Archive for Category: "Apple – iOS"
April 10, 2012 1:43 pm
Top 10 Video Apps for your iPhone or other mobile device
I had a life changing experience this past January. No, not one that will live in infamy. And no, not one that is really a big deal anymore for many people. But for me, it’s been a game changer. I bought my first iPhone. Now while I love all the ways I can use it to call, text, email, tweet, research, play “Words with Friends”, etc. some of the most fun I’ve had with it is as a video creation [...]
December 26, 2011 8:00 am
Apps for Professional Development
I was recently asked to lead a professional development session for a school that is starting to roll out iOS devices for teachers and students. Over the course of the year, staff at this school will be receiving a significant amount of professional development to help them better utilize the technology that is available to them. The focus of my session was iOS Apps for professional development. I scrolled through my iPad and made a list of the Apps that I use [...]
December 20, 2011 11:17 pm
iPad EdResources
As 2011 winds down, I have spent a good deal of time thinking about all of the online resources and tools that have helped make this past year a successful ‘Year of the iPad’ in my school district. And with an upcoming winter vacation ahead for many educators next week, I thought it might be nice to share out some of my favorite resources for using iPads, iPods, and iPhones in the classroom. Although there are many, many fantastic resources [...]
December 6, 2011 7:38 pm
There’s an App… and an Accessory for That!
What happens when you combine an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with apps and accessories? You get APPcessories! Everyday, it seems like more and more companies are coming up with innovative accessories to make iOS devices more fun and educational at the same time. With so many available, it is difficult to know what is good or not so good. Luckily, Jonathan Nalder has started to review some of these iOS apps and accessories from an educator’s standpoint. His website APPcessories.info is [...]
November 23, 2011 12:46 am
Giving Thanks for Apps that Assist
A colleague of mine recently asked me to share my top ten favorite apps for “Special Education in the Inclusive Classroom”, which is actually something that I am asked to do quite often. Unfortunately, that list does not exist. In the realm of using technology as assistive technology for individuals with special needs, it is extremely important that it be about the individual. What are the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs? What environment is he/she working in? What task [...]
November 15, 2011 10:09 pm
5 Opportunities to Get iPods & iPads Into Your Classroom
Educators often question how they can acquire iPods and iPads to use in their own classrooms, especially when so many districts are experiencing serious budget crunches. Many feel that that it just isn’t possible because their districts don’t have the money or don’t believe mobile technology is worth investing in. I know how you feel; I have been there. And here’s my advice: stop waiting for the district, and start taking your own steps to make the change in your [...]
November 14, 2011 1:26 pm
Why Social Media Is Not Embraced
I recently read a blog entry on the frustration that more teachers don’t use social media in their classrooms. The writer, a recent college graduate, wondered why? Why is this technology not embraced? It is after all our students’ language. Why do so many schools say “power down” or “lids down?” Or some will say, “using social media has no place in schools. That’s playtime.” I believe educating our educators is the only way to change the culture of teaching. Many [...]
November 4, 2011 12:00 pm
Independence for All
From Teaching All Students The EdCeptional Crew is taking a few days this week to visit the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) conference in Schaumburg. This conference focuses on helping all individuals be more independent in their education and life in general. What has struck me about being at this conference is the focus on independence. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on helping students be more Independent, in a session called Independence for All. This session focused [...]
October 31, 2011 6:00 pm
EdCeptional #21 – iOS 5 for All
Tonight we focus on iOS 5 and many of the accessibility features that have been added. Some of our favorites are text expander, Siri & volume as a photo shutter. Show Host: Anne Truger (@atruger) Show Guest: Tricia Lazzaro (@tlazzaro11) Show contributors: Patrick Black (@teachntech00) Deb Truskey (@debtruskey) Subscribe to The EdCeptional Podcast on iTunes Subscribe to the EdReach Podcast Feed The complete show notes are now on the EdCeptional Wiki.
October 12, 2011 12:18 am
EduNationCast 005: YouTube Launches into Space
This week on The EduNationCast: We lament in the aftermath of Steve Jobs’ death and what that could mean to school districts who have lots of Apple buy-in. Diane shares a great tutorial tool called Tildee.com, James shows how YouTube is launching kids into space with youtube.com/spacelab, and our Final Question tonight: Should schools be like Google offices? This Week’s Contributors: Adam Bellow, Jim Sill, Diane Main, James Sanders, and Dan Rezac. The complete show notes are now on the EdReach Wiki. [...]
July 31, 2011 8:54 pm
Real Quick… Have You Seen the Qwiki App?
Here at EdReach, we are big fans of the educational tool Qwiki. (Did you notice the Qwiki of the Day on the sidebar?) For those of you who have not yet have the pleasure of experiencing Qwiki, it is a fantastic tool that allows you to learn about literally millions of different topics in a matter of moments. According to Wikipedia, “Qwiki is a platform that creates interactive, on-the-fly, multimedia presentations of information.” Basically, Qwiki lets you quickly learn about [...]
July 25, 2011 8:00 am
1:1 iPads in Michigan
I’m excited to announce that next year my school, Southfield Christian, is launching a 1:1 iPad initiative in our high school. All students in grades 9-12 will receive an iPad to take home and keep for the entire school year. We have been planning and preparing for this even for over a year. Our decision to go with the iPad had to do with the cost:feature ratio, ease of use, maintenance track record, and power consumption. We were very excited that [...]
June 22, 2011 3:27 pm
Mobile Reach #6 – iPod Classroom Management Tips
In this episode, Chad & Tammy interview Junior High School Social Studies teacher David Freeburg regarding how he uses iPod Touch devices in his classroom with students. We cover a handful of things to think about, tricks and tips. We also share some brief Android tablet news and review some apps that we’ve been playing with. Show Host: Chad Kafka (@chadkafka) Co-Host: Tammy Lind(@TamL17) Special guest: David Freeburg (@whizbang) Subscribe to The EdReach Podcasts on iTunes Subscribe to the EdReach [...]
June 19, 2011 4:58 pm
Who Needs Textbooks When You Can iAuthor Your Own iBooks?
With more and more app developers designing innovative apps like The Elements: A Visual Exploration and Our Choice, it is clear that traditional textbooks are no longer needed as mobile learning devices become common classroom tools. Students can easily have access to updated information in a variety of different ways, whether it is through text, images, audio, or video. There is an incredible amount of content-specific apps, podcasts (have you seen iTunesU?), and eBooks available. And of course we can’t [...]
June 17, 2011 1:49 am
MacReach Show #18: Great Apps!
It’s an all-app episode this week on the MacReach! Kelly Dumont and I attempt to answer some great questions from new iPad 2 owner and EdGamer, Zack Gilbert. We cover some great apps, well worth taking some time to play with over the summer! Here’s what we covered this week: Question 1: “Do you think iOS 5 will help with Google Docs?” Question 2: “Isn’t there an educational discount for the iWork suite apps?” Question 3: “What are the best [...]
June 12, 2011 8:41 pm
10 Reasons Education Should Be EDcited About iOS 5!
Mobile learning is a popular topic in education right now, and Apple just took it to a new level with iOS 5, their newest operating system for the iPod touch, the iPhone, and the iPad. A new operating system means new features for iDevice users. Apple’s announcement of their upgraded operating system for iOS devices has started a new discussion with educators using them: how will these new features impact education? We are just beginning to learn about the new [...]
June 9, 2011 9:44 pm
MacReach Show #17: Yup, the iCloud is iAwesome.
Apple did not disappoint at this year’s World Wide Developer Conference. EdGamer, Zack Gilbert, joins Kelly Dumont and myself for a special WWDC edition of the MacReach Show as we take a look at the impact of Lion, iOS 5, and the iCloud in education. We all appsolutely agree with Scott Weidig when he says that the upgrades are magical. What a great way to kick off the summer!
June 6, 2011 9:53 pm
App Review: iChromy
Chrome has been my primary browser for nearly three years. I love the omni box, lightening load times, and the tabbed browsing. On my iOS devices, however, I have been forced to use Safari– until now. On May 26 the social bookmarking website Diigo announced that they were launching a Chrome-inspired browser for the iPad. iChromy looks and feels a lot like the Chrome browser including tabbed browsing and an omni box. The announcement by Diigo highlighted some of the key features [...]
June 3, 2011 12:39 am
MacReach Show #16: Summer Kicks Off With the iCloud!
Kelly Dumont and I welcome Andy Crozier to talk about the iCloud, iWork, and lots of apps! MacNews: Apple Addresses “Mac Defender” threat with security update… Steve Jobs is presenting the iCloud, iOS 5, and Lion at the WWDC! EdMac: iWork makes it way to the iPod touch and iPhone… Summer math apps! Summer e-Pub reading: Connections Summer Development: Creating ePub eBooks for Students post My Underwear app, all kinds of fun! App Challenge: We take a look at how [...]
May 29, 2011 9:45 pm
iBroke My iPhone and Lived to Talk About It
Preface to post: I am passionate about using iDevices to improve the learning experience, and I personally consider my iPhone to be my lifeline. To people who know me well, this is common knowledge. Denial. As my iPhone 4 slowly slid off a stack of papers just out of my reach, I had the perfect view as I watched it drop and land face down. I heard gasps escape from every person in the crowded room. My first thought: it’s [...]
May 26, 2011 6:49 pm
MacReach Show #15: APPsolutely Comical!
Kelly Dumont and I cover the good and the bad this week in the world of Apple… and have a few laughs along the way! MacNews: Mac malware?!?! Yes, unfortunately it is true. Apple responds by posting instructions on how to remove the Mac Defender malware… not a good sign of things to come. 500,000 apps in the App Store! We discuss a very cool infographic celebrating the half of million apps currently available in the App Store. EdMac: It is [...]
May 22, 2011 9:47 pm
Education Can Rock Too
After having lunch at a Hard Rock Cafe recently, I am more hopeful than ever about how technology can be used in education in the very near future. I am an avid supporter of allowing students to use touch screen devices to enhance the learning process, so I was absolutely delighted when my party was seated directly next to something that resembled an 18 by 4 foot iPad hanging on the wall. While waiting for our lunch, we were invited [...]
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Professional Development
Google Voice: Not Your Mother’s Voice Service
In everyday life, the Google Voice service is a way to combine all your numbers into one and to conveniently receive voice messages. ListenIn™ even helps you decide which calls to answer after the caller has started to leave a message. Teachers can use a GVoice number for parents without giving away their primary phone number. Easily created custom voicemail greetings for parents and a different greeting for students make messages personalized and relevant. Educators can put a call widget [...]
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Reach-Sources
Access to Innovation: Subscribe to the ‘Weekly Reach’
As much as we like to think that every teacher is using RSS Readers and Twitter to get innovative news and working to build their Professional Learning Network, this is just not the case for many teachers- yet. EdReach is working to change that.
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Open Letters
You don’t think all kids can learn?!
On March 1st, the Seattle Times published an OpEd where the author argued that teachers can only teach the students who come to class motivated to learn, and that students who come to class disinterested or apathetic do not deserve the right to be called a student. In the piece, the teacher divorced himself from the idea that it is the teacher’s responsibility to teach every student in his or her class. I spent the last four years teaching middle [...]
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Teacher StratEdgy
What is UDL?
UDL or Universal Design for Learning is a concept based in architecture. It might seem strange that a post about educating students comes from this area, but it will make sense. By using Universal Design, architects plan, from the beginning, a space that allows access to persons with all abilities. The same can be said for Universal Design for Learning. By planning our instruction from the beginning to be accessible for all students, we will be able to reach more [...]
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LiTTech Show Professional Development
So what does “leadership” mean . . . ?
After our chat with Carl Harvey, I really started to think about it. Even more so after it came up in #libchat last night. But how do we get started? Here’s what I’ve been doing to be a leader at my school, let me know if you agree or not. Find your allies. I feel pretty lucky in that everyone at my job seems to genuinely want me here, but there’s always at least one person who thinks you’re awesome. [...]
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Teacher StratEdgy
Google Docs for Communicating
Google Docs continues to be my number one tool for communicating and collaborating with any number of people involved in my students’ education. As a special education teacher I am constantly in contact with parents, related service providers, and other professionals like doctors and private therapists. Google Docs allows me quite a few opportunities to easily keep all parties informed and in the loop. Documents – probably the simplest way for sharing documents with my team members. The most common [...]
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Ed2ools
InstaGrok Educational Search Engine
Can you define the word “Grok?” InstaGrok is a developing answer-engine that is specifically designed for the education market. The mission of InstaGrok is to teach 21st Century research and curation skills in a safe, age appropriate environment. InstaGrok is commercial free and organizes search results according to themes and concepts. In a way, InstaGrok is similar to Wolfram|Alpha as it provides answers and information rather than a list of links. Using the search box, type in any term or idea that you are interested [...]
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EdView Professional Development
Kicking and Screaming All the Way into the 21st Century
The 20th Century Classroom is dead. You see, I know this to be true because I had the funeral for the 20th Century Classroom in like 2006. I was there- in person. It was a poignant ceremony; you should have been there with the rest of my sixth grade science students. She helped us out in the beginning of that industrial age, but she just had to be laid to rest, chalk board and all. To mark the occasion, we took our antiquated [...]
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#EduWin EdView
#EduWin-ners Circle 1/24/12 – Relationships Matter
The title of this post might seem a bit trite or obvious, but some recent #EduWin tweets caused me to reflect on how critical relationships are in education and how important it is to spend time developing them. Positive relationships are made, they don’t just happen. There are different types of relationships in these #EduWin posts, but they all demonstrate respect and trust between students and teachers. As a child, I would never have thought to contact my teacher [...]
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Ed2ools Online Learning Webinars
Moodle Hangout Anyone?
Moodle was launched as a pet project in 1999 by Martin Dougiamas. Since then, it has grown into an enormously popular learning platform that boasts over 57 million users who have access to roughly 5.8 million courses. Moodle is an open source, community driven learning management system that is used in traditional, blended, and fully online classrooms. Anyone can setup a Moodle server and start building online courses in a matter of minutes. Because of my interest in online learning, [...]
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LiTTech Show Online Learning
Code Year: Give it a Shot
Growing up computers were never scary, they were everywhere. My father came to programming accidentally, but enthusiastically. He was a programmer almost before it was really a career. And he thought that everyone should be able to play. Rather than telling my sister and I not to touch his stuff he gave us our OWN computer to mess around on. We even took a Logo class over one summer. As a result, when I did finally decide to take a [...]
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#EduWin EdAdmin
Digital Learning Day – Another Opportunity For Us To Connect (in Person)
There is a great opportunity for tech-savvy leaders to reach out to their colleagues who are still hesitant to embrace digital tools for learning coming up on February 1. Digital Learning Day 2012 is a wonderful initiative intended to highlight schools, educators, and/or classrooms where digital tools are being embraced. The goal of Digital Learning Day from the organization’s website is as follows: “Digital Learning Day is a culminating event in a year-round national awareness campaign to improve teaching and [...]
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