personalized magazine".

After purchasing the free app you will see how easy it is to set up your Zite. You will pick sections to go into your magazine, along with enter some of your own. Some sections I recommend are shown in the following screenshot. 

This app gives you clear pictures of each article and has easy personalization options. Summer is dwindling and it's almost time to get back in the swing of school, hopefully you will find this app one that will get you motivated. Enjoy!

Yikes!

It's July 10th and I haven't even posted for this month yet...that means I have been enjoying summer break tooooo much! I noticed some activity on the blog today and wanted to welcome comments or suggestions to pages or posts. I would like this space to be a place to share ideas! .....as long as they are positive comments ;)  I'm interested to find out who is looking and reading my posts. It might even be fun to do a Skype chat with your school, if anyone was interested. To all of you...thanks for checking out the iPads in K-8 Education blog.


I have been working on making the Common Core State Standards page more user-friendly, so look for that page to change in the near future.


CCSS Math Page

Factor Samurai and Prime Smash!

Here are two apps that could provide students with fluency practice on factoring and prime numbers. The object of both games is to break each number apart until there are only prime numbers left, either by a samurai sword or smashing the numbers with your finger. Both the apps are free at this time.

Factor Samurai (FREE)

Below is a screenshot of "How to Play" Factor Samurai.

Prime Smash (FREE)

Below is the screenshot for "How to Play" Prime Smash!