Different Options for Using the iPad like a Laptop

We have been learning about different apps to use on the iPad and some of them are ways to use the iPad like a laptop. There are different apps that preform word processing, spreadsheet, photo, and more, just like one would have on their laptop.

This week we were to compare and contrast different apps available for the iPad. I chose to look at Pages, a word processing app for the iPad. I liked how Pages was very similar to Word, the program I used on my laptop. With the iPad being app driven I have looked at several word processing apps. I liked Pages so much I ended up purchasing it for my iPad for the low cost of $9.99.

Pages works just like Word when it comes to: changing font size, typeface, etc.; setting margins and simply entering text. Where I really like Pages is how easy it is to insert an image, add a border to the image, how to create a chart and insert it into the document, and how easy it is to save and with the document on iCloud I can pull it up on my iPhone, iPad, and my laptop.

In a classroom setting this would make it easy for a student to enter an essay and the teacher could pull it up using iCloud to read and grade. Pages can also be simply used to take notes, share a group report, or any other way a word processing program is used. Pages saves automatically, like Google Documents, so the document will be there in iCloud.

I created a Box.net account and moved a picture to the account. It was easy to use.

This is the photo I used

Since I have an iPad I have and use iBooks. It keeps all the books in one place so they are not on a "screen" like the apps. This makes it easy to find a book. I find iBooks easy to use and I haven't encounter not finding a book I need, if it isn't in iBooks I can find it as an app. When comparing iBooks with the Kindle app, I like the easy of use of iBooks. I don't like how you have to go to the Amazon website to find the book, purchase the book, then download the book. Then go back to the Kindle app to read the book. iBooks came on my iPad so I was already to go and it takes less time to find the book, so I can spend more time reading the book.

Since I have Apple products I have Safari, since that is their browser of choice. I however don't care for Safari. I have Foxfire on my laptop and have installed Google on my iPad and iPhone. Safari is fine, its just I find other browsers return more relevant searches and more detailed searches. For instance Google is more than just text there are always graphics and more information. Additionally, I encounter more delays and lag time with Safari than other web browsers.

I knew there were ways that one could run education software/apps that used Flash on the iPad I just wasn't sure how. Rover isn't ideal for running a website, but it is a way get around Flash. As the video said, this is fine for home use but not for a school. The lack of Flash on the iPad continues to be a problem. Rover is an app that "pretends" to be a browser.

Using Google Forms to Create Self-grading Test

This week we looked at how to use Google Forms to create self-grading tests. Plus how Google Forms can be used to help schools meet some of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS.)

I found it most helpful to have a sample to refer to help me with figuring out the formulas. Additionally, I really like the link to "Self-Grading Multiple Choice Tests with Google Docs." I found it very helpful to have a step-by-step guide with had a link to a video, plus had visuals embedded in the article. Once I figured out my test questions, which I think was the hardest part, it was easy to set up the test and just follow along with Google. The program will guide you along in setting up the test and the test response spreadsheet.

Here is a link to my test:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uydH_Jv8QCxBQ0OYQvgTHOEw9sgWhYmIWyIs4n1wRXk/viewform

And a link to my response sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmgfiCUYrsGfdDBjV3kxaWxjTG01UHd2bjE4ZE5aVVE#gid=0

I can see how a teacher can use Google Forms to collect student information at the beginning of the school year. As a parent it would be easier to fill out a form for the teacher and e-mail it in, and as a teacher it would be easier to collect information from parents in one e-mail plus easier to store an e-mail instead of a piece of paper.

The students could use Google Forms to conduct research and have an easy way to organize and analyze the data they collected. This could be used for science, psychology, or any type of class project. The students can then use the app to create graphs of the results. It was very user friendly. All of these activities will fulfill CCSS.

How do you Decide which Tablet to Purchase?

There are so many options when purchasing a tablet. So, how do you pick the correct one for you?

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In previous posts I have mentioned, when choosing a tablet you need to look at how you are going to use it. If you just want to just read books on the tablet then an e-Reader would be a good choice, but be conscious of licensing agreements if using them in a school setting. Some of the e-Readers can run a few apps, but they are mostly just for books. (See post on Article Reviews I did. These articles discuss the e-Readers as an option, additionally what some schools/libraries encountered with the Kindle.)

Amazon continues to work on making the Kindle, especially the Kindle Fire, more and more like a tablet instead of an e-Reader. The article, "The Kindle Fire will enable the next generation of 1:1 education apps" discusses how Amazon developed the Silk browser to have their own version of a cloud computing which is always connected to the backbone of the Internet. This provides fast connecting speed that will be a huge benefit to textbooks that embed links in the text. 

Some schools don't consider how they are going to use the tablets and just jump to buy the iPad, when all they intended to do is use them for students to read books. If a school only intends to use tablets for reading books, then an e-Reader would be the best choice. Because of licensing agreements associated with using the Kindle, schools might be better off with the Nook. But if schools have the financial and personnel resources the Kindle Fire will offer them more options to expand beyond just reading textbooks on a tablet. Students can also access a variety of newspapers and magazines, through a subscription the school would need. With schools being over crowded and the lack of school funds for expansions, I can see some smaller schools using their library spaces for classrooms and having the library become a smaller space or a cart to take to the classrooms. I don't recommend this idea, I just can see the potential of this happening. 

We have looked at the e-Readers now lets move on to the iPad. We all know that Apple has been a leader in education software and apps, and the e-Reader market that has the Android base can access some of the same ones or same type of apps, but Apple offers better security which is important when purchasing apps for a school. Where the iPad really separates itself from the Android based tablets is in the ability to create. For example, iMovie offers the opportunity for teachers to have the students create a movie on a certain subject in a short period of time. Students could quickly take a novel they are reading in class and make their own movie. When I was in elementary school we had to create and act out plays to tell a history lesson. This took up many class sessions to provide time for the students to write and plan, plus the days to perform all the plays. A teacher could have students make a short film one day and then view them the next day. With all the CCS that teachers need to meet, this assignment would be a great way to meet certain core standards and not take away from valuable teaching time. 

In looking at some of the apps that are available for education, the article "Interesting Ways to Use an iPad in the Classroom" suggests over 100 different apps to use in the classroom. I like the math education apps. My oldest daughter is very visual and when she was in third grade we got her a tutor to help her with math. The teacher/tutor looked for a math software game for her to play on the computer. This helped her, but because it was a school program Madelyn could only use it a school. The apps offer a way for the student to use the math education app at school and then they could potentially be able to access it a home on a laptop, tablet or other mobile device to continue to re-enforce what they are learning. As we all know, repetition is the best way to learn something. 

I use more of the productivity apps, my calendar, clock, calculator, notes, Safari/Google, e-mail, etc. I really like having my NIV study Bible on my iPad for my other class but also it is easier to carry the iPad instead of my heavy Bible. I also use iPhoto and iBooks extensively. There are many free or very low cost apps of all types. Some would say they like the smaller size of the e-Reader, but the smaller size also means smaller or no virtual keyboard. The iPad has a large sized virtual keyboard that can make typing easier. Also the Apple provides more GB to run the larger apps. My daughters were telling me their father has an Android tablet. I asked them how they would compare it to the iPad. They said they liked the bigger screen of the iPad and some of the apps they like they couldn't play on the Android. 

This all goes back to when deciding to purchase a tablet for personal use or for use in a school, one must look at how it will be used. I would recommend reading the article, "What do Students Think of Using iPads in Class? Pilot Survey Results" for ideas of how to use tablets in the classroom: reference tool, documents/presentations, e-Books, projects and distributing documents. This article discusses how students and teachers responded to using iPads in their class setting. The students liked using the iPads, but they would have preferred having one of their own. Also they felt typing is easier on a laptop than the iPad, plus they liked being able to keep multiple windows open on the laptop versus not being able to do this on the iPad. (It is my understanding that the Android does offer this feature.)

 I would pick the apps/software one needs/wants then look at which tablet will be able to run those in the most efficient and cost effective manner. The hardware might be cheaper but it is the software that makes the machine.

Grade Books In Google Spreadsheet

Here is a grade book I did in Google spreadsheets. I did use one of the templates as a starting place, and then modified it for this grade book.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmgfiCUYrsGfdGNqRnRQWlQ3UUNpeVBBTHg3WDU1UGc#gid=0

I have used Excel in the past for lists, like VBS registration and employee testing, but this is the first time I had to figure out formulas in a spreadsheet. I had issues with the final grades and ended up calculating by hand. I tried to use atomiclearning.com to help with some of the more complex formulas, but couldn't get the videos to play. I tried using the Google help, but I couldn't figure it out. This is something I will just have to practice with more, but I can see the benefits to doing a grade book in a spreadsheet.

The article we read just continued on the benefits of technology in the classroom. I can see how spreadsheets can be used to help students understand certain complex equations (as long as they know the equation) and how this program can be used by students to conduct scientific research. This is an important part of the Common Core Standards. Spreadsheets are used in many professions and it is important that students understand and know how to use spreadsheets. The more we can do as teachers to prepare our students for the future/the world the better off the student will be and in the long run the benefit for our country. 

Which Is Best for Our School?

 

Which Is Best for Our School?

In looking at the various options: size, operating system, and connectivity, I recommend we purchase iPad 4's (some 32 and some 64) for our school. Below I will list pros and cons of the different options and how I came to my conclusion.

Apple -

PROS: We currently use in our classrooms, so the children are familiar with the operating system; Lack of security issues, programming bugs; Known for their graphic and music creativity programs; They are well supported and apps must be approved by Apple before they are licensed to work on Apple; Offers 16/32/64GB: WiFi; Camera and microphone; Size

CONS: Lack of Flash; Because of tight Apple control some apps cost where as on other systems they may be free; Price of equipment; The button may wear out and charging cords can wear with heavy use;

Android (Goggle) –

PROS:  Many different options; Open operating system, so a variety of fee apps; Price; WiFi; Camera and microphone (on some models); Size options

CONS: Because of the open operating system, security can be an issue and open to more bugs in software; Started more in the eReader market so video and music software not developed for creativity more of just use; Offers 8/16/32GB; Although low in hardware price, the licensing agreements can get expensive and hard to manage

Windows (Microsoft) –

PROS: Well developed software; Offers 32/64GB; Camera and microphone; Has ports like a laptop; WiFi;

CONS: Don't have a proven track record in the tablet market; don't have a large base of education software;

In narrowing it down I eliminated the Windows tablet mostly in part because of their lack of proven track record in the market and the lack of history with the Surface. So this left me with Apple and Android. Holly and I discussed the different options between these two and we left the discussion as pros and cons for both. We decided to finish on our own. Which brings me back to, Apple or Android ?

Both options have different sizes and connectivity. While there is an option for cellular use on both, as long as the school is setup with wireless WiFi I don't see the necessity of add and expensive cellular option. The cellular option is more for the individual who travels extensive and has issues with being able to connect to the internet. For use in the classroom the medium and larger sizes seem to be better. With the larger screen size two students can easily share a tablet, plus have more visually area is beneficially when viewing and creating videos.

Both main options have pros and cons, in my option we really need to look at how we are going to be using tablets in the classroom. I looked more at the higher grades, because they would be performing more complex tasks on the tablets than the lower grades. So, if the more complex programs can be run on the tablet than the lower will too. In the higher grades we will expect students to creative presentations and videos, as well as basic everyday tasks, on the tablets. With Goggle apps being available on both systems presentations and everyday tasks are same. 

Where the systems differ is in the video creation. iMovie is an easy to use program for students to create videos/movies on various subjects. In graphic arts/design and advertising industries Apple is the industry standard because of their visual and music creation programming. This is why I recommend we purchase iPads. Because of creating videos it is better to have a larger amount of "ram" to run these programs. This leads to my suggestion of purchasing some 32GB and some 64GB.

I know these cost more to start, but with all that we want to do and need our students to do to meet the Common Core Standards, our students are worth the investment. I am willing to investigate different funding options, such as asking local businesses to purchase one iPad for a class; Apples' own programs for schools; plus educational foundations.

Article Reviews: 1-4

This week we were asked to read and review two articles each day. I confess I started late because of focusing on other aspects of this class, homework in another class, and working 40 hours a week.  Here are four of the required 10 posts. I will work on having the rests of the posts by the end of the week.
 

•   "Gilbert School Embracing eReader Technology with Nook Club"

Sonoma Ranch Elementary School is using eReaders to encourage students to read more. They program allows the student to check out a Nook for two weeks to read a book. The program is being used in the 6^th grade right now but they hope to expand the program. They currently only have 6 Nooks, but hope to purchase enough so a teacher may use them in their class to do a literary study. The article discusses how the librarians can download the books faster than waiting to get them from the publisher and the cost saves is significant when looking at purchasing large volumes of books.

I like this idea of the eReaders in the library and for classroom studies. I was a volunteer in the library when my daughters were in Intermediate school. I know how expensive it gets when trying to purchase books for a school library. One copy may be $12, but you need at least 3 copies for the shelves and then if it is going to be a class read, their needs to be a set of 30 ordered. Additional, the students would see the book in the stores and ask for it in the library. Many times we would tell them it would take a couple of months to get the book. (A librarian has to request the book, have the purchase approved, and then order the book. This can take awhile.) The eReader could enable the school to get books sooner and keep students interested in the book.

•   "Why We Won't Purchase More Kindles At the Unquiet Library"

The Unquiet Library had an interesting experience with Amazon. Amazon informed them that they were going to need to have an account for each Kindle the library has, including a separate e-mail address for each Kindle. They informed the librarian of this change after they saw a post on the library's Facebook page. The librarian was informed that they work working on a solution for libraries but didn’t have one in place at the time. The new agreement was not education friendly. As a result of this change, the library had reached a final decision to move to using the Nook.

In a time when schools are short on funds and trying to find a solution to keeping up with current technologies to help our children, it is almost shocking that Amazon (one if not the biggest online retailer) is making it hard for schools to use their product. From a marketing aspect, this isn't good business. If children use the product at school they are more likely to go home and ask their parents/grandparents for the product, or save up the money themselves to purchase a Kindle. The more people exposed to your product the better. I can understand why the school is looking at a different type of eReader.

•   "The Kindle Fire As Educational Tablet?"

The author of this article discussed how the Kindle Fire was just being released, plus her thoughts on eReaders in education. She discussed how Amazon wasn't very lower education friendly, but how college students may be a growing market for eReaders. The article states that more college students are using eReaders than reading on their laptops.

The author mentioned Amazon was trying some new programs to try and gain more of the eReader market, such as starting a Kindle Textbook Rental program. She discusses how college students say eReaders make taking notes and sharing books difficult, as well as they don't offer a cost-savings. She also makes a comment about the Kindle just being a "book store" for Amazon.

This article brings up a good point about the limited ability of the Kindle because it is tied to Amazon's "book store." Schools need to be able to have access to books from more than one source. I looked to see if I could purchase a book from Amazon for my Mac and I could. So I can buy books for my Mac from a few places, but I can only purchase books for the Kindle from Amazon. The article also mentioned the size of the Kindle. For schools I think a larger size device would be better.

•   "How the Amazon Kindle Fire Fits Into Education"

When Amazon released the Kindle Fire the thought was this is to compete with the iPad. The video shows how you can use the Kindle to shop for movies, books, and items on Amazon but doesn't show anything else. When asked if it will run Goggle, the rep says no it is their own programming. The customer will be able use Amazon's Appstore for Android. He loves showing off the touch screen. The article discusses the specs of the Kindle Fire, stating it only has 8 GB of memory. One must have an Amazon account to use the device and have storage on Amazon's Cloud Drive. The author discusses how the Kindle Fire will help teachers by having textbook rentals.

This article is a pure puff piece and the title is misleading. The author doesn't give any tangible information in how the Kindle Fire can be used in education. The brief mention of textbooks and saying the device is cheaper than an iPad isn't enough information about how to use it in the classroom. Having to have an Amazon account to access ones' books and then apps from their Android appstore are not positives. This article makes the Kindle Fire sound like it is just simply an eReader that wants to be like the really tablets but just can't deliver.

Google Presentation

I decided to do my post on Google Presentation, in a Google presentation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1riF4yq8iJ8FHOv-ve4kjiWPlgTg5FfzavfmgUFsNL5A/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Once again the handout we read re-enforces the benefits of Google Apps in the classroom. In my slide presentation I mention some of the features listed in the article. I actually did my presentation first and then I read the article. In my own application use I ended up listing some of the benefits listed in the article.

Google Documents/Drive in the Classroom

I was happy to learn about Google Doc/Drive. I haven't been happy with Evernotes on my iPad for word processing. I am a regular Word for Mac user so it is hard to find something just as good for the iPad. I think Google Doc is the answer. I like the auto correct feature, it is like the auto correct feature on my iPhone. One can change the font size and typeface, and adjust margins. I still like Word a little better for customizing. Where I really see the benefit of Google Doc is the sharing feature.  My partner Christy and I had fun sharing a document and then editing it together. We discussed how we could see using this Ap in the classroom.

Everyone in the classroom could participate in an exercise and not have a fear of speaking up. Partnership working is made easier. I know my daughters struggle when they have to work on a writing assignment with classmates. One classmate always ends up taking home a written document to re-type. They don't have access to computers in the classroom so all computer work must be done at home. Google Docs make projects easier. Additional, they have issues of going back and forth between mom's computer and printer and dad's printer. Google Doc can solve some of these issues for them.

When I read the handout on Google Doc's use in the classroom to fulfill some Common Core Standards I kept thinking the would make my daughter's classroom projects so much easier. The Selected Anchor Standards for Writing on page 42 are ones my daughters' have currently in school. The issue I have is the manner in which they have to go about to fulfill them. They do most of the work at home on the computer; hand write their notes; print pages off the internet; and have a hard time working together in a group because of these issues. If they had computers to use in the classroom along with Google Doc they could focus more time on their writing skills. They would be able to write in the document, copy and paste links, and share the document with their teammates. They could edit a document with their partners, at the same time, but not have to be in the same place.

Gmail Has Some Great Options

This week we looked at Gmail and the many different options it has for keeping people organized and in touch with friends, family, and co-workers.

When you and out-of-town or across town and want to have a face-to-face conversation with someone, the video function of Gmail is great. As long as the person has a Gmail account you can use this function. This function would a great way to have an expert talk to a class about a particular. For instance, if you are discussing marine life in a science class it would be great for the class to be able to talk to a Marine Biologist who is doing research on the effects of oil spills on the ecosystems in Louisiana. The chat function is good for when you need a quick answer to a question. This function is like IM on other systems. Where I work we use IM to ask a manager or CEA a quick question about a product when we are on the phone with a customer. I can see the chat function working the same way in a classroom setting. Like other e-mail programs, you can send attachments and pictures. While selling my house and getting my divorce,  I was able to receive documents by e-mail and not have to make appointments to go down to offices to review them. Plus once all papers were signed and approved, I was able to receive PDFs and saving them on my laptop. I will always be able to find them.

The calendar function is very comparable to iCalendar for the Mac, which I use on my iphone, ipad, and laptop. I synched my gmail calendar to my phone so I can have the calendar with me all the time. I like the tasks function for big projects. Something nice about this program is the ability to share the calendar with other gmail account holders. When working on a big project there can be a master calendar for everyone to view and mark of the the tasks they have finished. It is also a great way to keep everyone up to date if the schedule changes. Everyone can see it and not have to make notes somewhere else. One can print the calendar to post in a classroom. I can also see the ability to e-mail a calendar of classroom "events" like book reports, tests, and big projects to the entire class. This way parents and students can know ahead of time about projects that a student may have to work on over breaks or the days before breaks that a student really can't miss. This could also be used for volunteer opportunities in the classroom, like science labs and computer labs.

As teachers we need to develop ways to use technology to keep us organized and at the same time keep parents and students informed.

I am a .... Mac User.

I confess, I am a proud Mac user and have been for many, many, many years. How many years exactly? Around 20 + years. I started using Macs at my first job out of college, at a contemporary art magazine. I continued to use Macs when I worked for advertising agencies. I purchased our first home Mac back in the early to mid '90's. I currently use a MacBook Pro, purchased a few years ago went I started seminary, and a new 4th generation iPad. For one of my classes I will do my assignment on the MacBook and then have my NIV Bible on the iPad. (My iPhone is in the pile somewhere.)

I read the article, The Mac OS, and didn't realize that the Mac started out as a kit for hobbyists. I have to say it didn't really surprise me. Steve Jobs went for the free thinker, creative market niche. I learned www.atomiclearning.com is an excellent resource for tutorials on Mac OS, like Lion. Additionally, the site has tutorials on popular hardware, software, aps, and more. I have found a new resource.

Bunny and I looked at some of the keyboarding programs and found one that we both liked, www.typingclub.com  This program helps children learn to type by starting with the letters "J" and "F." One learns where the keys are located by feeling the bumps on the keys. The program has a series of practice sessions to learn different letters and their locations on the keyboard. The program also shows the user which finger is used to touch the key by having images of hands and highlighting the correct finger. There are cumulative exercises that build upon what has been learned. The visual look of the program and exercises use an interesting type face and the hands are fun.

Viewing Other Blogs

I viewed all of the blogs on the list provided to the class. The blogs varied in style, layout, and subject matter. When trying to gain followers of a blog all of these factors need to be considered when trying to reach one's target audience.

Some of the blogs, like www.thethinkingstick.com, I liked for the content and the visual appeal, plus the name is not bad either. The layout is user friendly and gives you captions of articles for you find an article to read and then just click on the photo. This is greatly in contrast to http://heyjude.wordpress.com which is set-up more like a personal blog. The posts on this blog are all in order of the post. I am personally more fond of the labels listed to side than at the bottom of the post. I do like how she has a visual associated with each post. As a visual person this helps to draw me into a post, but also helps me bypass the ones I'm not interested in viewing.

The last blog I will comment on is http://willrichardson.com I like his cover photo, as well as how he ties his first name "Will" into the title "Read. Write. Connect. Learn." His blog is set up visually pleasing to the eye, the flow is nice from post to post,  additionally I appreciate how some of the comments are posted on the main page. This is how discussions can easily be started and be open to many different viewpoints. As we know, when we hear more differing viewpoints on a subject we can better form an informed opinion.

Life is always changing. One can live in the past and dwell on what was or what would have been. Or they can chose to move forward, live in the moment and dream about what can be. We are always telling our kids they can do whatever they what in life if they just try. That also is true for those of us who have gone through a divorce and are now faced with a future of unknown. We can do things we never could before or what we always dreamed about doing. This is why I chose to live life as an adventure and not just an existence. I have taken risks I never would have thought about doing. Like running in the Marine Mud Run or doing the Covent Half Marathon.

I love to mountain bike, climb, run, read, scrapbook, draw, hike, and much more. I dream of hiking Mt. LeConte in the Smokies, traveling to another country, and being a teacher. I want to learn to kayak and white water rafting. God has given me a gift of a second chance and I don't plan on wasting. Life will be hard at times, working and going to school, but the end result is what I focus on not the hard part. I see a life with a wonderful and amazing man, a house full of kids, and my days spent sharing my love of learning.