Getting things setup
The day had finally come that I would finally get my hands on 10 iPad minis for my classroom. This was an exciting step for me towards a new way to teach in the classroom. I am a big believer in how technology can enhance the learning in the classroom. We will have to let time tell us if this was a good idea for my classroom or not.
Setup for this process happened in steps:
When getting the minis, I first had to decide how I was going to keep them in my classroom. Did I want to store them on top of my COW (Computers on Wheels Cart), in my COW or should I get a separate storage cart? After chatting with my other lovely ladies at school about what they are going to be doing, I decided that I would keep them with my computers in the COW. Part of the reason that I am keeping them in the COW, which is different then my co-workers, is that my COW actually has power that runs through it. This will help with the charging process.
Setup for this process happened in steps:
When getting the minis, I first had to decide how I was going to keep them in my classroom. Did I want to store them on top of my COW (Computers on Wheels Cart), in my COW or should I get a separate storage cart? After chatting with my other lovely ladies at school about what they are going to be doing, I decided that I would keep them with my computers in the COW. Part of the reason that I am keeping them in the COW, which is different then my co-workers, is that my COW actually has power that runs through it. This will help with the charging process.
How am I going to group my kids to be able to use them?
I decided that I would group my kids into groups of three. One reason is that I am getting new tables in a month and they will fit three kids at a desk. The other reason is that the groups break up almost perfectly because I have 28 kids in my room. I placed my kids in learning groups that will benefit all kids. Then I assigned each group of three a number. Each group then was assigned 2 Mac books which were labeled with their group number and an A or B to tell them apart. These two laptops will go with the mini and an iPod touch as a "technology bundle." (This is what I have decided to call it for now...it might change)
Second part of the process:
Deciding what type of Apps I want or " think I need" on them. At first I synced all the apps that I had on the iTouches, but that turned out not to be the best idea. Less is more in this case. I took everything off my minis and for a couple of days I used my iPad and tried to decided what were the key apps that I tended to use the most. I new that I could always add to the list, but I wanted to start slow, so not to overwhelm the kids. Some of the key apps that I put on were basic math and reading apps. I also put some grammar and writing apps as well. Their were some apps that I added after I figured out how to work it with the wireless. I am glad that I took some off and chose only the highly used / most useful ones.
Putting in the learners hands:
On day one the kids were so excited to see what we could do with the mini's. We discussed a number of things such as the "home" button, how to turn the mini on, how to swipe and change screens to find apps. We started with a QR code app (NeoReader) that scans QR codes. We have been doing a lot of work with QR codes in our classroom and I was doing a presentation with them in the coming weeks, so I wanted them to learn how to use the app. After introducing the students to NeoReader, I showed them how to create their own QR codes within Safari on goqr.me and then I use an app called FancyQR. It is a very basic app, but it gets the job done. ***Only issue is our schools lovely (being sarcastic) wireless system. It requires the kids to log in so that they can monitor what they are on. Pain in the butt for a teacher.
After we conquered the QR codes, I wanted them to try and work in groups with a new app called "Explain Everything." I am in love with this app. Not only has it help my students learn to work together and expand my teaching, but it has opened the door for students to share what they think and how they got to that answer. I showed the kids how to record a written explanation in this program and they ran with it. I got to see and HEAR who can truly tell me what they know and what they don't know. I have also used this app to focus on comprehension questions. I broke them into their three person groups and after reading our focus story in reading, had the kids come up wit questions to ask the other groups for point. They loved it so much more than doing a work sheet. Their are so many ways to use these mini the options are endless.
After we conquered the QR codes, I wanted them to try and work in groups with a new app called "Explain Everything." I am in love with this app. Not only has it help my students learn to work together and expand my teaching, but it has opened the door for students to share what they think and how they got to that answer. I showed the kids how to record a written explanation in this program and they ran with it. I got to see and HEAR who can truly tell me what they know and what they don't know. I have also used this app to focus on comprehension questions. I broke them into their three person groups and after reading our focus story in reading, had the kids come up wit questions to ask the other groups for point. They loved it so much more than doing a work sheet. Their are so many ways to use these mini the options are endless.
Challenges I have had so far:
-Wireless
-How to share what kids are doing on the mini without having to hook up the adapter.
-Student log in
-Flash/Java
-Not having enough for all
-Logistics
-Storing of the mini's
-Syncing one at a time
-How to share what kids are doing on the mini without having to hook up the adapter.
-Student log in
-Flash/Java
-Not having enough for all
-Logistics
-Storing of the mini's
-Syncing one at a time