Comment

Comment by Blanca Duarte Martini on June 1, 2011 at 10:39pm

Matt, I'm curious. 

The syncing of 82 devices can be quite an ordeal! Do you have a management solution, are you using special software or attaching them to a laptop / desktop individually in order to update them? I'd like to see a model where students are responsible for updating their devices on their own. Have you looked at the documentation that the iRead project in CA has created?  iRead Google Site

At one of my districts the ESL department uses them to measure fluency and reading comprehension. I'm wondering how you are using them in your smaller classes vs larger ones. Are there specific targets set aside for this year or is this year your pilot year to get teachers comfortable and exploring new ways of teaching and learning? 

 

Comment by Jamie Nolan on March 17, 2011 at 8:37am

The most comprehensive site I've seen yet for using iPads in the classrooms:http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/eleven-more-incredi...

Comment by Ryan Fisk on February 8, 2011 at 4:17pm

National Geographic has a terrific app "World Atlas HD" - http://www.natgeomaps.com/mobile_atlas_hd.html  It combines all the eye candy of Google Earth / Bing Maps with up-to-date data including executive and political maps, population, flags, GDP, languages, etc.

 

 I shared this prior in the email LISTSERV, but Engadget ran an article showcasing some educational/reference apps (including the one above) - http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/06/ipad-apps-for-your-reference/

Finally, below are some more iPad Apps for the elementary classroom:

 

Language and Vocabulary

Here you’ll find apps for learning the alphabet, using the dictionary, reviewing grammar rules, and more.

1. ABC Animals: Help young children learn the alphabet and phonics with this cute, illustrated app.
2. Word Magic: Kids fill in the missing letter to form words, accompanied by bright pictures.
3. Clifford’s BE BIG with Words: In this game, kids spell out words so that Clifford and his friends can think of things to paint.
4. Dictionary.com – Dictionary and Thesaurus: This easy-to-use app features a search bar, thesaurus, search history and word of the day.
5. Free Span

Comment by Matthew Gaven on February 5, 2011 at 3:49pm

We are using the iPads at Jackson Elementary in Mineola. We gave 81 fifth graders the iPads in September. e have seen some great results including increased student engagement and more student access to web content. We have spent more time on research projects for the kids as well. There are also some tech hiccups...they do not work easily with a microsoft network set up and syncing 82 iPads is a timely process. I would love to connect with any district that feels that they have had some success with mobile device management.

sincerely,
Matt Gaven
Principal
Jackson Ave.

Comment by Matthew Gaven on February 1, 2011 at 9:10pm

Hi,
We have deployed 82 iPads to our fifth grade students. We are thrilled with the results so far. Students are more engaged...teachers a creating more opportunities for in depth learning through research projects. There have been some tech issues like trying to work with apple technology with a Microsoft network

my teachers have been great...we gave them one period per week of group planning time to work on ways to integrate the iPads with the curriculum. they have been great...we started in September and use email for the students to file share with each other and teachers. Our parents are happy and so are the teachers. I feel we are very much at the beginning of an exciting phase in educational technology...if the fin aces can support it...

Matt Gaven
Principal
Jackson Ave School
MIneola

Comment by William Brennan, Ed.D. on January 16, 2011 at 9:22pm

Jamie,

Thanks for sharing this valuable link. I have seen some schools start to make excellent use of iPads or similar. It certainly is exciting and holds the potential for student centered learning.

It would be great to see others contribute to your post here.

Any takers? How are you using iPads or other similar devices with students or faculty?

Bill