iPad in Literacy

This video is so well done and well worth the watch just because it's so sweet.

Your iPad should be Catelogued

Over this past week, I have been cataloguing all the technology devices in our school with June in the library. If you have a piece of equipment it will be signed out in your name. So far all the mimios and document cameras have been done and I am working on getting all the iPads completed. For instance, if you are piloting one of the iPads make sure you have it signed out of your name when you return it at the end of the school year--I will be there to sort through this with you, in any case. This new system will be more efficient in keeping track of serial numbers and who has what device!!

Syncing Your iPad

The computer off the staffroom where the exercise equipment can be used to sync the ipads. It's my understanding that it's good to sync your ipad every now and then because it clears up all the little glitches. I don't think you need to do it very often --like once every few months. It also probably depends on how many apps are being downloaded and what sorts of apps they are. I will be writing out a sheet for new users to follow.Meanwhile you might like to watch this video if you are new to using itunes and syncing your ipad. Remember it's important not to sync all the photos so make sure you have selected photos checked off. If you are unsure then see me and I can review it with you.

Tutorial on syncing your ipad with the computer

School iPad organizer--iPad configurator

I have been to Hapnot Collegiate to explore what they've been up to with their iPads armed with multitudes of questions. Their school has purchased 10 iPads for the teachers to explore and become comfortable with. They have set them up on a mac desktop app called--iPad Configurator--which has been developed by Apple to help schools organize and manage the iPads. I am impressed!!!
Back I went to our wonderful tech secretary with excitement to see if this was something we could do. I was initially hoping we could manage our iPads on a PC ---which we can still do but we also need to set it up with a Mac too{the iPad Configurator is only compatible with a Mac--of course}. SOOoooo-- first Katherine had to update her Mac to the latest OS and after much conferencing with tech support and a few "OH,NO's" the app has been downloaded and good to go on Katherine's Mac. The iPad configurator will be good to use when setting up a mass group of iPads so they can all have the same settings and a common group of the same apps.

iPod Pilot Teachers

Grade 4/5-Ryan--Grade 2/3 Enns
The students are really enjoying the ipad in their classroom. It's been a wonderful incentive to get work completed and have a chance to experience some of the apps. It's also been a great learning tool for those  who need the extra support.It's hard to meet the needs of a whole classroom with one ipad especially without an adaptor such as a vga or hdmi  to share it on the whiteboard for all to see. We talked about the cases and how important a strong sturdy case is so that the students could have more hands on with the ipad--such as using the camera. I've been discussing with teachers about how they feel the ipad would be most effective in the classroom. I keep hearing pods of at least 4 to share as a center. Of course it would be ideal to have a pod just for each classroom but us teachers are also very good at sharing.

Ipads-$419.
cases- $50-$100
vga adapter-$29. or
hdmi adapter-$39. & $20. for the long hdmi cord or
 apple tv which would allow the ipad to be wireless for about $100.

Some apps to try out are the Educreations, Show Me, iMovie, Pop Words, Fluency Timer, Holiday Pic It