Ipad Apps
What follows are links to pages that contain lists of apps that my fellow colleagues and I have used in our K-5 classrooms with success for both students and teachers. The list is by no means exhaustive, but I try to keep it updated and as current as possible. You will notice that I don't have lists of apps by subject area. This is because in terms of what we really want our students doing on the iPads, there are very few subject specific apps that we use. We prefer to focus more, on research, critical thinking, creation of content, and collaboration. Using a device such as an iPad for activities that are better accomplished with manipulatives, games, or personal interaction is just improper use of both time and resources. So, be sure to carefully plan iPad usage in a manner that supports instructional and learning goals, not iPad use.
The most important apps of all! Students have stories to tell; stories about themselves, about their perspectives of the world, their hopes and dreams, and also what they know and have learned. Giving them the forum to tell their stories in various digital formats is very empowering for students. But you can't stop with creation. These stories need a platform where others can find them. This is where the power of these apps truly lies. When my students began publishing blogs, I finally didn't have to hound them about grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They had an audience they needed to reach, and their content had to be up to par in order to do it.
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Getting students together to learn about each other, whether through quad blogging, collaborative projects, or shared readings, have been a powerful force in opening the eyes of my students to the idea that as different as we are, we are all much more similar than they originally thought. Being part of a group community is always good for building self-esteem and self-efficacy.
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OK, so this may be a bit inaccurate, as technically, I am listing apps that teach coding skills, such as logical thought processes, patterns, looping, etc. But this is the way to train young minds in the ways of thinking that true coding will later require of them. There is also use of mathematical strategy here as well. These apps are good for everyone, pre-K to adults.
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Augmented reality is new to the world of apps, even the "old" apps have not been around much more than a year or two. But this is an up an coming area of communication with digital devices. Think of augmented reality as QR codes run amok, 3D viewing of models that will knock your socks off, and content creation that is a party for your eyeballs.
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We all need them, and they come in handy. Most of these are simple, but useful and you'll be glad you have them when the need arises.
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Still haven't found a good plan book app that I like, but there is a host of other apps than can help automate, simplify, or ease your life as a teacher on this page. If you have a great app for planning please share it with me!
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