iPad+in+the+Classroom

iPad in the Classroom
This is not a comprehensive or complete guide, it is a few comments ad observation that I have made following having and iPad in my classroom.

Practice
This web site has been particualarly useful for giving pupils who are struggling or lack confidence extra practice. It is possible to differentiate the task with some precision to suit an individual pupil. The pupils have appreciated the instant feedback and the opportunity to do a task without filling a page of their book with incorrect work. Once successfully completing a task most have gone on to tackle the task in the books with greater confidence and normally getting most correct.

Diagnostic tests (AFL)
By registering on the site, adding a pupil list it is possible to create and assign tests which the pupils then do. It has then been possible to see exactly what the pupils know and where areas of weakness are, informing future teaching and lesson planning.

Assessments
Similar to above except in a test environment. This website works very well on the iPad and also on the IPod Touch. The designers have modified it to suit both tablets extremely well. (it is also available on a PC)



[|www.remotemouse.net]
This is an app that allows you to control your computer from you iPad (or iPod touch) across a wi-fi network. It allows you to move around the classroom as and when you need to without hindering the progress of the lesson Pupils can control the screen from their seats, this has been used effectively in playing a range of FLASH games that are not available on the iPad as it does not support FLASH. This effectively converts a convential screen into a touch screen from the comfort of your own seat. Similar to this is the “Pocket Cloud” app that allows you to the same, however it reproduces your computer screen on the iPad. It is clunky, I am not sure how much this is down to the speed of the wi-fi and internet in school.



Photo for Peer Assessment
Photograph students work and display on a screen. This can be used to show model answers, common errors/misconceptions. Pupils can self assess and peer assess a piece of work.

Teaching videos
Ideal for teaching particular skills, for example measuring drawing angles. The video has the teachers voice on it and familiar equipment is used. Common errors can be reproduced, discussed and addressed effectively. These can be shown on the screen or the iPad placed in front of a particular pupil who is needs additional support/refreshing or for pupils who need to move on to the next step before the remainder of the class.

Assessment videos
Video pupils demonstrating different skills, ideally verbalising their thinking as they go. This provides an excellent form of assessment of an individual pupils skill.

Consolidation video/photo
Ask pupils to prepare their own teaching videos, display these to the rest of the class for evaluation. Photograph the pupils work and display for peer assessment, demonstration of applying a mark scheme, model answers or common misconceptions.

Mirror iPad display on your screen
This is a relatively cheap piece of software ($29.99 for 15Windows licences) that allows you to mirror your iPad screen onto your PC/laptop and then onto your projector. So the iPad can be passed around the room between students allowing them to play a game or use and app whilst the whole class watch. I have seen some extremely shy pupils who would never normally wish to come out to a white board willing use the iPad seated at their desk whist the class watch.

Visualizer
Connect to the projector and turn the video camera on.

[[image:educreations x.jpg width="168" height="168" align="left"]]Educreations
An app allowing you to Create very quick video explaining something. Very easy to use either for staff to pass to students who need to recap a particular skill or for pupils to prepare their own to show their understanding. A little bit like recording what you do on your IWB with audio.

[[image:dropbox x.jpg width="168" height="168" align="left"]]Dropbox
Quick and easy way to share photos etc on your iPad with your other platforms and other people.

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A presentation app that allows you to control what each pupil sees. In turn allows you to ask questions of each pupil and receive feedback as a multiple-choice answer, typed answer, draw answer etc. You can monitor each pupil and record their responses which can be later downloaded for assessment records. It does require each pupil/group to have assess to a mobile device with the app loaded. The internet connection (or wi-fi) must be excellent for this to be effective in the classroom.=====

[[image:socrative x.jpg width="168" height="168" align="left"]]Socrative
A voting system that require pupils to have access to an internet browser, either pc, laptop or a mobile device (no app to be downloaded etc. You can receive answers an a range of formats, eg multiple-choice, T/F or short word answer. Once again the internet connection (or wi-fi) must be good for this to be effective in the classroom.

Games (numeracy)
There are a number of apps on the market, these need more time to investigate, however, many of these allow for players to play each other using the Bluetooth link which can make the games more engaging. A particular favourite of mine is Combine 4, Dragon Box and Frogamelon have produced some nice looking games. It is still early days but games/apps are coming on line for the iPad as they are gaining popularity in schools.

www.teachingappz.co.uk
A comprehensive list of apps for iPad and a range of other devices.

[[image:rover x.jpg width="168" height="168" align="left" link="@http://www.theroverapp.com/"]]www.theroverapp.com
The iPad will not display pages from MyMaths, to get round this use the Rover App. It can be slow as it loads the pages remotely. It should work if you have a good and fast internet connection. (another alternative is Puffin, although it is not an educational app and asks for pupils to verify they are over 17 before downloading the app as it is an internet browser with limited or no parental lock feature on it)

Conclusion
It has increased levels of engagement in my classroom. It has helped to increase pupil confidence. It will help pupils to analyse their learning and skills as they prepare their own teaching videos. It has helped my pupils to develop their ability to self assess and peer assess a piece of work. It has helped me to support both weaker pupils in a class by giving them more opportunities to practice (with instant feedback), view a demonstration again, etc