Google and iPads

In a past life I ran a school library, in that library I used Google Calendar for the library timetable, the computer lab timetable, the boardroom and the small private tute room. I set it up with colour coding and found this easily accessible for teachers and myself and it eliminated double booking, which had been a problem in the past. In the classroom I see Google calendar as a valuable tool for students, parents and teachers alike can utilise this to create better organisational skills.

Google also supplies us with many tools that are accessible from anywhere, be it school or home. For example Google docs and Google PowerPoint are great for collaborative work when the participants are not always in the same room. Students can successfully participate in these without fear of their information being deleted. These are both great planning and presenting tools that can be accessed using any computer, laptop, iPad or mobile device anywhere with internet connection.

Then we are blessed with Google earth, images, maps; the list is endless. These Google gods give us many opportunities to learn about our world, environment and people within it. Sadly this also opens us up to opportunities to view less than desirable information, not always truthful.

I am very greatful for my Ipad. Thanks to my iPad I am now a musician because I have virtuoso, I am a digital enhancer thanks to toon camera, magic video, twist, sketch, posterHD-lite, PToonHDLT and PopBooth.

I am able to throw a pot and sell it with Pottery HD Lite. Here is one I made earlier.

And then there are the games. Educational games of course, many games for Maths, English or any learning area. Ipads are quite versatile as a tool as this YouTube shows. 
There is many examples of iPad use in the classroom.

There is an app that takes dictation. In learning I believe this may be a great tool for students that struggle with written language. The students may use an Ipad to recount or narrate text. This then may enable them the opportunity to write their own piece of text. 

The iPad was also used to demonstrate my dog training abilities. There was a reason for three recordings, even though he is very cute! I believe this to be a great tool for students to record their own progress in a number of ways. Initially, students may develop confidence in speaking in front of peers. Secondly students may view themselves in a reflective way to enable them to see where they may improve their verbal skills. Finally they may assist their peers in cool and warm feedback to further develop these skills.

I have used an IPad in the classroom for students to use with a maths manipulative to explain fractions. This was recorded by another student and shown to the class. The response was very positive for a number of reasons. Students were able to make meaning with the resources as well as hone their verbal skills. The other student was able to film thereby acquiring another skill. Finally these mini movies can be uploaded to another site for other students to utilise. I see iPads being used for demonstration purposes as well to assist any type of learning. In the classroom I have also witnessed iPads being used as timers in science. As it is a large screen all students were able to view the timer which added to the excitement of the experiments as they began to count down together. This meant students remained engaged for the whole lesson, not just their own segment.

When used for authentic learning iPads can be an asset to the classroom.