Apps in Education

Smart e-Book Interface Prototype from KAIST

2012-01-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

This is another great find from the guys over at iPadCreative. Make sure you check out the rest of their blog. It really does have some interesting finds for both ipad users and for people interested in using iPads in education.

Some have said that Apple's designs, both hardware and software, are so complete that it's almost impossible for competitors to come up with anything new without infringing on their patents. This smart eBook interface prototype from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) shows that competing against Apple's innovation is certainly not impossible. Many of the ideas on show are some of the most innovatitve we've seen in a long while.

We hope to see this technology implemented on the iPad (and other eBook readers) in some shape or form shortly.

http://www.ipadcreative.com/blog/

My E-Textbook Manifesto:

2012-01-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

The Apple announcement this week about iBooks Author - the new app that will allow anyone to create and distribute multimedia interactive books has been a long time coming. The initial introduction of PDF documents and then ePub documents into iBooks was always a stop gap measure because of the limitations of each of the individual formats. Anyone could produce these documents but they did not really live up to the promise of what we knew was possible. I knew what we could create in Pages but I was unable to reproduce this in an interactive format to distribute to my students on iBooks.

This announcement needs to be tempered with an evaluation of what we want and what we need as teachers. After all, we are the ones that are at the coalface, we are the risk takers, the experimenters, the alchemists. What do we want for our students? What do our students need from e-texts?

I am not sure that I have an exact answer yet but I given some thought to the notion. So here we go - Part wish list, part rant.

My e-Textbook Manifesto:

As educators what do we want from e-textbooks?

It goes without saying that the e-Textbooks need to be visually stunning. This is imperative given the nature of the iPad and what we have already seen as possible. The e-textbooks need to have an inherent interactivity that engages all our students - it should be a fascinating read, because the concepts in it are demonstrated with interactive images, text and manipulatives. They need to have visuals that can be dismantled in order to focus on one aspect of the system and then the ability to gradually add components to see how the parts work together in order for the whole to perform. The students should be able to change the variables so that the effects are changed accordingly. The e-Textbook should be filled with engaging non-linear interactive media that allows the students the freedom to negotiate their own learning activities. In the e-Textbooks we want learning experiences that immerse the students into the real world experiences that a mathematician, scientist, architect or product designer experiences. It should include interviews with these same mathematicians, scientists or artists.

The interactivity of the touch interface is the key element. It is the manipulation of the information by the students themselves that will create a sense of purpose and ownership. If e-Texts are to become the norm, they need to do a better job than most e-Books are doing at the moment. Our students should instinctively take to iPads without instruction because the stimulus material is real, is manipulative and is connected to their lives. The developers need to do this at the most basic levels, the student’s everyday digital tools, like Facebook, internet, chat networks or texting tools will be need to be a part of the experience . We need to include these social media tools in order to facilitate information and research sharing, for collaboration, group projects, resource sharing, videos or how-to-instructions.

How do we ensure understanding?

To develop a deep level of understanding students need to decode, decipher, digest, reflect, and then re-package their findings. If we are talking about revolutionizing education we need e-Textbooks with integrated Web 2.0 tools. We need to provide students with app like experiences within each of the chapters, we need to provide them with a wide range of web technologies and collaborative tools. They should be able to draw diagrams, charts, tables, drawings and sketches straight into the document as part of annotated notes. We need to give the students the ability to create animations, incorporate video or include annotated graphics. We should provide the students the ability to manipulate existing graphics to then re-present in their own workbooks or study notes.

We need e-Textbooks that allow students to complete tasks that utilise a variety of apps or Web 2.0 tools in order for the students to become content creators - producing content that illustrates their understanding of the concepts being studied. Surely we have proven to ourselves that the iPad is not just a consumption device. We need to provide students with real and authentic audiences for the content that they do produce. This could be with an integrated e-Portfolio app or even an RSS feed that produces magazine style publications of a student or class’s work - Flipboard style

We need to provide e-Textbooks that are constantly updated. This is important considering the transient nature of information itself. We should expect the e-Texts to be updated on the iTunes App Store model, with each update including the most current information, updated and improved tools and notifications of upcoming exhibitions, lectures, movies or publications that may be relevant to the course or concept in the chapter.

E-Textbooks need to include all of the visual clues of an interactive game. We should be constantly informed of the number of course outcomes we have met, we should see bars informing us of how far we have come in the chapter, how many more research questions or interactive quizzes we need to complete. We could be awarded badges for the different levels of the book we have completed successfully. We could even have embedded games or puzzles that are used as rewards for tasks completed. In fact there is more than enough evidence to suggest that whole chapters/units may even be able to be games. Game Based Learning as an activity in the e-Textbook where specific outcomes are specifically addressed as part of the nature and goals of the game would be perfect for some students.

These e-Texts would need to be equipped with modeling tools to forecast and then see the consequence of predictions. They would need to include tools like maps, charts, graphics and tables with touch screen abilities to alter variants. They would have to include integrated geo-search to locate twitter feeds or Facebook posts around specific issues or problems across the world. These e-Texts would have to include widgets to locate any place name or other names in relation to topics mentioned in the text as well as geographically locating blog sites locales, experts, universities etc. They would even provide realtime access to artists and artist’s studios, sketchbooks, inspirations, the music they listen to, the people they follow or who follows them. You could even embed the ability to back channel or crowd source solutions or issues, problems, challenges, designs, inventions. You could poll experts, have Skype conferences or watch TED style lectures. You could even have Webquests as part of an activity. But why stop here, why not also include voice to text answer facilities for those students with greater verbal intelligence, augmented reality and virtual excursions to the ancient world or under the sea. Lets really open up the world to our students.

Can we monitor a students progress?

I can see a situation where teachers would have a host copy of a e-Textbook and each of their students would log into an online teacher portal. Teachers would then be able to access student data so they can use it at a glance and in real time to assess the performance of individual students or groups. The e-Textbooks would have embedded links to or copies of the relevant syllabus documents - allowing the students and teachers to cross reference learning activities with syllabus outcomes.

The technology is available for these e-Textbooks to monitor, record and become cognisant of what the learner has mastered and where he/she needs assistance. Individualised instruction and differentiated activities could be presented ensuring that the weaknesses that the e-books identifies become strengths. The e-Textbooks could also provide opportunity for enrichment and self extension. Some of these activities could be based on the student's preferred Learning Styles.

Students would be able to access their own information in order to take responsibility for their own learning. Each of their self paced tutorials and auto-assessed tasks, games, animations, simulations or student lead research projects would be included in their built-in e-Portfolios. Question and answer sections would be instantly marked and therefore could be repeated until mastery has occurred - hopefully the students realise it is an open book quiz, the real task is about locating the information. The e-Texts would also have response and poll capabilities so the teacher could check for understanding.

In my class the students would need the ability to collect or bookmark their own information sources/resources. They would have the ability to create text or video annotations that could be shared with their peers. I would also add a series of graphic organisers and mindmapping tools for creating summaries or study notes. While we are at it, lets create a feature that automatically references any source from the text used in student work and text to voice reading of texts and instructions, scaffolding of written tasks and homework. The e-Text could have it own little avatar helper reminding the students of what the expectations of homework are or when an assessment task is due.

The self publishing model would also allow the teacher more opportunity to develop topical and relevant activities post production to ensure that the student tasks meets local needs. These local differences could be shared or developed at a network level and then included in updates.

Postscript: Are e-textbooks the answer?

The short answer is no. E-Textbooks are a tool, a tool that in the hands of good teachers and motivated students would produce some absolutely special results. E-Textbooks are only part of the solution. What we need is a situation where student buy-in to their own education. This is where you really see student engagement.

Is technology the answer? Again the answer is no. Access to new media and technologies

certainly provide motivation for students. It says to them that we are acknowledging the world in which they live and that that world has merit. It says to them that the tech skills they already have are worthwhile and useful, more than that it says to them that the way they develop these skills will be a marketable commodity. It will be this ability to learn and adapt and absorb that will make them an employable asset.

What I really think is this! I think this is the most exciting time in history to be involved in education. I have never had as much fun as I have with my students as I have in the last 4 or 5 years. Can I see the e-Textbook becoming a huge educational revolution? Yes, but in reality it has already started with hundreds if not thousands of teachers and students who are, as we speak producing digital content, content worthy of being in any classroom anywhere in the world. I am looking forward to students getting hold of this app to complete their assignments - multimedia interactive presentations. Now we're really talking!

Collaborative Whiteboard Apps for the Classroom

2012-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:00

Interactive and collaborative - Whiteboards are a great way for teachers to explain concepts to their students. With the ability of some iPad apps to record, you ensure that students who did not develop understanding of the concept the first time have the opportunity to watch and listen again and again. Working in small groups or brainstorming as a class, collaborative whiteboards are a great way to share ideas. Work in the same room, on the same network or even from different parts of the country. No matter what you are working on these interactive whiteboards are a great way to document or record your thinking process.

Educreations: FREE
Educreations turns your iPad into a recordable whiteboard. Creating a great video tutorial is as simple as touching, tapping and talking. Explain a math formula... Create an animated lesson... Add commentary to your photos... Diagram a sports play... With voice recording, realistic digital ink, photo imports, and simple sharing through email, Facebook or Twitter, now you can broadcast your ideas from anywhere.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/educreations-interactive-whiteboard/id478617061?mt=8

ShowMe: FREE
Turn your iPad into your personal interactive whiteboard! ShowMe allows you to record voice-over whiteboard tutorials and share them online. Drop images from your photo library to write over or around. Easily switch between drawing and erasing (as well as pausing and playing) to make your ShowMe flow from concept to concept. You can make your ShowMe as long or as short as it needs to be, and record as many ShowMe’s as you want.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/showme-interactive-whiteboard/id445066279?mt=8

Jot: FREE
Tired of complicated, unstable, or abandoned whiteboard apps that get in your way? Tap less. Jot more. Jot! is a simple, fast whiteboard that lets you sketch out your ideas and share them in real time. Draw, take notes, or wireframe on your iPad quickly and easily as soon as ideas come to you. Share your ideas via email or save them as photos. Collaborate in real time over the internet with Live Sharing.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/jot!-whiteboard-free/id371937922?mt=8

SyncPad: $10.49 AU
Forget those whiteboard and sketchpad applications that require you to be few feet from each other in order to collaborate. With SyncPad you just need to be connected to the internet, and you will be able to enjoy a live connection experience, just like if you were working the very same whiteboard, no matter where you are. If you want to clear your whiteboard, just tap on the trash bin icon and you will be able to clear just the notes.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/syncpad-remote-whiteboard/id404997059?mt=8

Whiteboard HD: $5.49 AU
Whiteboard makes it easy to visualize ideas by providing the ideal environment for writing notes, sketching charts and recording brainstorming sessions. You can make freeform drawings with the drag of a finger, and easily add pre-made shapes and lines with familiar tap, pinch, and drag multi-touch gesture controls. There are grid or lined backgrounds, and you can import any image or diagram from the iPad photo library.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/whiteboard-hd/id383779666?mt=8

SyncSpace: FREE
SyncSpace for iPad provides a zoomable drawing space that can be shared in real time over the net, a sort of shared whiteboard. Turn on synchronization and send a link to the document to others who will be able to see your drawing and also make changes using SyncSpace. The resulting drawings can be posted to Twitter, Facebook or emailed as a PDF. It's the perfect whiteboard replacement for distributed teams.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/syncspace/id408672838?mt=8

Ideas Flight: FREE
Idea Flight is the only tool you need to share ideas, documents and presentations and direct the experience of an audience easily on iPad. Your FREE download includes Passenger so you can join Pilot presentations, network on the fly and see a sample presentation to test-Pilot Idea Flight. Upgrade in-app to Pilot to lead unlimited presentations and be ready for takeoff anytime!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/idea-flight/id427659445?mt=8

AirSketch: $10.49 AU

You can now project PDF documents to a computer on the same local network, then annotate them in real time, all from your iPad. Air Sketch is great for presentations in the boardroom, classroom, or on the go. Just fire up Air Sketch on the iPad and open the specified URL from any HTML-5 compatible browser on the local network. Your photos and drawings show up natively in the browser.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/air-sketch/id376617790?mt=8

Managing Individual Education Programs (IEP) on the iPad

2012-01-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

Individual Education Programs (IEP) can be difficult to put in place at the best of times. IEP's are sometime a source of concern and frustration. The more informed people are about the IEP process the better the IEP can be. Parents will normally work with teachers to develop a plan to help the students succeed in school. The IEP assists this process by describing the goals the whole team sets for a student during the school year, as well as any special support needed to help achieve them. Here are a number of apps that make managing and collecting data for the IEP Process just that little bit easier.

IEP Checklist: FREE
IEP Checklist is a tool for parents and teachers to consider as they develop the IEP. Not every item on the checklist is required by special education regulations. For more information, consult the Federal regulations and other information that can be found at http://idea.ed.gov. The IEP Checklist is sponsored by The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). http://www.peatc.org.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iep-checklist/id348702423?mt=8

Prologuo2Go: $199.99 AU
Proloquo2Go is for anyone who cannot afford spending thousands of dollars on an AAC device and yet wants a solution that is just as good if not better. SLPs, teachers and parents recommend it for children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities, apraxia, ALS, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/proloquo2go/id308368164?mt=8

My IEP: $5.49 AU
myIEPmeeting helps parents and guardians effectively participate in their student’s Individualized Education Program process. Organize and gather information, Monitor child’s progress and Give Access on a mobile device to help maintain support. Tools include: Before, During and After checklists and questions to help gather and organize information for your IEP meeting; Behavior Tracker and Monitoring

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/myiepmeeting/id479474205?mt=8

First Then Visual Schedule: $9.99 AU
Designed to provide positive behavioral support for those with communication needs. This application provides an affordable and convenient audio-visual prompting tool for use on the iPhone or iPad. The portability and ease of use of the of the iPhone and iPad make it perfect for use at school, home or in the community. Visual schedules also help individuals transition to other activities quicker and more efficiently.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801

Goal Tracker on the Go: $2.99 AU
Goal Tracker helps you focus on daily tasks. It can be used to track good behavior, a set of chores, a daily routine, or other personal daily goals. You can also set goals for improving eating habits, taking medicine, drinking enough water, or whatever you choose. You can adjust your goals to make it more challenging. You'll visually see your accomplishments, and you can setup rewards for when you complete your goals.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/goaltracker/id363497991?mt=8&affId=161837uo%3D4

Behaviour Tracker Pro: $31.99 AU
An app to track behaviors and automatically graph them. Dr`matically improves the process of teaching and treating children with Autism! Supports unlimited number of children and observers! Optionally record video of behaviors or interventions for later review. Upload your data to our secure Team Portal for advanced online charting, team collaboration, video messaging, document management and more!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/behaviortrackerpro/id319708933?mt=8

ABC Data Pro: $29.99 AU
A multi-mode data collection App made to assist professionals and students in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), special education, school psychology, and clinical psychology, as well as researchers conducting observational studies. ABC Data Pro is an unobtrusive data collection tool for behavior and/or event counting, partial interval recording, full interval recording and ABC (FBA) recording.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/abc-data-pro/id349426906

Autism Track $49.99 AU
AutismTrack is a journaling tool that empowers caregivers to easily track interventions, behaviors and symptoms. Checkboxes allow daily recording of any therapy, medicine or diet. Simple “sliders” allow rating of any behavior or symptom (e.g., eye contact, aggression and echolalic speech). Daily log screens provide a snapshot of any particular day’s interventions and behaviors. Users may also graph symptoms and monitor compliance over periods of time.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/autismtrack/id391660393

Skill Tracker Pro: $31.99 AU
Skill Tracker Pro automates ABA therapy instruction for children with Autism. STP allows unlimited clients and observers, optional video capture and charting/export of all data. STP has a built in library with hundreds of skills and targets that can be assigned to the clients’ curriculum. During cold probe data collection, skills and targets are automatically randomized, or the user can choose which target to probe, one at a time.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/skill-tracker-pro/id398058644

Conversation Builder: $10.49 AU
ConversationBuilder is designed to help elementary aged children learn how to have multi-exchange conversations with their peers in a variety of social settings. The auditory pattern of conversation is presented in a visual format to help students recognize and master the flow of conversation. Students will learn when it is appropriate to introduce themselves, ask questions, make observations and change the subject of the conversation.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8

iPrompts $51.99 AU

iPrompts is a picture-based prompting app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad It is used by parents, special educators and therapists working with Autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and apraxia of speech. The app includes picture schedules with a visual count-down timer so an individual knows how much time is left for a specific activity and choice prompts so an individual can choose the item they want.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iprompts/id313144705

iReward $5.49

Behavior analysts often use tangible rewards when working with children. For example, when a child earns a certain number of stars for behavior you want repeated, they are rewarded. You can choose the behavior you are trying to reinforce, choose your reward, and then choose the number of times the behavior needs to be completed before the reward is earned.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ireward/id324643198

Teacher's Assistant Pro: $7.49 AU

Teacher's Assistant Pro allows teachers to keep track of student actions, behavior, infractions, and achievements in the classroom. Communicate quickly and easily with parents and your administration by documenting student classroom habits and behaviors and sending reports via email or making a call right from your iPhone. Designed by a teacher, and used by thousands of teachers across the world. Includes PIN code security.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/teachers-assistant-pro-track/id391643755?mt=8

Discovery Learning: Games Designed to Let you Fail

2012-01-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

Games can sometimes provide us with opportunities to fail. It is this failing that allows us to learn. This is necessary in order to improve our next attempt and our next, until we get it right. Some of the most interesting games come without any instructions at all and mean that the very nature of the game itself needs to be discovered. This fits in perfectly with how kids use and embrace new technology - no one read the instructions - they just press the buttons until they work out what they all do. Here are some great games that allow kids to fail and in the process learn to learn.

Feed the Head: $1.99 AU
This has to be my all time favourite game. Prod the Head. Tug the Head... but most importantly, Feed the Head. Like a living cartoon, the Head will unfold and transform in surprising and hilarious ways. I won't give away too much, it is guaranteed there is no other iPad app quite like this one. Trial and error without any instructions. It is fascinating to watch a student with this app. Why can my students do this so much easier than me?

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/feed-the-head/id415138546?mt=8

Where's My Water: $0.99 AU
Swampy the Alligator lives in the sewers under the city. He is a little different from the other alligators — he’s curious, friendly, and loves taking a nice long shower after a hard day at work. The other alligators have damaged his plumbing and disrupted the water flow. Help Swampy by guiding water to his shower! Great ability to retry both the develop solving skills and to improve score.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wheres-my-water/id449735650?mt=8

Room Break: $1.99 AU
Room Break is an adventure game about escaping. The purpose of this game is simple. Users will be detained to certain situations and they need to open the door of each room and escape. Obviously, users need to figure out how to open the doors. Maybe, there are some unexpected tricks hidden. But, it is not difficult at all, if you pay attention a little bit more, you will be able to find out all the hints.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/roombreak-escape-now!!/id463700550?mt=8

Crossfingers: FREE
A unique game which challenges you to combine solid pieces in a gigantic tangram puzzle. You will need to exercise your brain, imagination and - unique for a puzzle game - your reflexes and dexterity to complete all levels. The full version contains 390 levels, for unlimited replay, the Arcade Mode, which puts you in the middle of a frenetic machine where the challenge is to survive and beat the top score.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/cross-fingers-free/id337490783?mt=8

Doodlefit: FREE
The task in Doodle Fit is simple: fit the given sets of blocks into the given shapes. Drag the blocks into positions in search for the layout that covers the whole shape. A level is complete when all blocks have been used and there is no more space free in the shape. Once you start playing you won't be able to stop! Many levels with different shapes and even more different solutions in total for replayability.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/doodle-fit/id392912231?mt=8

Drainworks: FREE
Splash into the world of Drainworks! 48 unique levels await you, challenging your dexterity and your puzzle-solving skills. Drainworks boasts realistic water physics, an original soundtrack, Game Center leaderboards and a host of achievements. Twist, touch and push your way through 4 distinct worlds to collect runaway water - do it quickly and without losing a drop for maximum scores.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/drainworks-lt/id401793044?mt=8

JellyCar: FREE
JellyCar is a driving/platforming game for both iPhone and iPod touch. The game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds, trying to reach the exit. JellyCar features soft body physics for all of the objects in the world. Also your car can transform for a limited time to aid progression through the level. So hop in, start your jelly engines, and find the stop sign!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/jellycar/id293886459?mt=8

Geared HD: $0.99 AU
Geared is a radically new and innovative puzzle game; a unique addition to its genre. The first and only Gear-based game with absolutely no snap-grid. Geared delivers complete and total freedom to the player, bestowing every puzzle with a near infinite array of choices. Pit your intellect against 200 uniquely designed levels, original to this game. 200 levels of addictive gameplay.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/geared-for-ipad/id368624362?mt=8

7 Little Words: FREE
If you enjoy crossword puzzles, word finds, and anagram games, you're going to love 7 Little Words! Each bite-size puzzle consists of 7 clues, 7 mystery words, and 20 letter groups. Find the mystery words by deciphering the clues and combining the letter groups. 7 Little Words is fun, challenging, and easy to learn. You've never played anything like it before. Give 7 Little Words a try today!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/7-little-words/id431434152?mt=8

Touch Physics: FREE

Draw shapes with a crayon that come to life. These shapes interact with the wheel, causing it to move according to physical laws. When it reaches the star, the level is complete. Are you up to the challenge? Touch Physics Lite is an innovative game that allows you to be in control of the wheel's destiny. Change the laws of physics to suit your game! Beware, this is not as simple as it sounds!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/crayon-physics-deluxe/id300830915?mt=8

dkreiss

2012-01-16T19:24:00.001-08:00

dkreiss

English Apps for Middle School

2012-01-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

English is one of the major components of the curriculum. For any 1:1 iPad program to be really successful appropriate apps need to be sourced that will not only meet curriculum outcomes but also address the learning needs of your students. The following is a list of apps that have been researched and evaluated specifically for use in the Middle School English course. This extensive list was compiled by @ShireenRichards.

Reference:

Must Have:

Dictionary.Com: (Suitable for Years 5-8)
Essential dictionary and thesaurus for students
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dictionary.com-dictionary/id364740856?mt=8

Reading and Reading Strategies:

Must Have Apps:

iReadItNow FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8)

At last - a reading log that is suitable for the Middle School age range!

(otherwise could use Pages or blogs/forums instead)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ireaditnow/id349773058?mt=8

Professor Garfield Fact or Opinion: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Teaches students how to identify fact vs opinion in text
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/professor-garfield-fact-or/id401257010?mt=8

Professor Garfield Forms of Media: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Teaches students about persuasive forms of media
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/professor-garfield-forms-media/id401257299?mt=8

Recommended Apps:

English Idioms Illustrated: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8)

Provides a pictorial explanation of the meaning and origin of idiomatic sayings
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/english-idioms-illustrated/id413057971?mt=8

Best Books for Tweens: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Lists and reviews suitable books for students in this age group to read
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/best-books-for-tweens/id431558984?mt=8

Spelling Utilities/Vocabulary/Word Games:

Must Have Apps:

Chicktionary HD: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8)

An addictive, boggle style word game.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/chicktionary-for-ipad/id365374807?mt=8

Recommended Apps:

Flashcards+ : FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

A useful app for students to learn spelling words (could use the free version and put up with ads)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flashcards/id408490162?mt=8

Words with Friends HD: FREE and $2.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8)

Great for students to compete against one another (could use the free version with ads!)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/words-with-friends-hd/id364140796?mt=8

Blanks: FREE (Suitable for Years 7-8)

Teaches students correct word meaning and expands vocabulary
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/blanks/id286883373?mt=8

The Opposites: $2.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5+)

Teaches students opposite words in context via games, starts easy and gets quite difficult
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-opposites/id480194638?mt=8

Writing Tools:

Must Have Apps:

Toontastic: $1.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Must have as it uses cartoon writing to teach students about narrative structure
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/toontastic/id404693282?mt=8

Storykit: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

A simple way to create picture storybooks or illustrated stories
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8

Creative Book Builder: $4.49 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8, particularly 7-8)
Create and publish ebooks
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/creative-book-builder-create/id451041428?mt=8

Sock Puppets: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Students can create mini dialogues between 'sock puppets'
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sock-puppets/id394504903?mt=8

Kids Write Text Types $0.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-6)

Outlines all required text types, complete with examples, blank planner templates and posters. Very useful for Year 5
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kids-write-text-types/id480079925?mt=8

The Guardian Eyewitness: FREE (Suitable for Year 5-8)
This is a daily gallery of distinctive and provocative photographs that are great for use as writing stimulus
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-guardian-eyewitness/id363993651?mt=8

Recommended Apps:

StoryRobe: $0.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8)

A mobile digital storytelling app that provides a simple way to record story readings with illustrations or photos.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storyrobe/id337670615?mt=8

Penultimate: $1.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8)

A useful and very quick scrapbook/journal creator.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8

Mad Libs: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)

A classic that enables the user to input words that are then used to create a 'mad' story. Usually very popular with students and a bit of fun that enhances knowledge of grammar and provides reading practice.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mad-libs/id326885152?mt=8

Haiku Poems: FREE

This app provides a range of poems based on the seasons. It also has instructions on how to compose within the Haiku structure. Students can send their own compositions for inclusion in the app. Useful for year 6 poetry unit.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/haiku-poems/id451144568?mt=8

Grammar:

Must Have Apps:

iTooch English: $5.49 AU (Suitable for Grade 5)

This really is a must have app that could potentially replace the use of a grammar text book. Currently on sale at $2.99 but will be $5.49. This app explains the concept, provides practice and then tests understanding. Hopefully the app will be available for year 6 in the near future.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/itooch-english-grade-5/id423779711?mt=8

Grammar App HD: $1.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8)

Provides lessons, reference information and practical applications of all aspects of Grammar. Also reinforces learning through games, quizzes and tests. Very useful. must have
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/grammar-app-hd-by-tap-to-learn/id379790077?mt=8

Recommended Apps:

Grammar Games $0.99 AU (Suitable for Year 5-6)

This app has lessons followed by reinforcement using simple but quite challenging and fun games which require the user to 'fly' the words into the appropriate parts of speech airport hangars.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/grammar-games/id434660444?mt=8

Other interesting Apps

Mobile Mouse: $2.99 AU

Enables the use of the iPad to remotely control laptop - very handy when laptop is connected to IWB!
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mobile-mouse-remote-trackpad/id363573369?mt=8

eClickerHost $10.49 AU

The eClicker apps provide the opportunity for quizzing students whereby students individually log their responses.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker/id329200145?mt=8

eClicker: FREE
The eClicker app works in conjunction with the eClicker Host paid app to provide opportunities for quizzing students whereby students individually log their responses.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker-host/id329199509?mt=8

Rover: FREE
Enables user to play flash games - have yet to test on a school network! Would be useful for students to access 'Spelling City' games.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/rover/id483262612?mt=8

iSwifter $5.49
Enables users to play flash games and movies. Would be useful for students to access 'Spelling City' games at home.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iswifter/id388857173?mt=8

Apps for Teachers

2012-01-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

People often ask what apps I would recommend for Teachers? There is no simply answer that fits all.

What I do is give them an insight into the apps that I have on my iPad that I use all the time or that I use in preparation for my lessons. They probably say more about my own teaching style than I would care to reveal. See if any of them are useful for you.

My students have always use Prezi exceptional well to zoom in and investigate the detail and then pull back to see how it all fits within the curriculum outcomes. Skitch is one that has been a very recent addition but one that I am finding indispensable. Who has What? is also a recent addition but one that I will use frequently this year. I don't know how many great resources I have lost simply because I have lost track of who borrowed them. So here is my little list of apps that I think are great for teachers

Dropbox: FREE
Dropbox is a free service that lets you save any file to your Dropbox and it will automatically save to all your computers, your iPhone and iPad and even the Dropbox website! The beauty of Dropbox is the ability to use it to distribute and collect student's work. I love the fact that I can save a file on one device and get access to it on any of may other digital devices. The new add-ons that continue to appear also make Dropbox an important tool for the classroom.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dropbox/id327630330?mt=8

Flipboard: FREE
Flipboard creates a personalized magazine out of everything being shared with you. Connect Flipboard to all your social networks, and you'll have a single place to enjoy, browse, comment on and share all the news, photos and updates that matter to you. This is a perfect way to keep abreast of all the information on a specific topic that you are investigating in class. Collect feeds from different related hashtags and send them all back to your Flipboard

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8

Socrative: Teacher and Student App FREE
Socrative brings smart clickers to a whole new level. Engaged the entire class with educational exercises and games. Let the students see their classmates’ ideas in real time and interact with the responses. Students can provide you with instant feedback on the lessons and how well they understand the material. Ask your own poll questions for the entire class or use a pre-made activity. This can be very powerful tool for teachers.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/teacher-clicker-socrative/id477620120?mt=8

Skitch: FREE
Skitch for iPad only came out a couple of weeks ago and already I am finding it indispensable. It is the perfect tool for creating how-to and instructional materials for students and colleagues alike. I love how easy this app is to create really professional looking images that can be dropped into documents or used as stand alones. It is almost too simple. The beauty of this app is that it is just as valuable in the hands of your students.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/skitch-for-ipad/id490505997?mt=8

Tweetdeck: FREE
TweetDeck allows you to monitor multiple social media outlets all at once. You can follow 6 or 8 hastags at once. Bring together your Twitter and Facebook feeds in a column-based dashboard. All major Twitter features are supported: Sending updates, retweeting, favourites, mentions, direct messages and searching. Posting to multiple Twitter accounts is a breeze. Facebook status updates, notifications, Likes and comments all at your fingertips.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/tweetdeck/id429654148?mt=8

Who has what?: $0.99 AU
Who has What? helps you keep track of items that you lent to or borrowed from other. This app allows you to become your own resource library. Scan out items that you lend and then have automatic reminder sent to remind you who has borrowed it. It's incredibly easy. Add new entries with the built in bar code scanner. 1. Scan the Barcode of the Item, 2. Choose a Contact from your Address Book 3. Add a Return Date for the Entry, it is that easy!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wer-hat-was/id480481608?l=en&ls=1&mt=8

Doink: $5.49 AU
DoInk is probably the best animation iPad on the market. Like all the best iPad apps, its simplicity is a key strength. There are plenty of other excellent animation apps and it was indeed difficult to chose just one but for me this the one that I like to use and that I like my students to have access to when they are creating digital stories. It has the ability to be used simply or to produce works of surprising complexity

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/doink-animation-drawing/id364762290?mt=8

Dragon Dictation: FREE
Dragon Dictation is an voice recognition app that allows you to dictate and instantly see your text on the iPad. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard. Dragon Dictation will also utilize the data in spoken messages collected over time to continuously improve and provide high speech recognition accuracy. This app is getting better all the time. Once completed simply email your text and open in any of your other apps.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8

Prezi Viewer: FREE
Prezi is called the zooming presenter. It is a non-linear presentation tool that is like powerpoint on steroids. It is perfect for making connections between disparate items and then looking at the big picture. This is because you can zoom into and out off the canvas. This allows the audience to make the overarching connections or conversely to focus on one particular piece of information. Prezi Viewer allows you to show your prezis on the iPad!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prezi-viewer/id407759942?mt=8

Google Search: FREE
This is the lastest Search app from Google and has been completely redesigned for the iPad. I like the Voice Search function which is excellent for some of your disabled students. Google Goggles is also a great function that allows you to search by image to find more information about what you are looking at. It also gives you quick access to other Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Docs and more. Nice package all round.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google-search/id284815942?mt=8

10 Essential Science Apps

2012-01-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

Science apps are becoming more popular because we can use them to illustrate volatile chemical reactions, to look at molecular structures or even find constellations not visible to the human eye. These are the science apps that I have on my iPad that I use all the time - sometimes just to show off what the iPad is capable of. Have a looks to see if any of these apps fit in with what you are doing in your science classes.

Molecules: FREE
Molecules is an application for viewing three-dimensional renderings of molecules and manipulating them using your fingers. You can rotate the molecules by moving your finger across the display, zoom in or out by using two-finger pinch gestures, or pan the molecule by moving two fingers across the screen at once. These structures can be viewed in both ball-and-stick and spacefilling visualization modes.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/molecules/id284943090?mt=8

Star Walk for iPad: $5.49 AU
Star Walk enables you to point your iPad at the sky and see what stars, constellations, and satellites you are looking at in real-time. Check out the full list of features below. When someone new asks to see what an iPhone can do, all of us have a list of apps prepared to wow them. Star Walk is a gorgeous, dynamic application that will tease your eyes skyward on clear, starry night says, Billy Miller, 148apps.com

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/star-walk-for-ipad-interactive/id363486802?mt=8

The Elements: Visual Exploration $14.99 AU
If you think you've seen the periodic table, think again. The Elements: A Visual Exploration lets you experience the beauty and fascination of the building blocks of our universe in a way you've never seen before. This is the US English version of The Elements. Fully translated versions are also available in French, German, Japanese, and British English.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-elements-a-visual-exploration/id364147847?mt=8

Solar Walk: $2.99 AU
This 3D Solar System model enables you to navigate through space and time, observe all the planets in close-up, learn their trajectories, inner structure, history of their exploration, points of interest and more. Use 3D mode to get a more realistic experience and zoom out to view and spin the entire Galaxy! Enhanced for iOS 5 with the ability of the iPad 2 and iPhone 4S to wirelessly mirror its screen to an Apple TV 2.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/solar-walk-3d-solar-system/id347546771?mt=8

Frog Dissection: $4.99 AU
This iPad app is suitable for students who are learning about the organ systems in their life science curriculum. Students can try dissecting a virtual specimen with all the trappings that come with the real procedure-minus the mess of course! Besides a virtual chloroformed specimen, the app comes with all the dissection tools and detailed instructions to complete the procedure. Once dissection is complete, the frog’s organs are exposed for further study.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/frog-dissection/id377626675?mt=8

iLab Timer: $0.99 AU
Harnessing the simplicity found in physical laboratory timers, iLab brings accurate, simple, and easy timing to the iPad. Up to 10 independent timers can be set, timing simultaneously, and customised to your timing needs. iLab is perfect not only for laboratory timing needs, but has also a variety of other uses such as timing practice for speeches, timing tests, and exercise programs... your imagination is the limit!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ilab-timer-hd/id369878608?mt=8

Pocket Heart: $7.49 AU
Pocket Heart on the iPad is a novel way to visualize, hear and understand how the human heart works, in 3D! Whether you’re a human biology student needing to learn, understand and memorize all of the anatomical features and functions of the heart, or a health care professional looking for a novel way of communicating a diagnosis or procedure to a patient, colleague or trainee, Pocket Heart’s unique 3D interface can facilitate this.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pocket-heart-by-pocket-anatomy/id384060873?mt=8

Self Assembly: FREE
Design your own molecules and watch them self-assemble into complex two-dimensional structures. The idea is to provide a simple and direct tool for nonscientist to experience first hand the beautiful world of physical chemistry. Figure out how to form interesting structures by manipulating the shape of the molecules, the concentration of the solution, and its temperature. The user can post his/her structures online in a flickr.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/self-assembly/id417045439?mt=8

MythBusters: $4.99 US - US iTunes ONLY
The MythBusters App for iPad is an engaging experience developed specifically for iPad. You will never think about TV the same way again! Watch the most popular MythBusters video clips and compete against other fans by busting 3 popular myths through multilevel casual games. Stay in touch with the latest MythBusters news and announcements and share your thoughts with the community through Facebook and Twitter feeds.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mythbusters-hd/id383888696?mt=8

Touch Physics: $2.99 AU
Touch Physics is a collection of hand drawn levels devised by the professor in his lab. They are as progressively challenging. Can you defy the laws of physics and control the wheel's destiny in order to complete all 89 levels? You can even change the laws of physics to suit your gameplay! Draw shapes that interact with the wheel, causing it to move according to physical laws. When it reaches the star, the level is complete.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/touch-physics-hd/id364870866?mt=8

Cool Games on the iPad for Learning Maths

2012-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Maths is one of the most fundamental skills that any child needs to succeed at school and life in general. Make the learning less of a chore by implementing gaming elements into the learning process. Lots of kids chose to play these games even knowing that they are maths based. That says something about the concept on which these types of games have been developed. See if any might be suitable for your class or perhaps just for one or two struggling students.

Maths Evolve: FREE and $1.99 AU

Do you want your kids to have fun while they learn? Math Evolve is the best math game on the App Store for practicing multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. This revolutionary app provides a fun and engaging way for kids to improve their math fluency, number sense, and mental math skills. Math Evolve is for kids ages 6+, but is challenging and fun even for adults.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/math-evolve/id482475948?mt=8

Operation Math: $4.49 AU

Dr. Odd is on a global quest to eliminate the world’s even numbers. And it’s your job to stop him, by seeking out his secret bases and making the world a safer place for math. Designed for children ages 5 to 12, the faster they work the further they’ll go in a game designed to take your novice mathematician from the pyramids of Egypt to a seat at the head of the class. This is a cool game with great graphics. and a scenario that will easily motivate.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/operation-math/id487387270?mt=uo%3D4

Splash Maths: FREE BUT Beware - in app purchases.
Splash Math is a fun and innovative way to practice math. Covering over 200 math concepts and an endless supply of problems it is by far the most comprehensive workbook in the app store. All of the included problems are aligned with state standards for 3rd grade. 2 chapters are in this free version and rest all can be bought through in-app purchases. Emails parents work completed.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/splash-math-3rd-grade/id449564960?mt=8

NineGaps: $0.99 AU
NineGaps is a highly addictive and tricky puzzle game. The goal of the game is really simple. You have to use your wits to place numbers from 1 to 9 in the missing gaps, while matching the operations presented in the puzzle. It's just like sudoku, but different! FEATURES: simple and unique puzzle-based gameplay, cute graphics, 5 difficulty levels, unlimited brain burning puzzles

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ninegaps/id317223443?mt=8

Bubbling Maths: $1.99 AU

Your child will love to do math tasks - because this is a game - complete with levels, goals, nice graphics and music. Your child can practice all the elementary math operations, and you, as a parent, can set what task to practice. Parents section - with detailed results - you will know how many tasks your child has finished and you can even view which tasks your child finished incorrectly

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bubbling-math/id433427229?mt=8

Motion Math: Hungry Fish: FREE BUT Beware - in app purchases.
Your fish is hungry for numbers. You can make delicious sums by pinching two numbers together – instant addition! Keep feeding your fish to win a level and unlock new colors and fins. The app is free to try, with In-App purchase for an addition level and two subtraction and negative levels. (Plus purchase anything and you'll get bonus fish colors and fins.)

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/motion-math-hungry-fish/id483049169?mt=8

Rocket Math: $0.99 AU
Math can be fun! Build your very own rockets and fly them to the stars with Rocket Math! Play one of the 56 different math missions. Each mission has touchable objects floating in space, including stars, coins, clocks, 3D shapes and even pizzas! Earn a medal or try to beat your high score. Missions range in difficulty from even/odd numbers all the way to square roots. Hours of fun!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/rocket-math/id393989284?mt=8

Alien Equation: $0.99 AU
Math proficiency is a skill that takes practice. People who are good have spent a lot of time doing it, the best one’s because they enjoy it. Alien Equation provides an environment for kids to experiment, instantly rewarding them for success, allowing math to be fun and fluid. Alien Equation is a great way for kids to build fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/alien-equation/id355771326?mt=8

Numvaders: $1.99 AU
Numvaders, a series of time attack challenges that involve basic Math operations. The goal of the game is to answer as many mathematical questions as fast as you can. As your level progresses, the intensity of the pressure and the number of questions also increase. You may then get additional bonus lives to help you stay on the game. There are 10 worlds that needs to be unlocked as you level up

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/numvaders/id411709992?mt=8

Factor Samurai: FREE
Factor samurai is a great way to learn times tables. Hard to get your head around initially it gets more addictive the more you play. You are the samurai whose duty it is to cut the numbers down to their prime factors. You will be thrown one number after the next, cut them up if they can be factored into smaller ones. One, two, three, five, seven, and eleven are all examples of prime numbers. 15 is not.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/factor-samurai/id441919897?mt=8

MathGirl Garden: $1.99 AU

Number Garden makes every girl a MathGirl. A 4-year-old can tackle the first of 12 levels. For girls learning addition and multiplication, Number Garden fills in the steps too often missed in school. For adults it’s a challenging mental exercise. ” Number Garden wins Creative Child Magazine 2010 Award of Excellence. Not sure why or how this is just for girls (apart from the name) but it is a good app.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mathgirl-number-garden/id379873064?mt=8

Lemonade Stand: $0.99 AU
Lemonade Stand is a simple tycoon style game. You need to juggle pricing, recipe, advertising, and amount of lemonade to make each day. You have 30 days to see how much money you can make, but keep an eye on the weather forecast - a thunderstorm blowing in could ruin an entire day but a heat wave could send your sales soaring!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lemonade-stand/id294861983?mt=8

Maths Ninja: FREE and $1.99
Use your math skills to defend your treehouse against a hungry tomato and his robotic army! Choose between ninja stars, smoke bombs, or ninja magic - and choose your upgrades wisely! Action-packed strategy in the castle defense genre! You'll have so much fun you won't even realize you're learning Math! Humorous story starring the hungry Tomato-San, who istrying to steal your math treasure!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/math-ninja-hd-free!/id373814902?mt=8

iPads changing the game for learning at Longfield

2012-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

John Merlin over at MJO - learning, teaching, technology has written an excellent article on the introduction of iPads at one of England's most conservative school institutions - Longfield Academy. The School recently won a national ICT award for its ground breaking iPad scheme at the recent Education Business Awards held on 10th November 2011. Merlin has written concisely about the decision to introduce both Apple hardware and software. It was a finanically viable and sustainable approach to technology integration not decided by the school but rather through consultation with the staff, the students and the importantly the parents.

Merlin goes on to discuss the academic benefits of the 1:1 program as well as discussing the redefinition of the relationships between the students and staff - they are now a community of learners. This change in the relationship is most obvious in the cultural acceptance of "risk taking" for learning.

Read the full article:

iPads changing the game for learning at Longfield
MONDAY, 09 JANUARY 2012 00:00 MERLIN JOHN

Longfield Academy takes schools ICT to a new level, and the implications for other schools are important.

Longfield Academy: game-changing ICT

Longfield, in Kent, gets its first official mention in records in the Domesday Book and in Saxon Charters more than a thousand years ago. But in 2011 it has been setting new standards for learning and teaching with technologies.

The Longfield Academy for Arts and Sciences is thought to be the first school to offer iPads to all its learners and staff – and, even more unusual, there's no Microsoft. And the decision wasn’t made by Apple-oriented ICT advisers. It was based on consulting the school community – learners, staff and parents.

http://www.agent4change.net/bett-week/news/1364-ipads-changing-the-game-for-learning-at-longfield.html

Go Back in Time with 12 World History Apps

2012-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

History is one of those subjects where it is easy to get your students engaged once they have connected with the narrative. Here are a couple of Apps that will help your students jump right into the era that you are studying. Obviously we can't cover every area of historical study but these apps give you an idea of some of the tools available on the iPad. Some of the more interactive apps like War World 11 or Virtual History: Roma lend themselves to individual research projects or even students negotiated activities, other could be used just as starters or as warm up activities. However you use them, these apps give you a set of tools that you can now use in your iPad classroom.

Back in Time: $8.49 AU
I loved this as a website, now it is an app. Visually stunning! What were the defining moments in history? Back in Time is an interactive multimedia journey through those moments. An imaginary clock will guide you, proposing a simple analogy: the Universe started 24 hours ago. The Big Bang is the first event in the journey at 0:00 hours. Today, 13.7 billion years later, the clock says midnight.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/back-in-time/id450345693?mt=8

Timeline Eons: FREE
Scrollable timeline supposedly longer than the Earth's circumference. Zoomable timeline that can display dates and times down to a fraction of a second. Wide-ranging events from the Big Bang and evolution, to historical events and future projections. Concise and fun facts includes Natural History, World History, U.S. History, Science and Technology, Art and Architecture, and Sports.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/timeline-eons-free/id433352152?mt=8

HD Stone Age: $0.99 AU
The Stone Age is the period roughly between 2.5 million and 3000 years BC., and its main characteristic is the human learning techniques for the development of hunting tools and stone tools. Inside this Encyclopedia: You can copy full text and full HD pictures, to paste and send by eMail or to paste to any document inside your device to share or study later. Great for history research tasks.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/hd-stone-age/id392193453?mt=8

Egyptian Heiroglyphics Decoder: $0.99 AU
Egyptian Hieroglyphics Decoder allows you to go to a museum, or even look at Egyptian columns with Hieroglyphics and actually translate the Hieroglyphics into letters that you can understand! Now you can just look at the Hieroglyphics and start tapping the same Hieroglyphics images and see what letters they are translated too and even make sentences. Students can write their own messages.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/egyptian-decoder/id332591888?mt=8

Ancient History Trivia Quiz: $1.99 AU
Ancient History Trivia Quiz is a visually stunning history game, with 250 multiple choice questions, including 50 bonus general knowledge questions. Ancient History Trivia Quiz features 9 game modes, in both single and multiplayer mode. All Quizicals' games have been professionally developed, with high quality graphics, exciting sound effects and smooth gameplay.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ancient-history-trivia-quiz/id330774231?mt=8

Virtual History Roma: $10.49 AU

Mondadori presents a fantastic voyage to Ancient Rome, the capital of the largest empire in the ancient world, which has been reconstructed in virtual form and which you can explore in a “full-immersion” panoramic experience. The format provides the viewer with an astonishing insight into Roman civilization, using innovative functions and multimedia content. This is a beautifully crafted app.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/virtual-history-roma/id410358487?mt=8

Ancient Greek Mythology: $1.99 AU
Ancient Greek Mythology is a concise guide to the major Gods, creatures and mortals appearing in Greek Mythology. The app also contains a quiz which can be played in single or multiplayer modes. There are over 750 entries in a searchable database. The app is based on the famous work (Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology) by William Smith in 1861 but with a cool user interface.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ancient-greek-mythology/id367867116?mt=8

History Tools: $0.99 AU

HistoryTools is an app that lists all the famous and infamous people who were born or died on each day of the year, major news events that occurred on each day, plus feast days of saints and holidays and celebrations around the world. HistoryTools helps kick-start ideas and is a great help to students who wish to convince their teachers that they are among the smartest in the class.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/historytools/id385522233?mt=8

Thematic Maps of the World: $5.49 AU

Thematic Maps of World is a very educational application that lets you know our world through a variety thematic maps. (Climate, Energy, Ethnography/Religion, Industry/Economy, Land Use, Military and Population.) Features include display 500 thematic maps about our world, landscape view mode and zooming with your finger as well as descriptions about each map. Great for visual learners.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/thematic-maps-of-world/id324831513?mt=8

World War 11 Interactive: $5.49 AU

World War II Interactive covers the biggest conflict in history with stunning photos, videos and speeches and amazing design. A rich interactive experience with text, audio, video and photos. Read about the major battles and the events of WW2 in detail. Swipe through the timelines for every month of the war. Watch rare video clips. Listen to famous speeches. See amazing photographs.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/world-war-ii-interactive/id437200190?mt=8

Black HistoryPad: $5.49 AU
HistoryPad provides an informative look into the lives of 100 people in history. . In addition, many of the screens for the people we cover have a connection to online video or music to bring you closer to the person in history. On the IPad this is a very enjoyable experience, as one can watch the video on the person in history or listen to their music while reading the full biography.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/black-historypad/id372389883?mt=8

HistoryPin: FREE

Discover windows into the past by seeing and interacting with the history all around you. Historypin reveals photos near your current location and allows you to view them layered over the modern scene in front of you. You can also explore Collections of some of the best old photos from around the world. You can add your own piece of history and pin it to the map, too, by using your device.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/historypin/id455228207?mt=8

10 iPad Apps for Web Curation

2012-01-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

Curation vs. Aggregation? Curation is such a necessity these days. The overwhelming wave of information we are exposed to is drowning us in facts and opinion. Not only do we need to be curating the information that we are consuming but we need to be insisting that our students have the skills and necessary tools in which to curate their own world. I have listed a number of capable curation apps that can help to do just that.

I tend to use more than one of these and in fact there are days that I would use three or four. Have a look at the ones that might feel right for you. I have a soft spot for Flipboard but only because it was the tool that first opened my eyes to the potential of the iPad in a classroom - I used it as a twitter fed "further reading" text for a senior art class. Enjoy!

Pearltrees: FREE
Pearltrees is a place to collect, organize, discover everything you like on the web. The unique visual interface lets you keep everything you like at hand so you can organize it your way. Collect web pages and turn them into pearls. Organize your pearls into pearltrees based on your interests. Share all of this and start to cultivate your interests with Pearltrees.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pearltrees/id463462134?mt=8

Flipboard: FREE
Flipboard creates a personalized magazine out of everything being shared with you, from Instagram photos and Facebook updates to Tumblr posts and articles from your favorite publications. Connect Flipboard to all your social networks, and you'll have a single place to enjoy, browse, comment on and share all the news, photos and updates that matter to you.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flipboard/id358801284?mt=8

Zite: FREE
Zite is a free personalized magazine for your iPad that automatically learns what you like and gets smarter every time you use it. Zite delivers all the great news, articles, blogs, and videos you want – and helps you discover new stuff that you'll love. Get a head start on finding amazing content tailored just for you by automatically syncing Zite with your Twitter and Google Reader accounts.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/zite-personalized-magazine/id419752338?mt=8

Scoop.it: FREE
Scoop.it lets you easily publish online magazines by curating content on your favorite topic. Curate on the go with the Scoop.it iDevice App. Select, edit and publish posts in the same engaging visual format as from the Web site. Review your suggestion list or add posts from Safari mobile then share on all your connected Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr... accounts.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/scoop.it/id487321972?mt=8

HitPad: FREE
Hitpad delivers bite-size information snippets about the most important and worth-knowing topics of the day, highlighting why they are important and may be of interest, so you become current in no time and with very little effort. As you use Hitpad, it learns your interests in order to deliver you the most important information snippets in the areas that you care about.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/hitpad-see-whats-up/id422564565?mt=8

Feedly: FREE
Feed your mind. Get the best content from your favorite websites delivered to your iPhone and iPad. Powered by Google Reader, Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Instapaper and Read it later. If you are an existing Google Reader user, you can think of feedly as a fast/visual overlay with lots for sharing options and seamless 2-way integration.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/feedly/id396069556?mt=8

Pulse: FREE
Pulse takes your favorite websites and transforms them into a colorful and interactive mosaic. Tap on an article to see a clean and elegant view of the news story. Save stories for reading later across all platforms or sync them with Instapaper, Read it Later and Evernote. Sharing a story via Facebook, Twitter and email is as easy as two taps. Apple Design Award Winner 2011!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pulse-news-for-ipad/id371088673?mt=8

Flud: FREE
Beautiful design, simple user interface, and integrated social settings make Flud a great place to read your news. Customize Flud to your personal tastes. Follow all your favorite blogs and news sites, save stories to read when you have time or offline, connect with friends and other Fluders who share your interests.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flud/id382544677?mt=8

Google Currents: FREE - Not currently available in Australia
Google Currents uses Google search technology to build editions tracking the five most recent trending stories in categories such as world, entertainment, sports, science, and more. Each story is presented through a fresh edition of articles, videos, and pictures. Instantly, turn your Google Reader subscriptions, or any of your favorite blogs/feeds into a beautiful edition with a magazine feel.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-currents/id459182288?mt=8

News360: FREE

News360 for iPad aggregates more than 7000 different news sources around the web to bring you news stories in a concise and useful stream. The semantic analysis technology behind News360 allows you to get background information and dossiers about all the companies, people and locations that make the news, and to personalize the news based on your specific interests.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/news360-for-ipad/id420397564?mt=8

Around the World with 15 Cool Geography Apps

2012-01-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Geography seems to me to be one of those subjects that actually lends itself to the type of multimedia multi-sensory experience that is the ipad. Some of the apps in this post allow you produce beautiful infographic style maps using your data, others allow you to explore the ways in which the world is being effected by population. The map of disasters is a hard one to ignore especially in the context of the recent spate of tsunamis and earthquakes.

Have a look at this small selection of apps that are available to see if any would benefits your students. Make sure you also check out the link on the home page to our extensive list of History and Geography Apps.

MapBox: FREE

MapBox for iPad allows you to use your iPad to view, create, and share beautiful maps made with the MapBox suite of open source map-making tools. Use this app to take your maps offline and on the go as fast and interactive as ever. Make new maps by combining offline map layers with online maps from MapBox, OpenStreetMap and MapQuest. You can even overlay GeoRSS data layers.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mapbox/id411244459?mt=8

7 Billion: $5.49 AU
7 Billion: How your world will change - to coincide with the arrival of the 7 billionth human being to our world. This app explores the challenges of a growing human population in a world of limited resources with informative videos, interactive maps, in-depth articles, and stunning photography. The Face of Seven Billion Interactive: Tap on the “typical face”

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/7-billion/id473524096?mt=8

Disaster Alert: FREE
Disaster Alert provides a listing and an interactive map of Active Hazards around the globe. Additional hazard information can be viewed and shared. "Active Hazards" refers to a collection of current and real-time incidents which have been designated "potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets" Active Hazards currently includes: Hurricane/Tropical Cyclone, Drought, Earthquake and Flood

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/disaster-alert-pacific-disaster/id381289235?mt=8

Google Earth: FREE
With Google Earth for iPad, you can fly to far corners of the planet with just the swipe of a finger. Explore the same global satellite and aerial imagery available in the desktop version of Google Earth, including high-resolution imagery for over half of the world's population and a third of the world's land mass. You can swipe with two fingers to adjust your view to see mountainous terrain.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google-earth/id293622097?mt=8

GPS Misssion: FREE

You’ll solve missions world-wide, hunt ghosts, find treasures and collect gold. . Become a ghost hunter and save the world from bizarre ghosts – the real world mind you! Additionally, you will be able to play user-generated GPS games in over 70 countries (scavenger hunts, crime stories, time travels, etc). You too can create GPS games at the GPS Mission web site (www.gpsmission.com).

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/gps-mission-pro/id327569371?mt=8

Mission: Explore London: FREE
They have packed this app with hundreds of micro-adventures for you to complete. Use your imagination to complete as many missions as you can. Whether you're rating rules in a secret garden, counting animals on an urban safari or looking for lost treasure. There are missions for specific locations, and others that can be done anywhere in the world.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mission-explore/id381290287?mt=8

Ansel and Claire's Adventures in Africa: $5.49 AU
Ansel and Clair’s Adventures (ages 4 -10) is designed to leverage the multi-sensory experience of the iPad. It uses original characters: Ansel, an inter-galactic photographer and Clair, a brilliant Virtoosian robot. They explore three stunning, interactive locales in Africa: Nile Valley, Sahara Desert and Serengeti Plains. It has spectacular interactions and engaging gameplay geared towards learning.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ansel-clairs-adventures-in/id433593765?mt=8

Kiwi and Pear's World Adventures: $0.99 AU
Geography for ages 4 and up, Kiwi and Pear’s World Adventure is an interactive storybook. "Kiwi and Pear’s World Adventure does a great job taking preschoolers on a trip around the world. The graphics and interactions are appealing. I was impressed with the number of locations the monkeys manage to visit. This isn’t a budget vacation by any means." iPhoneMom.com

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kiwi-pears-world-adventure/id401254457?mt=8

GeoPop: $0.99 AU
GeoPop is an addictive new geography game. Designed for true beginners right through to the mad “Geo Freaks” who can spout off what the native languages of Paraguay and everyone in between. Users can choose from 3 levels of difficulty and test your knowledge of all things international, from soccer, to coup d’etats, from ancient history to the latest events that shape this crazy planet we call home.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/geopop/id489992345?mt=8

GeoWalk HD: $2.99 AU
We are all used to the idea that encyclopedias are pretty boring and usually too overloaded with information, that's why we decided to squeeze the most essential and exciting info about our planet into a brief, informative and illustrative 3D Fact Book to explore the world in a playful way.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/geo-walk-hd/id379602269?mt=8

National Geographic World Atlas: $1.99 AU
National Geographic World Atlas HD utilizes the highest resolution images, providing you detail, accuracy, and artistic beauty normally found in wall maps and bound atlases. Preloaded with 3 different styles of world maps with an internet connection, you can continue zooming through continent-level maps into Bing maps - close enough to see your home!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/world-atlas-hd/id364733950?mt=8

World Academy: $0.99 AU
World Academy is the ultimate educational quiz game that turns learning world culture into fun. Challenge your friends to a high score match or compete globally. Test your knowledge on culture, history, food, music and geography. From easy questions about delicious dishes. Medium level is for players who want to tackle more advance questions to hard levels for geography professors!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/world-academy/id395794032?mt=8

Living Earth: $1.99 AU
Enjoy a stunning live 3D simulation of our planet at our current moment in time with global weather, forecasts and world clock for cities around the world. View live global cloud patterns along with the most realistic 3D rendering of our planet available. A humbling view of our home in your hands or a strikingly beautiful nightstand or desktop clock.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/living-earth-hd-world-clock/id379869627?mt=8

Geo Photo Explorer: FREE
Spend hours exploring the world through geo located photos. This application provides an easy way to explore, organize, manage photo galleries and share photos from Google Panoramio and Flick. Recommended for all virtual tourists.
Find photos from visible region on the maps or search for places. Manage multiple photo galleries or edit galleries, and assign photos to gallery in a bulk.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/geo-photo-explorer/id375610961?mt=8

Puzzleography:$2.99 AU
Puzzleography is an addicting map puzzle geography game that's truly fun for the whole family! With tons of content and multiple levels, it's challenging and entertaining for kids age 1 to 101. Surprise yourself! Improve your knowledge of the world with a game you'll return to again and again! Great for the Geography curriculum.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/puzzleography-geography/id465803703?mt=8

Immersive History Experience on the iPad with Lesson Ideas

2012-01-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

Virtual History Roma presents a fantastic voyage to Ancient Rome, the capital of the largest empire in the ancient world, which has been reconstructed in virtual form and which you can explore in a “full-immersion” panoramic experience. This app allows you to fully appreciate the building construction, scale and atmosphere that was Ancient Rome. At the higher end of the app market at $10.99 AU it is a bit expensive but it certain has the capacity to entice students into the ancient world.

The Roma app format provides the viewer with an astonishing insight into Roman civilization, using innovative functions and multimedia content: from the spectacular digital reconstruction of the city's statues to breathtaking aerial views of the metropolis as it stood 2,000 years ago. The reconstruction of their original appearance, as seen from various angles, is overlaid and compared with their appearance in today’s Rome.

Maps and introductory data sheets make it possible to make an in-depth study of the origins of Rome, its conquests and the fall of the empire, the Romans’ extraordinary engineering feats, art, wars and public spectacles, profiles of the various emperors, and you can discover how much of Roman civilization has survived to the present day.

The Roma virtual tour proceeds south to Pompeii, Ercolano and other important Roman cities – in Europe and the Mediterranean – which are all presented with 3D models, information pages and hundreds of superb quality images.

No more photocopies, no more static images, get your students to know what it feels like to walk the cobbled streets of Rome or Pompeii. Set your students places, objects or buildings to locate. These can be linked back to significant sites that you need to cover in your syllabus.

Take some time and create quest like activities to use with these simulations. You could even set up activities to incorporating principles of Game Based Learning. Students must move from one level to the next, students can earn badges etc.

Better still get the students to develop quest activities. This could even be a chance to incorporate the use of QR codes with your class. When the students find the answer to one of the quest questions they get access to the next piece of source material via QR code.

This would also be a great opportunity to involve students in the writing of their own units. This interaction in the learning process will provide motivation for your students - giving them ownership of each of the activities. Maybe just allow them to design and negotiate certain tasks.

Lesson Ideas:
Let your students be creative. Use The Roma App with other non-iPad resources like Web 2.0 tools. Ask them;

use PuppetPals, Toontastic or Doink to create digital narratives

create a detective story where the students follow the case clues in the simulated locations

Use Scribblemaps to take a screenshot and annotate a map with places of significance from their notes

plot the routes of significant events and include markers to indicate significant places in a journey

create a narrative “A day in the life of …….” include descriptions of significant places and buildings

use BlockPosters to create a massive backdrops for your classroom

develop role plays or re-enactments of important events in front of your backdrops

use Blabberize to put famous speeches in the mouth of historical figures

add a background to your Blabberize using Pixlr

to find ways of locating and linking existing resources to a Google Map

ask them to develop other activities to use in conjunction with the Google Earth Ancient Rome 3D

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/virtual-history-roma/id410358487?mt=8

So what's on the iPad for the kid in your class with a Hearing Impairment?

2012-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

There are many students with hearing loss that are integrated into mainstream schooling. These students struggle with the day to day situations that we simply take for granted or do not really have a full appreciation of.

Are there apps available to give these kids a leg up?

The simple answer is YES. These apps have been sourced as one way that the technology integration that happens in your room may be shared with all your students. These are apps that your hearing impaired students could use to make their everyday school live a little easier.

Subtitles: FREE
Subtitles allows easy access to a huge library of movie subtitles in 20 languages. Subtitles is especially useful for the hard of hearing and people who would like access to subtitles in their native language when visiting the cinema. You’ll be able to access the subtitles of the very latest cinema releases, as well as those for older movies. The application currently supports 20 major world languages.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/subtitles/id358913522?mt=8

Speakit: $1.99 AU
Speak it has now been designed to work with iOS 4, and take advantage of all the multitasking features. Have Speak it read your emails, news articles, documents and more while you do other things with your iDevice! Copy emails, documents, web pages, PDF files, and paste them into Speak it!, and have the text spoken back to you with the highest quality text to speech engine available anywhere.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/speak-it!-text-to-speech/id308629295?mt=8

SoundAMP R and Lite: $5.49 and $0.99 respectively
SoundAMP has been tuned to provide crystal clear sound at the maximum volume possible. It even reduces volume over the limit. Simple-to-use controls allow you to tune the sound with the equalizer, adjust background sound levels for each situation, and replay the last 30 seconds. With soundAMP R, record it all -- capture lectures, presentations, interviews or doctors advice.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/soundamp-r/id318126109?mt=8

Google Search:
Search the web faster and easier with the latest Search app from Google. Get exclusive search features only available in this app for the best search experience. Search made easy especially when using Voice Search: Search by voice and skip the typing or Google Goggles: Snap a photo of what you see to find more information about products, landmarks or famous paintings.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google-search/id284815942?mt=8

TapTap: $2.99 AU
TapTap is the only app in the appStore designed specifically to help Deaf and HoH bridge the gap to the audio world. Loud noises trigger TapTap to notify you with vibration and a flashing screen. Alone at night in your quiet home? Turn TapTap's sensitivity all the way up and it will respond to the slightest sounds: a distant gentle knock, a door closing, a baby fussing nearby.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/tap-tap/id369747181?mt=8

Sorenson BuzzCards: FREE
BuzzCards is an app designed to help deaf people communicate easily with people who don’t sign. The app works like a deck of flash cards. You can create some cards ahead of time that you might need to use more often “Where is the restroom?” or “Where is the nearest bus stop?” Your cards are kept organized by category (for example, “Dining” or “Travel”) to make them easy to find.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sorenson-buzzcards/id380582593?mt=8

Decibel Pro: $0.99 AU
Decibel Meter Pro starts reading the sound levels that surround you every day! Want to know just how loud this club is? Decibel Meter Pro can help! Just how loud is this lecture anyhow? Decibel Meter Pro can help! How good is the sound isolation in this room? Decibel Meter Pro can help! Download Decibel Meter Pro and measure the sounds around you right now!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/decibel-meter-pro/id382776256?mt=8

Dragon Dictation: FREE

Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition that allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard. Dragon Dictation will also utilize the data in spoken messages collected over time to continuously improve and provide high speech recognition accuracy. This app is getting better all the time.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8

TuneWiki: FREE
Don't let your kids with hearing problems miss out.The music player with Synced Lyrics in any language. The only music player where you can get, share and talk about lyrics and music. Easily Share lyrics with your network of friends or listen to any music with synced lyrics. TuneWiki has free, unlimited SongID with synced lyrics that lets you get lyrics instantly translated into 40+ languages.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/tunewiki-lyrics-with-music/id320088832?mt=8

AMERICAN TELEPHONE SERVICES APPS

IP-Relay: FREE - American Service ONLY

IP-Relay enables people who are deaf or hard of hearing to use an iPhone to quickly and easily call people who are hearing. Like an instant message, you type your side conversation. A certified operator receives it and voices everything you type to the hearing person. When the hearing person responds, the operator types their words. You watch the entire conversation live, right on your iPhone.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ip-relay/id351385414?mt=8

Google Voice: FREE - American Service ONLY

Access your Google Voice account right from your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Send free text messages to US phones and make international calls at very low rates. Access your voicemail messages with transcription. Make calls with your Google Voice number. A Google Voice account is required to use this app. Google Voice is currently only available in the US.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524?mt=8

Z4 Mobile: FREE

The Z4 Mobile app allows deaf and hard of hearing people to make and receive phone calls to and from any videophone. Use your iPhone 4, iPad2, or iPod Touch 4th Generation to communicate with friends, family and business contacts—hearing or deaf—anywhere WiFi or 3G is available. Choose to place a call from your contacts list or by manually dialing the number you would like to call.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/z4-mobile/id415488663?mt=8

BOOKS

Danny the dragon meets Jimmy: $2.99 AU
Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy is a captivating, multi-award winning tale about a lovable dragon named Danny, and his sidekick Skipper. In a most unusual way, they stumble upon the home of a boy named Jimmy. Danny’s mode of transportation - he shrinks and travels in a green sea shell! Reading the story, children are also transported to a simpler place and time.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/danny-the-dragon-meets-jimmy/id3857?mt=8

Garfield's BooClips - Pet Force: $2.99 AU
The BooClips have become the new way to read books, offering a variety of fantastic features such as word for word narration, voiceover recording, 3D interface, touch capabilities, sign language interpretation, translation to different languages, easy navigation between pages, an animated magnifying glass, a dynamic bookmark that remembers where the reading was stopped.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/garfields-booclips-garfields/id466305557?mt=8

Adaptive Books - 5 Pumpkins: $0.99 AU
Enjoy Halloween with your little ones while they learn with this interactive book! Using a sign language interpreter to tell and model the story, this app is designed for educating children with special needs or communication challenges. Beginning users and those with motor or visual impairments get to work on simple drag and drop interaction techniques and matching numbers.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/adapted-book-5-pumpkins/id335540276?mt=8

Old MacDonald for iPad: $0.99 AU
Created by Listening and Spoken Language Specialists with Early Childhood Teachers, Old MacDonald is a highly interactive learning experience. The app is full of wonderful interactive games to encourage the development of listening and language skills in young children. Families of children who have reduced hearing or language problems will find the app particularly useful.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/old-macdonald-for-ipad/id458823741?mt=8

LazyTown BooClips: FREE

LazyTown is a digital children's book application which describes various stories with use of multimedia, video clips, vivid animations, songs and music from LazyTown TV series. Among the fantastic features that the LazyTown app offers you may find word-for-word story narration, voiceover recording, a dynamic page flip, magnifying glass, bookmark, sign language translation, and much more!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lazytown-booclips/id424736849?mt=8

Cain and Abel BooClips: $1.99 AU

The Cain and Abel BooClips continues with the memorable and ageless tale of the brothers, Cain and Abel — a lesson in obedience and right attitudes relevant for today’s culture. The new way to read books, offering a variety of fantastic features such as word for word narration, voiceover recording, 3D interface, touch capabilities, sign language interpretation, translation to different languages.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-bible-cain-abel/id456625066?ls=1&mt=8

SIGN LANGUAGE
There are literally dozens and dozens of Sign Language Translators, Dictionaries and Tutorials for learning to Sign. To list any of them would be to neglect other equally good versions. If you are after sign language apps can I suggest that you search the app store under the heading of the appropriate sign language depending on your country of residence. In Australia we use AUSLAN but I know that America uses ASL and in England they use BSL, obviously there are numerous local signing variations.

iPad Apps for the Visually Impaired Kids in your Class

2012-01-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

AppAdice.com is one of those places that I go to for quick and easy lists of apps that complete specific tasks. These guys put a lot of time and effort into making these lists and often categorise apps within the lists. They always start with an Overview of what the apps do and then list them in categories; Essential, Notable, Decent and then others.

I thought this might be a good list to share for educators but make sure that you spend some time on their site checking out all their greats AppGuides.

It has been said that technology has made the world smaller, but for the blind or those with poor vision, iDevices are opening up a whole new world. This AppList highlights some of the most innovative and entertaining apps available to the vision impaired. Now, with the aid of an iDevice, the blind can virtually see color, light, paper money and much more.

http://appadvice.com/applists/show/apps-for-the-visually-impaired

Making Student Videos on the iPad

2012-01-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

Most people who are Mac users would probably be familiar with iMovie. It's an easy to use app for making professional looking movies to share with others or for students to show their understanding of a concept or issue. iMovie is great, however, it is not the only app for making and editing movies on the iPad. There are numerous apps that do this job admirably - why don't you find one that matches your workflow or the learning styles of your students. Here is a small selection;

iMovie: $5.49 AU
Designed for the Multi-Touch screen, iMovie puts everything you need to tell your story at your fingertips. Browse and play projects in the Marquee view. Make a movie in minutes by adding video, photos, music and sound effects. Then give it the Hollywood treatment by adding a theme, titles and transitions. And you can share share your movie with the world – right from iMovie.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/imovie/id377298193?mt=8

ReelDirector: $1.99 AU

ReelDirector is a powerful, easy-to-use, and fun app for creating videos with titles and effects. The app makes it easy for you to create, edit and share movie clips on your iPad. You can insert transitions between clips to smooth or blend the change from one scene to another.You can also use the drag-and-drop timeline, and up to 28 transitions that allow you to create videos in just minutes.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/reeldirector/id334366844

Splice: 2 versions - FREE and $4.49 AU

Splice allows you to create and edit videos from start to finish via your iDevice. Splice together HD photos and videos in an amazingly simple way. Add music tracks from your iPod library, sound effects, transitions, borders, effects (like Ken Burns, slow motion and fast forward), trim video and audio, narrate with your own voice, and much more.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/splice-video-editor/id386894062?mt=8

Videolicious: FREE

The fastest way to create great looking videos. Turn raw video clips and photos into tightly edited masterpieces to share with your friends, in just three simple steps. Share your videos on Facebook or YouTube directly from the app. Based on patent-pending technology used by some of the world's largest brands, Videolicious is revolutionizing how video is created.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/videolicious/id400853498?mt=8

Video Editor for Free: FREE

Video Editor is perfect and essential for anyone who loves to create and share clips, video blogs, and short films. Easy to use video editing tool that let’s you trim, merge, and share your video clips! In addition to sharing videos via e-mail, you can directly upload video clips to Facebook and YouTube. “Video Editor for FREE” offers the fastest upload speeds to share videos with friends and family.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/video-editor-for-free/id450722848?mt=8

Video Edit: $2.99 AU

Video Edit is the fastest way to edit and render videos on the iPad 2. Now with background uploading of movies to Facebook and YouTube! The philosophy behind Video Edit is that not everyone wants to spend hours editing, creating titles, transitions, and fades. In many cases you just want to shoot, trim, and stitch together a handful of entertaining clips to share online.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/video-edit/id354701748?mt=8

VideoPix: $0.99 AU

VideoPix - iOS first Video Frame Grabber with inbuilt video player is the only app that allows you to Grab perfectly timed pictures from videos in seconds. Catch the perfect pose of your loved ones from video shot by iOS device video camera. Get unlimited screencaps of your favorite stars or celebrities from videos stored in Videos app of your iOS device.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/videopix-video-frame-capture/id399250641?mt=8

Vimeo: FREE

Vimeo is the best way to get your videos online in the highest quality with great tools to share publicly or privately. There’s many reasons millions use Vimeo and Time Magazine voted them a Top 50 Website for the last two years running. Learn more at Vimeo.com. They've packed all the best parts of Vimeo into one app! Now you can upload, edit, manage and watch your videos right from your iDevice.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vimeo/id425194759?mt=8

FiLMic Pro: $2.99 AU

Filmic Pro takes movie making to the next level and turns your iDevice into one of the most powerful and robust full featured HD video cameras around. Filmic Pro offers more ways than any other video camera app to personalize your shooting method. FiLMiC Pro is a full-featured video camera designed with the videographer in mind. This app has everything you’ll ever need for video editing.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/filmic-pro/id436577167?mt=8

OneVideoEdit: $2.99 AU

OneVideoEdit makes batch video processing and uploading easier. It executes multiple tasks on multiple videos at one time. You can also transfer videos, images or audio files directly to your Computer, save to photo library, upload to Dropbox, Picasa, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Google Docs and any FTP Servers by ONE click.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/onevideoedit-for-ipad-batch/id435497918?mt=8

During January TUAW are accepting nominations for the best Video Editing App for 2011. If you have tried any of these and really love them, make sure that you nominate your favourite app. Click below for the TUAW site.

Using Speech to Text Apps on your iPad

2011-12-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

There are a number of apps that are available that let you record your voice in order to convert it to text. I find this helpful when I need to transcribe longer pieces or even if I need to transcribe multiple entries. This technology is not yet perfect but it has improved considerably since these apps first came on the market. The first time I tried these app I got about 30% of the words correct, that figure is now more like 85% and with some effort on your part can be as high as 95%. Even with the minor inconsistencies it is still a quicker way for me to do larger pieces of text. I find these good when I want to just get the text down for a piece that I will spend some time formatting later. These are great for students as well, especially those kids who display great verbal intelligence but struggle with the written word.

Voice to Text Apps

Dragon Dictation: FREE

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8

QuickVoice2Text Email: $2.99 AU

QuickVoice for the iPhone is ideal for capturing ideas, voice memos, dictation, classes, meetings, even entire lectures and seminars! Ideal for professional, educational, and personal use. Powered by SpinVox it is ideal for sending TEXT EMAILS using just voice and a few touches - No Typing Required. Very easy to use tap and record. Free version - recordings for up to 30 seconds. I like this.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/quickvoice2text-email-pro/id285877935?mt=8

Speech Notes: FREE

"Speech Notes is a note taking app that can convert speech with the help of internet connection. Just tap on mic button and once done hit again to start converting voice to text." Collect all your dictated and written notes in one place. More to that with just one button click you may easily transform your speech into human readable text.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/speech-notes/id442486961?mt=8

TalkBox Voice Messenger: FREE

What if we are to tell you that you have not “activated” your voice yet? Experience the fastest messaging on iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch! TalkBox is sending messages with your voice and now with text input support!. It’s an application dedicated to getting your messages across FAST with no boundary! Try out the app during this time-limited free offer!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/talkbox-voice-messenger/id412710421?mt=8

Siri like Voice Instruction Apps

For those people who do not have an iPhone 4S but would like some of the Siri features - here are a couple of alternatives.

Vlingo - Voice App: FREE

Looking for Siri-like functionality on your iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4? Look no further. Vlingo even goes beyond the new Siri Assistant by integrating with your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Plus all functionality, including sms and email, is now completely free. Vlingo is your very own Virtual Assistant. Simply speak to Vlingo and it will help you get more done, faster and easier than before

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vlingo-voice-app/id297214191?mt=8

Voice Actions: $5.49 AU

Control your phone through speech commands. Voice Actions allows a multitude of simple actions to be performed by voice command. These include, sending emails by voice, setting alarms and reminders, searching by voice, listen to specific music, voicedial your contacts or get instant translations. You can even search news, images, videos, and places and much more just by using your voice!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/voice-actions/id422037126?mt=8

Other Voice Options

Google Search: FREE

The new Google Search app for iPhone and iPad. Search the web faster and easier with the latest Search app from Google. Completely redesigned for the iPad. Voice Search: Search by voice and skip the typing. Look for the microphone icon. Quick access to other Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Docs. This is lots of fun - kids will love this!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/google-search/id284815942?mt=8

Apps for Professional Development

2011-12-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

If you have not had a chance to read through this list put together by John Sowash than do yourself a favour and spend some time today working out which of these would benefit your daily workflow. John has done a spectacular job putting together this list for an article he wrote for Edreach. Checked out their website for some great articles and resources.

They have a fantastic mission statement.

Ed Reach provides a platform for passionate, outspoken educators- aiming to strengthen their voices by highlighting innovation in the field of education, through reporting critical educational news, providing commentary, and offering criticism of the educational issues of the day.

http://edreach.us/2011/12/26/apps-for-professional-development/

Continually Updated iOS Tips and Tricks

2011-12-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

iOS 5 is an incredibly complex operating system, filled with hundreds of innovative, undocumented little touches, just waiting for you to stumble on. Here's an updated, ever-constant filling of tips and tricks to help you master Apple's latest iOS to the fullest. Keep checking back and be sure to bookmark us for future reference.

The guys over at MacLife.com have put together a continually updating article that offers tips and tricks for using iOS 5 on your iPad, iPhone or iPod. These are good, simple tips that are really about improving the use of your iOS device. This might be an article that you check on a regular basis to keep you up to date with iOS discoveries or updated features.

http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/always_current_ios_5_tips_and_tricks_guide#slide-3

Should we use Parental Controls for the iPads in the Classroom

2011-12-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

I teach in a high school and we have always made it a policy at our school to give students access to all the tools on their iDevices. This was originally meet by concern from a couple of staff and some parents but the reality was that once the students were given complete access they no longer saw the need to hack into their machines to get it. Many of the students lost interest in the tools we were most afraid of them having.

The reality of our situation was that without the control of their own devices we would not have achieved the creativity or sense of ownership that many of our students have now developed with their own learning. The students became the driving force behind a fundamental pedagogical change that occurred at our school after the implementation of the 1:1 program.

But....I understand that not everyone is able to or comfortable with giving their students this amount of autonomy. This is especially true of primary school K-6 students. Some element of control would alleviate many concerns from teaching staff and parents.

What is available if we want to maintain some control on content that our students access on the iPad?

Here are a list of some apps available to do just that but I have also included some instructions below for setting some Parental Controls directly on your iPads. These were on based on an article put together by the folk over at ikidapps.com.

Apps:

Mobicip: $5.40 AU

Simply set your filtering level at Elementary, Middle or High School and Mobicip automatically applies filtering standards used by K-12 school systems. The filter uses strict safe search, categorization, and intelligent real-time content analysis. It is expressly designed by Mobicip to provide a safe, secure and educational Internet and YouTube (new) for families and school-age children.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mobicip-safe-browser/id299153586?mt=8

K9 WebProtection Browser: FREE

Free Parental Controls for iPad is a safe web browser for your family. Backed by Blue Coat Systems' leading web filtering and content control technology, your children will receive the same protection trusted by Fortune 500 companies around the world. You will want to disable Safari and make K9 Web Protection Browser your default browser.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/k9-web-protection-browser/id407657840?mt=8

Lightspeed Mobile Filter: FREE

Lightspeed Mobile Filter for iOS ensures safe, monitored Internet access on school-distributed iOS devices. The Lightspeed Mobile Filter for iOS devices is a browser application that regulates and monitors web browsing when used in conjunction with Lightspeed Systems Internet filters for schools. Provides: Internet filtering, Thumbnail image blocking and Bookmarks.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lightspeed-mobile-filter/id367422068?mt=8

Kids Safe Web Browser: $1.99 AU

This is not a browser meant to stop older children. This app is meant for younger children to learn how to use a browser and provide them with a safe browser to use. It is meant to teach your child how to use a browser for the first time and give you some peace of mind knowing they wont see something inappropriate.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kids-safe-web-browser/id398093566?mt=8#

SafeWeb for iPad: FREE and with Paid Upgrade

Safeweb is your simple "kid safe" web browser for the iPad. You decide what web sites are allowed. Enter your passcode for any new sites and they will be remembered for future visits. The innovative "Learn mode" allows the browser to quickly add many sites to the allowed list just by visiting them.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/safeweb/id417563423?mt=8

iWonder Pro: FREE

The ultimate parental control web browser with controls exceeding anything available today! Utilizing advanced GPS technology, you can see exactly where your kids are when they surf the web, with history tracking. ALL adult sites are blocked automatically, FREE adult website blocking for life... no matter what, adult sites are blocked free of charge.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iwonder-pro/id393932990?mt=8

SurfBalance: $5.49 AU

SurfBalance combines a fun, full-screen mobile web browser with unique parental control features that go beyond website filtering to help kids develop better web usage skills. With SurfBalance, you can guide, limit and verify your child’s travels on the web while using an iPad. SurfBalance helps parents guide young web users by providing a catalog of over 1000 kid-friendly sites.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/surfbalance-safe-browser-for/id320775987?mt=8

Setting the Parental Controls directly on the iPad Settings:

Keeping kids safe is a top priority for parents and educators. Although the iPad is a cool device and great learning tool, iPad parental controls are essential to ensuring that children are not able to access inappropriate content, or accidentally run-up iTunes bills.

Fortunately, setting iPad parental controls is a quick and easy process that will provide peace of mind for parents and educators and safe access to Apple’s coolest technology.

How to set iPad parental controls:
1. From the iPad’s home screen, select the “Settings” icon.

2. Touch the “General” option from the left side of the settings screen.

3. Locate the “Restrictions” setting option within General and set to “On”.

4. Press Enable Restrictions then choose a 4 digit pass code to lock the iPad parental control settings. Ideally, this should be a number that’s easy for you to remember but not so obvious that older kids will be able to figure it out in a few guesses.

Unfortunately, if a pass code is forgotten retrieval may mean having to re-configure your whole iPad.

5. After choosing a passcode, you will be given access to the “Restrictions” page. Set each section of restrictions, such as “YouTube,” “Safari,” “iTunes,” and the like to meet the limitations that you feel are appropriate for your students. These items may be disabled completely, or limited based on the ratings of material.

6. Select “Apps” in the “Allowed Content” section of the Restrictions page and select the ratings of apps that you consider appropriate for download. You may also choose to disable any in-app purchases completely by selecting “Don’t Allow Apps” to avoid unexpected iTunes bills.

7. Once your iPad parental control settings are complete, press the home button to return to the main screen. Settings can be changed at any time by accessing “Restrictions” via the “Settings” menu and entering your passcode.

Regardless of the settings that you choose, remember that iPad parental controls are no substitute for adult supervision. Take the time to talk to your students about what to do if they accidentally access inappropriate content and always supervise your student’s iPad use.

http://www.ikidapps.com/2011/05/ipad-parental-controls.html

Are We Really Evaluating the Use of iPads in Our Classroom

2011-12-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

One of the things we need to be doing as educators is to critically evaluate the resources and learning experiences that we provide for our students. This is even more important when we are spending vast sums of public money to implement new or innovative hardware devices into our schools. At the moment only short term studies have been released showing the benefits or not of using 1:1 tablet programs. There are few that are easily accessible to teachers or that outline specific strategies for implementing tablet programs.

It would good to create a collection of these if people are aware of them. Send them through and I will add them to this article. These could even be cited when making the argument for implementing such programs.

Here are some of references to existing research that I found interesting.

http://ipadpilot.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/research-and-evaluation-a-work-in-progress/

http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/ascilite2011/downloads/papers/Brand-full.pdf

http://www.nngroup.com/reports/mobile/

This site has a collection of links to what other research institutions are also doing:
http://researchguides.dartmouth.edu/teachingwithipads

Articles:
http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/09/06/ipads-make-better-readers-writers.aspx

http://campustechnology.com/articles/2011/02/02/evaluating-the-ipad-for-education.aspx

http://www.convergemag.com/classtech/iPad-Studies-Abilene-Christian.html

This issue will become more of a requirement as legislators start to ask educator to justify continued financial support of such programs and as parents and the community ask to see evidence of the benefits of these changes to their children's schooling. Some people have started this process.

As a start we should be evaluating the apps we chose to use with our students. Kathy Schrock's has started to put together a couple of scaffolds for doing just this. Her site, always a source of fantastic resources has a great section on iPads.

Another fantastic is resource is Apps+Taskonomy. The guys at Balancedtech have put together this PD Session that could be completed by anybody in their own school. They have hyperlinked all the necessary resources into the PD material. They also have a plethora of iPad resources on their site.

http://www.schrockguide.net/ipads-in-the-classroom.html

Another interesting reflection can be found at The Staffroom HQ. Written by Aiden Levy a Yr 6 teacher. He loves to constantly evaluate his programs and lessons in order to increase the integration of technology and at the forefront of his mind is the iPad and its application in the classroom. He has also provided a sample Evaluation Form

http://thestaffroom101.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/5-reasons-to-evaluate-your-school-ipad-program-sample-evaluation-form/

Creating an Appropriate App Collection within your School Budget

2011-12-23T16:36:00.000-08:00

Collections of Apps can be expensive. How do you locate appropriate apps at a reasonable price or better still for FREE. Here are some really easy ways to locate apps that might be useful in your classroom.

Developers change the prices of apps all the time to get them into the Top 100 or because of upgrades. Some iPad apps were originally only iphone apps that were free but could be used on the iPad. Gradually these have have been upgraded for the iPad - hence the price changes. As you can imagine it is very difficult to keep up with each and every price change in itunes. The best way of cause is to let someone else do all the work and then get them to send it to you. So the first thing I would suggest is locating a couple of sites that you find useful and then subscribing to their RSS feed.
Websites:
Lots of websites have been set up as a way of locating appropriate apps. Some of these even have FREE search categories. Others allow you to create wish lists and then they notify you if price drops occur. I like to check the Best of Lists Free Apps every now and again to see if any worthwhile apps have been released. Check these out;

http://www.appadvice.com

http://www.appsafari.com

http://www.appolicious.com

http://www.appshopper.com

http://www.appcraver.com

http://www.appchronicles.com

http://www.148apps.com

http://ipad.freeappalert.com/

http://www.appstorm.com

http://www.freeappaday.com

http://www.freeipadapps.net

Apps:
There are even Apps that have been designed to locate FREE apps for the iPad. These Apps are free to purchase and they are regularly updated and make the experience of locating apps even easier. Some of these apps are designed to find apps that are in the categories you designate and then let you know if price drops have occurred. Other are more simply in the tasks they perform.

App Store	AppStream	AppHits
AppShopper	AppCast	HotAppDeals
PandoraBox	AppDeals	HotAppFinder

Twitter:
There are also numerous twitter accounts that specialise in app tracking and some of these you might find useful to follow. I must admit I cut back on these after I had my initial set of apps. I find I do not want my twitter account flooded by just a couple of feeds. Pick the ones that work for you.

@ipadappsales	@FreeAppsOrg	@AppAdvice
@iPadApp_Sale	@AppsforiPad	@AppClimb
@FreeAppsOrg @freeappalert	@AppPicker @freeappaday	@iPadApps_ @BrainGameApps

Twitter Hashtags:

Sometimes it is handy just to search specific Hashtags when you are looking for apps. Here are a list of # that I have found useful in the past. Not all of these are iPad app specific but they will often have reviews or news of new releases or free apps.

#ipadapps	#edapps	#edtech
#ipaded	#mlearning	#ipad
#ipadchat	#slide2learn	#iear

You also have numerous blogs about Apps, too numerous to mention here. Many of these have been mentioned on my blogsite - Appsineducation

More Kindergarten iPad Resources

2011-12-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

This is a great list of Apps and Websites that provide age appropriate content for Preschool and Kindergarten students. Put together by Dan King and Naomi Harm from Innovative Educator Consulting, these guys are iPad Content Integration Specialists and have worked extensively in sharing and promoting 21st Century Skills. This is the first of three pages of resources. Not only have they identified individual apps but they have also listed other useful websites that provide lists of apps and reviews. I am not a primary school specialist but this is a fabulous resource. Well worth a look for teachers or parent of very young children.

http://www.danking.net/iPad/docs/pdf

Junior Geniuses - Student iPad Expert Program

2011-12-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

I first came across Adam Brice @adambrice at a Apple Distinguished Educators Conference. He was a passionate and motivated advocate for both appropriate technology integration and the use of Challenge Based Learning in primary/elementary school situations. He was generous with his time and happily talked novices through the procedure of setting up CBL in schools. I have followed his Ringwood North iPad Trial with interest since then and been impressed with both the depth of learning that occurs within the school and the resources that have been developed not only by Adam and his colleagues but by the Victorian Education Dept. The iPads for Education program has been used by many people as a starting point for setting up their own 1:1 iPads programs.

This Junior Geniuses initiative at Ringwood North is loosely based on the Apple idea of ADEs and I have seen it used successfully in high schools; we actually have teams of Mac Masters. To use this model in a Primary school though is pretty amazing. One of the things that I find most impressive is the attitudinal change that must of occurred within the whole staff. They have acknowledged their roles as facilitators but are comfortable with the fact that many of their students know more about the technology than they do. I also like the idea of giving the students some responsibility and input into the appropriate use of technology in the process of their own learning. This can provide opportunities for the type of collaborative learning environments that typify all those 21st Century skills we continue to strive for in our own classes.

20 DEC2011

Ringwood North PS Junior Geniuses

There can be no debate - our kids know more than most adults about technology. And at our school, there is no doubt our Year 5/6 students are our resident experts when it comes to iPads. Yet rather than be threatened by this, why not harness their enthusiasm and willingness to share their knowledge?

With our Year 5/6 students and staff each having their own iPads, and small class sets throughout tour Prep - Year 4 classrooms, the need to support the staff and students around the school with this technology is vital. We also have many parents who have indicated their desire to learn more about the technology and work their children are doing with it.

And so the 'Ringwood North Junior Geniuses' was born!

Full article - http://ipadtrial.posterous.com/ringwood-north-ps-junior-geniuses

We Create - Evidence of Learning on the iPad in Kindergarten

2011-12-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

Go beyond the cute factor of this video and it is a model for a great workflow for the use of iPads in a classroom. Do not be fooled by the age of these kids, the learning is real.

Hilbert Center - 'We Create' from Doug Stotts on Vimeo.

Edudemic School Apps Collections

2011-12-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

If you’re a student, teacher, or administrator at a high school looking into adopting iPads for educational purposes, it’s important to know that the iPad is more than just an easy way to browse the web or visit the app store.

Edudemic has published three featured articles on the best iPad apps for the classroom over the last month or so. These are invaluable lists for educators, students and parents. These apps obviously overlap but I thought it might be a good idea to put a link to all three of these articles for those people that share one ipad for multiple users.

100+ iPad Apps Perfect For High School

http://edudemic.com/2011/11/ipad-high-school/

100 iPad Apps Perfect For Middle School

http://edudemic.com/2011/11/ipad-middle-school/

65+ iPad Apps Perfect For Elementary School

http://edudemic.com/2011/11/palm-beach-apps/

Monster List of Apps for People with Autism

2011-12-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

The touch screen interface and intuitive nature of the iPad has been a productive and inclusive way to provide educational experiences for people with Autism. Many schools and organisations use specific iPad apps as effective tools in the educational process but what if you had access to a whole suite of tools. This is exactly what these guys have done at iPad Apps & Resources for Autism. Compiled by a parent, an adult with Autism and an SLP; Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Corina Becker and SLP Jordan Sadler, have collated a monster list of great apps for teaching people with Autism in the following catergories;

Advocacy
Art
Books
Communication
Earliest Learning
File Sharing
Games
General Development
Geography

History

Label and Identifying
Language
Maths and Pre-Maths
Multiple Activities and Suites
Music
Navigation
Productivity
Puzzles

Reading and Spelling

Science
Self Care
Social Skills
Social Media
Social Stories
Speech
Visual Schedules
Writing and Fine Motor

This is a wonderful resource for parents and schools alike. Take the time to check out the list and identify some of the apps you might already have on your iPads that might benefit some of your students.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0AjbIta8OTS0KdHRMVWx0Q3pvOWRXRXBfd01jc3lqakE&hl=en&single=true&gid=0&output=html

10 Great Apps for Making Music on your iPad

2011-12-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

One of the classroom tasks that has been transformed the most with the introduction of the iPad is making music. The intuitive interface of many of the apps developed for music means that even a determined amateur can easily produce music of professional quality. Expensive as these apps may seem they allow you to create professional quality music for a fraction of the price of actual recording equipment.

Korg iMS-20: $34.99 AU
iMS-20 is a complete music production app for iPad. It consists of a complete recreation of the legendary Korg MS-20 analog synth with the patching capability, plus a 16-step analog sequencer based on the Korg SQ-10, a six-part drum machine which can create drum parts by simply tapping the buttons, and a seven-channel mixer with 14 types of effects.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/korg-ims-20/id401142966?mt=8

GarageBand: $4.99 AU
GarageBand turns your iPad into a collection of Touch Instruments and a full-featured recording studio — so you can make music anywhere you go. Use Multi-Touch gestures to play pianos, organs, guitars, drums, and basses. They sound and play like their counterparts, but let you do things you could never do on a real instrument. Enjoy a full range of Smart Instruments that make you sound like a pro

http://itunes.apple.com/app/id408709785?mt=8&ls=1

Looptastic HD: $15.99 AU
Create your own remixes and compositions in an intuitive way. Simply drag and drop loops, mix it up with a DJ-style mixer and add effects with Touch Pad control. Record your moves and export the performance as CD-ready audio files. Contains over 900 loops across major dance styles (Trance, Hip Hop, Dubstep, Ambient, Breakbeat, Minimal, Progressive House, and Reggaeton, etc).

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/looptastic-hd/id363971496?mt=8

Korg iElectribe: $20.99 AU
With the iELECTRIBE, sound creation is easy, fun and intuitive – just as on a vintage analog synthesizer. Simply choose a part (or sound) and touch the 16-step sequencer to quickly build a groove. This easy-to-use interface combines forces with the iPad’s 9.7” multi touch display to offer an intuitive "hardware" feel, sure to inspire and captivate the imagination of any user.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/korg-ielectribe/id363714043?mt=8

miniSynth Pro: $5.49 AU
miniSynth PRO offers many features to render music making easier. They include a dedicated arpeggiator module, dual individually adjustable keyboards, user control matrix with configurable assignments, and 82 presets designed by actual musicians. Users are able to record their own performances, as well as save and recall any number of their own presets in our brand-new patch design format?

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/minisynth-pro/id364751154?mt=8

Pianist Pro: $5.49 AU
Pianist Pro is a virtual piano designed specifically for the iPad. It features full MIDI import and export capability, allowing you to record song ideas while on the road and export them via MIDI to your Digital Audio Workstation back at the studio. You can also use Pianist Pro as a great master MIDI keyboard, either with USB, the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer interface, or via Wi-Fi.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pianist-pro/id358857758?mt=8

AmpliTude 2: $20.99 AU
With AmpliTube for iPad, you have an entire guitar and bass rig at your fingertips. You get 4 stompbox effects running into an amplifier head with effects, plus cabinet and a microphone. Choose from 11 built-in stompbox effects (delay, fuzz, overdrive, wah, envelope filter, flanger, phaser, noise filter + distortion once registered), 5 amps with full controls, 5 speaker cabinets and 2 microphones.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/amplitube-for-ipad/id373750924?mt=8

MorphWiz: $10.49 AU
Their goal was to create an instrument that would allow the seamless morphing of the audio and visual domain while delivering a seamless musical experience. I believe the iPhone/iPad multitouch platform opens up a whole new world of creation of electronic musical instruments and we’re proud MorphWiz is our first major offering.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/morphwiz/id377345348?mt=8

touchAble: $25.99 AU
touchAble allows live users to perform live from anywhere within Wi-Fi range. Play your favorite synths with the unique double keyboard or record your rhythms with the 16 drum pads. Extend your creativity with the multi dots XY Pad and record, play and morph your movements. Tweak the same set with two iPads with the unique Dual-User-Mode.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/touchable/id385949475?mt=8

iSequence HD: $10.49 AU
Sequence is a music creation studio designed for iPad. It has a 8-track sequencer, tons of instruments, flexible mixer with DSP effects you can easily program and record profesional loops, beats and melodies. Record tracks and control movement in real-time, edit them using step sequencer and automation editor, switch between instruments, tracks and views without stopping playback.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/isequence-hd/id369873168?mt=8

Kathy Casey's iPad Resources Collection on Pearltrees

2011-12-12T17:44:00.000-08:00

I have posted about Pearltrees before, it is an app that allow you to collect, curate, make connections and then share sites, blogs, articles or websites around similar ideas or concepts. I said at the time that I liked this concept because it was such a visual interface and that it allowed the viewer to see the physical links between ideas.

I found this one the other day and was impressed with the quality of the links. Kathy Casey has obviously spent a good deal of time collecting great resources for using the iPads in the classroom. This is the sort of curation and sharing that Pearltrees was designed for and Kathy has certainly used it well.

Make sure you also have a look back up the tree as she also has some great resources around;

21st Century Learners,
Technology to Promote Thinking and
Differentiation.

She has done a great job pulling all of these resources together. Make sure you also follow the other related interests links to find further iPad related resources.

http://www.pearltrees.com/#/N-fa=3503543&N-u=1_398816&N-s=1_3679440&N-f=1_3679440&N-p=29063686

6 Apps for Creating Outlines on the iPad:

2011-12-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

Capturing information quickly and efficiently in a classroom is an important skill. So much of what we do in the classroom needs to be documented either by you, the teacher or by the students. Apps that make this process quick and easy are therefore vital. Here are a quick list that might work in your classroom - some are quite expensive but they do offer a vastly different product depending on who will be the primary user.

Notability: $0.99
Notability 4.0 is the first truly integrated note-taking app for iPad. Standing on a framework that automatically links notes with audio recordings, Notability supports all of your note-taking needs -- handwriting, PDF annotation, word processing, and more work together seamlessly allowing you to create comprehensive, beautiful notes, quickly and simply. Auto Sync ensures your notes are backed up safely.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/notability-handwriting-note/id360593530?mt=8

OminOutliner for iPad: $20.99 AU
OmniOutliner starts as a blank page. But as you collect, compose, and rearrange text, its powerful outlining features emerge to organize your ideas. Hierarchy, columns, styling, notes — use them all in concert or keep things simple, depending on the project at hand. From basic lists and tables to serious writing and data wrangling, OmniOutliner understands how to keep your work structured and tidy.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/omnioutliner/id430118869?mt=8

iOutline for iPad: $0.99 AU
An outline editor is an essential tool. Point lists and numbered lists, which predate computers, are themselves essential tools. Being able to keep these lists on an iPad makes them cleaner, more useful, and easier to modify. iOutline is an outline editor for the iPad, in which you can build lists of single-line items. You can add sub-items and items at the same level of indentation.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id401884533

Outliner for iPad: $5.49 AU
CarbonFin Outliner for iPad allows you to organize your thoughts, tasks, and projects. Easily create a todo list for today, or track an entire project anywhere you are. Share your outlines, edit them online, and collaborate with other Outliner users. Create outlines for structured notes, lists, tasks, tasks with subtasks, projects or search through all your outlines, or find text in the current outline.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/outliner-for-ipad/id360659928?mt=8

Simple Outliner: FREE
Simple Outliner is an outline processor which can be operated easily. To pop up the menu, tap the bottom of the main screen. Edit an item by double tapping it. To show a note wipe the item left or delete or copy an item by wiping it right. To change an item into folder, double tap the dot at the left of it. To change the outline level of an item, shift it horizontally.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/simple-outliner-free/id357042200?mt=8

Circus Ponies Notebook: $31.99 AU
Ever wonder why note taking apps don't let you bold, underline, color text, or use multiple fonts? The answer is because it's HARD. Problem is, bold and other text styling are super important when taking notes. Sometimes you need to scribble, sometimes you want to add a diagram. It's a rare app that allows all three. Add to this the ability to sync your notes between your iPad and Mac via Dropbox.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/circus-ponies-notebook/id405636065?mt=8

10 Tools for Getting the Most from Dropbox

2011-12-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

This has also been posted at my Web 2.0 blog - Edtechtoolbox - some of these tools are cross platform.

1. Dropbox Copy

This is a simple application that adds the copy button menu option letting you transfer files to dropbox and also copies the URL in your clipboard so that you can share faster.

2. DropItToMe

This is a password protected online application created to help you set up a process for transferring files using Dropbox. The password is known only by you and your counterpart whom you wish to send documents or files to.

3. Picplz

This is a photo sharing application available for both iPhone and Android users. Picplz let’s you manage photos and create interesting galleries which can be shared with ease. The service also provides features to let you create your own photo streaming through Dropbox.

4. Dropbox Forms

A service hosted by Jotforms. It allows you to create online forms where people come, create documents or leave impressions, fill out form for you and then Dropbox Forms automatically synchronizes the content with your Dropbox account.

5. DropVox

If you’re a big fan of the audio note-to-self but you’d like more flexibility than the iPhone’s default Voice Memos app, DropVox may be for you. It’s a simple audio-recording app that links with and uploads M4A recordings directly to your Dropbox account.

6. MailDrop

This is an advanced backup tool designed to help you save your important emails and conversations from your email account. When using MailDrop you can even choose which folder of your email you want to backup.

7. FileStork

An easy and very secure way for Dropbox users around the world to request files from each other. All you have to do is to register, send a request and then the file will be uploaded to Dropbox and you have full access to the file.

8. Send To Dropbox

This application will collect all attachments you receive on your email account and automatically synchronize them with your Dropbox. An easy way never to lose that assignment a students sent you.

9. URL Droplet

If someone sends you a file which you are uncomfortable downloading to your own computer then URL Droplet will download the file to your Dropbox just by entering the URL in the box. This is a nice way to create another level of security.

10. ePubBooks

ePubBooks is a marketplace where you can download eBooks and have them synchronised automatically to your Dropbox account.

10 Teleprompter Apps to make you a Confident Public Speaker

2011-12-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

I was in the State Parliament recently at the invitation of our local member. During our time there I had the opportunity to watch Question Time. One of the things I found really interesting was the number of politicians who carried iPad or iPhones. The leader of the government actually used a teleprompter app to give one of his prepared speeches. It was quite natural for him to scroll down the text as he spoke. Obviously he was not reading it word for word but using it rather like a well-prepared student uses palm cards.

A quick count showed that over 15% of the politicians actually had iPads and nearly 70% iphones, many of which were being used to text or twitter during this time. This makes an interesting model for our students. There are many teleprompter apps available for the iPad and there are many instances where these would be beneficial for yourself, your students or your colleagues.

class presentations or speeches
book reports
prepared monologues
scripts for student videos
teacher notes
school assemblies
staff meetings.

Here are a list of 10 Teleprompter apps we have found useful.

1. Prompter Pro: $10.49 AU
Prompster PRO is the ultimate teleprompter for the iPad. It smoothly scrolls easily readable text. It is the ideal app for practicing and delivering public speeches, lectures, podcasts, radio scripts, video scripts, and for any other scenario that requires a speaker to communicate with an audience using notes or a script. Great for practice sessions or live presentations.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prompster/id378704861?mt=8

2. Teleprompter +: $15.99 AU
Teleprompt+ is a simple yet powerful teleprompter for the iPad. The most advanced and full-featured professional teleprompter. Many new features - including video recording, BlueTooth keyboard and foot pedal support, additional fonts, preview window, comprehensive user manual and help screens. Perfect for lecturers, students, teachers.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/teleprompt-for-ipad/id364903926?mt=8

3. ProPrompter: $10.49 AU
ProPrompter allows you to use your iPad as a smooth scrolling professional teleprompter. ProPrompter features professional settings for fonts, font sizes, background colors, scroll speeds, mirroring, looping, landscape, portrait and automatic orientation modes, adjustable countdown, editing, direct script creation, remote control and a complete help menu.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/proprompter/id309792203?mt=8

4. SpeechPrompter: $8.49 AU
Turn your iPad into a mobile teleprompter with SpeechPrompter. SpeechPrompter lets you load the text from an existing speech or create a speech directly in the app, and play the text for your presentation just like a top-quality teleprompter! With SpeechPrompter, you have complete control - copy and paste text from a Web page, email other apps, set initial scroll speed and finger swipe to adjust.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/speechprompter-teleprompter/id391104771?mt=8

5. Best Prompter Pro: $4.49 AU
Best Prompter Pro for iPad allows you to create and smoothly scroll scripts during a speech. It becomes your best friend while practicing and delivering public speeches. Useful for presenters, teachers, lecturers, students, and any other person who needs to use scripts, notes or cue cards while speaking in front of an audience. Best Prompter also has an audio recorder and BBCode text formatting.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/best-prompter-pro/id418419206?mt=8

6. On Air: FREE
On Air is a simple teleprompter app for iPad. On Air will smoothly scroll your script, and store as many scripts as you need. Settings are saved with each script. With On Air you can choose font color, font size, scroll speed, background color, and toggle a 3 second countdown.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/on-air/id398208944?mt=8

7. Orator: $2.99 AU
Give successful speeches with the power of a prompter in the palm of your hand. Orator's intuitive controls allow you to set the pace of your speech's text as it scrolls upward across screen. Orator is perfect for any of your public speaking needs. Adjust the speed as needed by tapping on the icons at the bottom of the screen. Double tap the screen to pause your speech.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/orator/id364885398?mt=8

8. IQ Prompter: $15.99 AU
iQPrompter has far surpassed being just a mobile teleprompter. It is the perfect personal tool for the professional, academic, student, politician, pastor, amateur or professional reporter, or anyone giving a speech or creating a podcast. Whether for a 30 sec. elevator pitch or a major presentation, iQPrompter is the ideal solution for creating, practicing, and presenting any speech, anywhere, anytime.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iqprompter/id364908131?mt=8

9. Prompterous HD: $1.99 AU
Prompterous will guide you during presentations, lectures. Import any type of document for both online or offline reading. Prompterous is the only application of its kind to support 24 formats including popular DOC, TXT, PDF, EPUB. Powerful combination of settings such as fonts, colors, backgrounds, styles, alignments, flipped text and timer are fully customizable.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prompterous-hd/id385053734?mt=8

10. PrompterPal: $5.49 AU
PrompterPal automatically scrolls your speech for you to allow you to engage your audience and not worry about losing your place. Various forms of remote control are possible as well as an external monitor. Share files between PrompterPal and a computer in several different ways. Currently PrompterPal is only available for the iPad. PrompterPal is not compatible with the iPhone or iPod touch.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prompterpal/id364901877?mt=8

Screencasting Apps for the iPad

2011-12-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Looking for app reviews and technology integration advice? I just came across a great site - Technology with Intention. This article is on Screencasting Apps and is an example of what to expect from this site - comprehensive easy to read analysis in table format of a variety of apps. This is then followed by individual reviews of each of the apps mentioned.

Put together by Jac de Haan, this site not only gives you great how-to and mini tutorials he showcases examples of teachers using appropriate technology to enhance the learning of their students. This is a very useful site full of interesting articles and great tech know how. Make sure you check out the rest of Jac's site. I have already spent a couple of hours here - well worth a little time to explore.

How cool is this! Jac from Techwithintent emailed me the other day and sent me the iframe code so this table will be updated everytime an iOS update is issued. You have to check out this guy's website - he is good, very good.

http://www.technologywithintention.com/2011/09/screencasting-apps-for-the-ipad/

Beautiful textbook comes to the iPad - The Professional Chef

2011-12-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Inkling again shows the way with their innovative approach to textbooks. This is an excellent example of how textbooks continue to develop into interactive experiences. The learner has a say into how they view the information, how many times they revise a concept and how they record their observations, or conversations with other students. They even have a FREE chapter on Soups as a intro to the concept.

Master the Skills for a Cooking Career - The Professional Chef from Inkling on Vimeo.

Inkling has teamed up with The Culinary Institute of America to rethink the classic cooking textbook, The Professional Chef, for the digital age. Their version is more than just a simple ebook... it incorporates videos, search, bookmarks, intelligent navigation, and stunning photos. It even adds social networking, that allows you to view and share notes written into the margins.

The social networking aspect of some of these textbooks is what will really extend the learning outside the classroom. The Professional Chef not only allow you to record your own notes but allows you to view the notes of others - this would be a great way to connect with professionals in the industry. We already see hundreds of talented and enthusiastic experts connecting with classrooms all round the world. This is a simple way to link the conversations back to the syllabus - meeting specific outcomes.

This concept is one that is also very easy to transfer to other subject areas. In a way every time one of these eTextbooks is published it means the next one is easier. As an Art Teacher I can see the possibilities of similar coding being used for Visual Arts, Maths, Science, English the whole range of subjects - each with videos, interactive graphs and manipulative interactives.

http://www.inkling.com/