Educational Technology for Teachers

So I have 1:1 iPads in my classroom, now what?

 

First: Take a deep breath. No one is expecting you to immediately throw all your paper and pencils and crayons out the window.

 

So it's great. Our schools have gone 1:1 with some of our grades with iPads. What do I do with this wonderful resource? This page is designed to give you a bunch of resources to help get you started.

 

1. The first thing I want to stress is don't go APP crazy to start off with. If you want to expermient with APPs on your iPad you can do so. I would suggest becoming comfortable with 5-10 core apps that you can use in your classroom right away. I ran into an iPad the other day with over 90 apps on it. This is overwhelming from an organizational standpoint as well as a usage standpoint. Choose your core apps and use them, master them, know them inside and out and think of new and interesting ways to use these apps.
    

2. One of the First things first you can BOOK ME for time in your classroom. I am available Monday at Shapleigh and Tuesday at Line. The rest of the week I am open. Please utilize me as your first line of assistance in helping you get going with iPads in the classroom. I am available at ANY of my schools on Wednesday- Friday mornings and after school on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I am here to help!
    

3. Read this article. It gives clear and concise steps about what to do See Below:
    

   1. Set clear expectations

   2. Get organized

   3. Start with Small Meaningful Activities

   4. Set 10 minutes aside each day to teach new and specific skills for students

   5. Utilize the iPad as a creation device and instill this in your students
       

4. Remember that iPads are a tool just like any other tool in your classroom. They are in your classroom to compliment the many skills you already have. You may need to adjust the way you think about iPads and create a happy marriage between your skills and the differentiation methods on the iPad.
    

5. Don't be afraid to look to the internet for help: there are thousands of pre established resources on the internet which will compliment your PLC. Don't be afraid to join twitter and just look at the posts people have already done with links to articles, videos, and resources that WILL be useful for your classroom. If you are interested in finding out more about Twitter and how it is useful for searching please contact me!