iPad Apps
1. Bump for iPhone/ can be used on iPads (free) – this is one of my favorite apps in the elementary classroom and widely overlooked for its use. Bump can also be installed on iPads and iPods (as well as Android devices). When students take pictures or videos, work on documents or applications where documentation is created on the iPad/iPod, instead of plugging in the device to take those items off of the device to be used within a project on the computer (turn in, etc.), we use BUMP to transfer all of the items to one device. The teacher or student leader can then plug in that one device to the computer and transfer needed items or the teacher can transfer items to his/her device if needed. This is a great way to quickly transfer items from one device to another. Even personal devices can be used because once the item is transferred, the connection is lost and no hacking, security, or risks take place.
2. Screenchomp for iPad (free) –Similar to screenr or Screencast-O-Matic, ScreenChomp allows you to record, sketch, and share a replay-able video that tells your story clearly.
3. Songify ($2.99)– students speak into the app (math facts, science vocabulary terms, technology digital citizenship terms, poems, stories, sentences, etc.) then the app turns the info into a song for playback. Great way for the students to remember information through song.
4. Science 360 (free) – NSF has provided engaging images and videos on a wide range of topics. Videos and images can easily be saved and used for projects as referenced in the app.
5. ScienceHouse (free) – Hands-on science lessons that are great for inexpensive experiments and hands-on learning.
6. Virtual Manipulatives (free) –a guided, interactive app for fraction creations. Fraction bars, pie charts, and a whiteboard allow the students to manipulate fractions on the iPad.
7. StopAnimator (free) – great for time-lapse video creations within Science. Easy to use, simple design allows this app to be used at all levels.
8. QuickOffice / SmartOffice / DocsToGo(prices vary from $4.99-15.99) – these apps allow Microsoft Office files to be edited on the iPad.
9. StoryWheel / StoryRobe ($2.99 / $0.99) – Digital storytelling creation apps that can be used to provide movies on any STEM topic.
10. FreeAppTracker (free) – Allows you to track, share, or purchase an app directly through the app tracker. I have purchased many free apps when I am tracking a specific app and the price either drops or goes free for a short time.
Whiteboard Apps
1. SplashTop ($4.99)– This app allows me to control my desktop directly from my iPad/Phone just like you would an Activ or SmartSlate. (A lot cheaper than a slate.) We have many teachers that use this in our district and they love the fact that they can connect to the desktop quickly to show the class a concept while they are at a learning center, or they can interrupt a learning center on the whiteboard to help reteach a concept. The best part is the mobility and option to be “away” from the board and move about the room while still being in control of the interactive whiteboard.
2. iTap RDP ($11.99) – This app, if setup on the back end by your Network guru, will allow you to access your district network files (eLocker) and programs directly from your iPad. A little setup, but once the network part is setup, the app is purchased, directions are found on our Technology website - http://ww2.bullittschools.org/technology/?page_id=825, installation of the app, and all files can easily be retrieved through the app. In conjunction with SmartOffice or another Office application, files can be edited and sent back to the network without ever leaving your iPad behind.
3. Educreations (free) – This is very similar to Screencast-O-Matic on the computer but I can draw on the iPad and record my narration. The same thing can be done on an ActivBoard or Smart Board, but this affords the ability to post to a social networking site or use as a video on my website. I love this app for the kids more than the teachers because they can SHOW you their learning through action rather than you, as the teacher, only ever seeing the final results in some
cases.
4. Smart Notebook / ActivInspire Software(free with IWB) - There are so many interactive tools within each of these interactive whiteboard applications. The only true difference between the two boards (which is now solved due to an
upgrade) is that one used touch and pen while the other just used a pen. Now both boards use touch or pen but the SmartBoard still has the edge as it has Touch Recognition cabilities by sensors placed in each corner of the board. Games can be played by one finger swipe, multi-touch motions just like using a tablet, as well as single touch tool commands. I love the database and software interface for ActivBoards, but the SmartBoard, itself, is much more relative to a "touch" driven technology learner/society.
Hardware Add-Ons for iPhone/iTouch/iPad/Laptop
1. iPad Stylus Pen($5-$30) – allows more precision touch yet the ability to use a pen tip to draw or write on the iPad screen. This is a great tool for students who have problems with touch, coordination, and fine motor skills. As well as opening up the "real world" skill of writing on the iPad just as you would on a notebook.
2. LiveScribe Pen ($100-$200 for pen $10-40 for notebook) - this is a great tool for assistive technology with our special needs students. Teachers can record instructions for students so that they can listen to the instructions on the pen while completing the task on the paper. This is also a great way to take notes while also recording the audio from the class so that notes can be compared to the actual real-time lecture. The students love using the LiveScribe pens, however they are very pricey considering some teachers like to use three to four pens per classroom.
3. Optoma PK301+ Pico Pocket Projector($250-$350 / can be found cheaper) – we love this projector because when we are presenting to an audience and need to show something on an iPad while also showing something on the main projector.
When the computer is not in use, we use the iPad under a document camera or a VGA dongle, but when both are needed, we use this mini-projector. http://www.focusedtechnology.com/optoma-pk301--projector.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=19154206696&utm_content=pla&gclid=CIr53LjFzrcCFZPm7AodhHcAUQ
4. iPad VGA Dongle($25-$30) – Use the iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter to connect an iPad to your television, projector, or VGA display. Then see your videos and slideshows on the big screen. The iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter connects to your iPad or iPad Dock via the dock connector and to your projector or display using the VGA adapter. This also allows students to connect their device to the projector/computer to use for their own presentation.
5. Apple TV ($99) – The normal streaming of Apple TV is great, but we love the ability to show the iPad directly through the projector without connecting and disconnecting cables. Plus, anyone that has the passcode to the Apple TV can take over so it can easily be used for visiting presenters or students with iPods, iPads that wish to add to a presentation or create on their
own device.
1. Bump for iPhone/ can be used on iPads (free) – this is one of my favorite apps in the elementary classroom and widely overlooked for its use. Bump can also be installed on iPads and iPods (as well as Android devices). When students take pictures or videos, work on documents or applications where documentation is created on the iPad/iPod, instead of plugging in the device to take those items off of the device to be used within a project on the computer (turn in, etc.), we use BUMP to transfer all of the items to one device. The teacher or student leader can then plug in that one device to the computer and transfer needed items or the teacher can transfer items to his/her device if needed. This is a great way to quickly transfer items from one device to another. Even personal devices can be used because once the item is transferred, the connection is lost and no hacking, security, or risks take place.
2. Screenchomp for iPad (free) –Similar to screenr or Screencast-O-Matic, ScreenChomp allows you to record, sketch, and share a replay-able video that tells your story clearly.
3. Songify ($2.99)– students speak into the app (math facts, science vocabulary terms, technology digital citizenship terms, poems, stories, sentences, etc.) then the app turns the info into a song for playback. Great way for the students to remember information through song.
4. Science 360 (free) – NSF has provided engaging images and videos on a wide range of topics. Videos and images can easily be saved and used for projects as referenced in the app.
5. ScienceHouse (free) – Hands-on science lessons that are great for inexpensive experiments and hands-on learning.
6. Virtual Manipulatives (free) –a guided, interactive app for fraction creations. Fraction bars, pie charts, and a whiteboard allow the students to manipulate fractions on the iPad.
7. StopAnimator (free) – great for time-lapse video creations within Science. Easy to use, simple design allows this app to be used at all levels.
8. QuickOffice / SmartOffice / DocsToGo(prices vary from $4.99-15.99) – these apps allow Microsoft Office files to be edited on the iPad.
9. StoryWheel / StoryRobe ($2.99 / $0.99) – Digital storytelling creation apps that can be used to provide movies on any STEM topic.
10. FreeAppTracker (free) – Allows you to track, share, or purchase an app directly through the app tracker. I have purchased many free apps when I am tracking a specific app and the price either drops or goes free for a short time.
Whiteboard Apps
1. SplashTop ($4.99)– This app allows me to control my desktop directly from my iPad/Phone just like you would an Activ or SmartSlate. (A lot cheaper than a slate.) We have many teachers that use this in our district and they love the fact that they can connect to the desktop quickly to show the class a concept while they are at a learning center, or they can interrupt a learning center on the whiteboard to help reteach a concept. The best part is the mobility and option to be “away” from the board and move about the room while still being in control of the interactive whiteboard.
2. iTap RDP ($11.99) – This app, if setup on the back end by your Network guru, will allow you to access your district network files (eLocker) and programs directly from your iPad. A little setup, but once the network part is setup, the app is purchased, directions are found on our Technology website - http://ww2.bullittschools.org/technology/?page_id=825, installation of the app, and all files can easily be retrieved through the app. In conjunction with SmartOffice or another Office application, files can be edited and sent back to the network without ever leaving your iPad behind.
3. Educreations (free) – This is very similar to Screencast-O-Matic on the computer but I can draw on the iPad and record my narration. The same thing can be done on an ActivBoard or Smart Board, but this affords the ability to post to a social networking site or use as a video on my website. I love this app for the kids more than the teachers because they can SHOW you their learning through action rather than you, as the teacher, only ever seeing the final results in some
cases.
4. Smart Notebook / ActivInspire Software(free with IWB) - There are so many interactive tools within each of these interactive whiteboard applications. The only true difference between the two boards (which is now solved due to an
upgrade) is that one used touch and pen while the other just used a pen. Now both boards use touch or pen but the SmartBoard still has the edge as it has Touch Recognition cabilities by sensors placed in each corner of the board. Games can be played by one finger swipe, multi-touch motions just like using a tablet, as well as single touch tool commands. I love the database and software interface for ActivBoards, but the SmartBoard, itself, is much more relative to a "touch" driven technology learner/society.
Hardware Add-Ons for iPhone/iTouch/iPad/Laptop
1. iPad Stylus Pen($5-$30) – allows more precision touch yet the ability to use a pen tip to draw or write on the iPad screen. This is a great tool for students who have problems with touch, coordination, and fine motor skills. As well as opening up the "real world" skill of writing on the iPad just as you would on a notebook.
2. LiveScribe Pen ($100-$200 for pen $10-40 for notebook) - this is a great tool for assistive technology with our special needs students. Teachers can record instructions for students so that they can listen to the instructions on the pen while completing the task on the paper. This is also a great way to take notes while also recording the audio from the class so that notes can be compared to the actual real-time lecture. The students love using the LiveScribe pens, however they are very pricey considering some teachers like to use three to four pens per classroom.
3. Optoma PK301+ Pico Pocket Projector($250-$350 / can be found cheaper) – we love this projector because when we are presenting to an audience and need to show something on an iPad while also showing something on the main projector.
When the computer is not in use, we use the iPad under a document camera or a VGA dongle, but when both are needed, we use this mini-projector. http://www.focusedtechnology.com/optoma-pk301--projector.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=19154206696&utm_content=pla&gclid=CIr53LjFzrcCFZPm7AodhHcAUQ
4. iPad VGA Dongle($25-$30) – Use the iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter to connect an iPad to your television, projector, or VGA display. Then see your videos and slideshows on the big screen. The iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter connects to your iPad or iPad Dock via the dock connector and to your projector or display using the VGA adapter. This also allows students to connect their device to the projector/computer to use for their own presentation.
5. Apple TV ($99) – The normal streaming of Apple TV is great, but we love the ability to show the iPad directly through the projector without connecting and disconnecting cables. Plus, anyone that has the passcode to the Apple TV can take over so it can easily be used for visiting presenters or students with iPods, iPads that wish to add to a presentation or create on their
own device.