ipad apps for the classroom

I was a little skeptical when I first thought of using the iPad in the classroom, especially because I will be an elementary school teacher. But after searching, I came across some really awesome things that I am sure students would appreciate.

The first one I found is called the US State map app. It is basically a puzzle of the United States, and the students would have to put the states in the right place to form the country. There are multiple levels as well as world maps and historical maps.

The origami app, if used carefully, could be very effective. It shows students how to make origami pieces. Having students work with directions to make origami could be useful for reading skills as well as spacial skills.

There is also the iMeasure, which has basic measuring tools that students can use in the classroom.


Although there are some apps that could be useful learning tools, I think that if not used carefully and specifically, the iPad could be more of a distraction than an aid in learning.

prezi

I started looking into Prezi the other day... and I'm hooked!

Some of these presentations are so well crafted that I just want to keep clicking "continue" so that I can see what the creator will think of next.

Prezi is a 3D version of powerpoint, with twists and turns and zoom ins and zoom outs for each "slide"...but get this, all on one page!

Pros of Prezi:

-very interesting
-few limitations
-accessible to everyone, any time (as opposed to a powerpoint which needs to be downloaded)
-good means of presentation

Cons:

-distracting
-"sea sickness" (twists and turns, zoom ins and zoom outs)


I think that in the classroom, prezi could be used very effectively as a study tool. Games and projects could very easily be created to help a student review for a test. However, I would not choose to use this as a presentation for a classroom. I think the students would be more focused on the technology than the information.

Education 109

In Education 109 today we talked about how using technology in the classroom can be ineffective. I think that using applications such as Blogger and Twitter can be tricky in a classroom setting. It should be carefully planned out and monitored so that it can be the most effective.