iPads

iPads are a useful new technology that can be incorporated into the classroom in a variety of ways. They can be both useful for teachers to use apps to take notes regarding how the classroom is running behavior wise or students using different educational apps that may have games to facilitate more learning and discovery or reinforce the learning that is already occurring in the classroom.
I have used iPads for a number of different reasons for both the before and after school program and the summer camp I work for. One way I have used them is I was involved in running a fitness program and was allotted the use of an iPad which I downloaded a number of free games that all focused on healthy food choices for students to take turns playing. In addition there was also some fitness apps that we recorded different data into upon completing different physical activities. The app I had the most fun using was a free silent films app that I used with a class I taught over the summer about silent films. The kids worked in groups and created their own silent films which all turned out to be funny and cute. The kids enjoyed doing this activity and the app I used was pretty simplistic and it allowed the groups to record their skit and then alter it to include text descriptions and music. With all of these activities the kids really enjoyed being able to use the iPads!