Creating my Own Class

It's amazing how well the students have come to use the iPad.  There are times I really feel like they are teaching me new things about the iPad and different apps.  The students are so engaged and are interested in their learning.  For example, I have one student who really struggled with the iPad at first and it would frustrate her, but now, she has an A in my class and enjoys using the iPad and has a hard time not using it.  I really think allowing devices into the classroom is an important step into the future of our kids education.  Not ALL kids enjoy it and want to learn this way, but the majority of kids do and are interested in their learning process.

America Now aired a broadcast about the paperless aspect of my classroom, check it out: http://www.americanownews.com/story/16642634/from-textbooks-to-ipads

I have started creating a "textbook" for my Applied Physical Science class.  I already have moved away from using the textbook for anything and have relied solely on material and labs that my PLC has created.  These labs are the backbone of our curriculum here.  Therefore, to do this, I have been using iBook Author, the new app that has been released that makes it "easier" for teachers to create their own textbooks.  Within this program, you can design your own layout and customize it to fit your needs for your class.  After spending the time creating this, I decided I wanted to use this beyond my iPad paperless class, I wanted to incorporate it into ALL of my physical science classes--so I did!  The first day I introduced the iPad to the groups (I have 6 iPads extra, and 5-6 groups per class), they were excited and ready to use something new.  They had lab instructions that were not "broken" and made sense to them.  Many of the lab instructions from the books were choppy and confusing--even for myself (this was part of my motivation to begin writing my own labs).  They had images they could manipulate and view to use as a check point and stay on track making sure they are doing the lab correctly to produce quality data.  They were excited.  There is vocabulary throughout the labs that provided them with my definition along with the Dictionary definition(s).  They had all of the resources right at their fingertips and it excited them.  Even more so, there was only 1 iPad per group--this made it to where the students had to read the lab aloud to one another and repeat the instructions multiple times forcing them to discuss the lab and the questions collaboratively.  I have never seen such powerful group work.  Since introducing this, my students have excelled in the lab work and pulling the content from the lab they needed.

I also have flipped my classroom a few times.  What I mean by this is, I have given them a reading from a website, a video of me teaching, or my debrief in the book to preview ahead of me reviewing the lab with them as a whole class.  They spent about 10 minutes of class time completing the "flipped" activity and taking their own notes.  Afterwards, we were able to spend quality time together practicing the information they learned.  For example, I had my students watch a video on Reflection and drawing Reflection of Light Rays Diagrams.  In this video, I instructed them step-by-step with a demonstration on how to predict reflected rays and supplying them with any of the new vocabulary.  After the video, I did not have to spend the time on "teaching" them the steps but on reviewing and PRACTICING the steps together.  I was able to spend my time circulating around the room helping individual students.  The class time was spent more valuably.

It's amazing the things Apple keeps coming out with to improve classroom instruction.  However, it's not necessary to solely rely on the iPad for the instruction.  A mobile device such as a laptop or tablet would cater to the students and their learning process.  There are many programs out there that would give kids the same opportunity.  Yes, Apple offers many apps to use on top of the learning process, so an iPad would be ideal, but ultimately it is not required to start moving the classroom into a more student-centered classroom by using technology.

Apps:
Evernote: Evernote is the most powerful app I use in my classroom.  I put EVERYTHING we do in my Evernote account--their assignments, their submitted work, their graded work, and websites I find.  I load into Evernote as a PDF most of their activities we will be doing, and have shared this notebook with them.  They have linked the notebook to their own Evernote accounts.  From here they will open the file in the correct program to complete it.  Once completed, they output the file to my Evernote email address where I retrieve it for grading.  I then grade it and send it back to their Evernote account.  Ultimately, this app and program are great because it deals with emailing of files.  The iPad does not have "storage and folders", so it is not easy to upload files into some programs.  However, most apps have the option of emailing a file and being able to email it to Evernote is the answer.  Once in Evernote, you can access the file from any device that has internet or Evernote installed.  It is a Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Android compatible program.  Being able to update and sync files in a second is phenomenal.  (From personal experience, I had all of my files in Evernote for this class and my computer got re-imaged and I lost ALL of my files.  However, the majority of them were stored in my Evernote account).  Evernote acts as the students' "BACKPACK" and "NOTEBOOK".

Notetaker HD: This is the program we use for the annotation and creation of documents.  It has the ability for password protected folders and for the encryption of files.  We will annotate PDF's, create graphs, create notes, shapes, etc. in this program.  The program allows you to email the document as a PDF to any email address.  There are options that allow you to pre-program the output settings to make the process of sending the files easier.

GoDocs:  Allows easy viewing of documents.  I have not quite mastered the creation of docs in this app.

iBooks:  If using Pages, you can create ePubs that open in the iBook app.  By opening in iBooks, you can highlight and make notes.  You can also create an iBook in iBook Author to help with studying.  By doing this, the students can highlight sections to make study note cards and all glossary t4erms are automatically turned into notecards.  You must have the updated iBooks for iBooks to open.

Keynote: This is much like PowerPoint on a Windows computer and is the same as Keynote on a Mac.  It is surprisingly user-friendly and you have all of the same functions as you would on the computer version.  However, if the file gets to be too large it will not allow you to email it as a presentation, only PDF.

Edmodo: This is much like Facebook for educators to communicate with their students and other teachers in a PLN (Professional Learning Network). I have begun to use this to give my regular classes their assignments to submit to me electronically as well.  However, if using an iPad, you cannot upload assignments and submit assignments using Edmodo.  I have heard our school is replacing Moodle with Edmodo.  It is very user friendly and the kids seem to enjoy it as well.  You can give quizzes, assignments, polls, insert links, and much more.

Appstart:  For anyone new to an iPad, this is a great app to familiarize someone with the functions of the iPad.

Idea Sketch: This is an app that allows you to build graphic organizers.

Show Me: This is an app that allows you to record what you are doing on the iPad whiteboard within the app itself.  You can upload the video to their website.

Educreations:  This app allows you to record what you are doing on the iPad as well, but it has more functionality and allows you to turn pages and insert images to write on top of for the video.  You can pause and restart.  You can upload the video to their website or other locations for easy access for the students.

Calculator Pro: Comes free for a period of time.  Very handy and has all of the functions of a scientific calculator.

Dropbox: Although my school blocks the use of Dropbox, I use it for my personal files when outside of school.  Dropbox is a cloud service that stores your information in a cloud, much like Evernote, but not able to organize into notebooks/folders.  Dropbox is more like the folder locations on your computer.

Gradebook Pro: I use this program to keep record of my students' grades and averages.  It is much easier than using a paper grade book.

iMovie: The students can use this to create quick, fun movies.  Keep in mind that if the file is too large, it will not email.

PenUltimate:  This app is fabulous.  It has smooth handwriting and also stores notebooks.  This is the main app my students use for note taking and they then export it to their Evernote accounts.  I will also use this app when I am using my iPad as a "slate" for my Promethean Board.

Socrative: This is an app that has an app for students and for the teacher.  The teacher app allows you to create quizzes in the format of T/F, MC, or SA.  The students go to a website and enter a code that then gives them the quiz.  The feedback is instant.  This is a great replacement for the clickers if you do not have them or if you do not use them.  The students can access the quiz from any device that has the internet.



These are just a few select apps of many that I have used.  There are apps that I will download per unit to use and others that I have downloaded and not ever used.  Please let me know if you have any questions or know of any you use and would like to share!

Student Engagement and Organization

The first semester of "going paperless" has been challenging, enthralling to many, and one of the best experiences I have ever been a part of.  The relationship I have with these student and that they have with one another is one of the best parts--we all count on each other.

Student Engagement
The level of student engagement is drastically different compared to my classes that are not paperless (Regular).  I have more in-class time to work with the kids, less time turning in work and passing out work, and they rarely have homework.  I am able to give them more attention and can spend more time on areas as needed.  In response to being asked if the iPad allows them to be more engaged in the class, a student responded "Yes, because we are in the technology generation and we all know how to use it; why not use it for education?"  How powerful and true!  One student said when asked if the iPad inhibits their learning "No, it helps us learn more and faster than other classes." Another says "No, because I learn better with the iPad. It is more engaging and I am not as bored when I'm using it."

The levels of stress in a high school setting are tremendous at times--the students have tests/projects/readings, etc. that have to be done and sometimes it all falls in the same week, even the same day.  I feel like the kids in my iPad class have a lower level of stress when it comes to learning.  They enjoy coming to my class and want to invest in their own learning.  A student said "finding the answers to my own questions is definitely more rewarding than having them given to me."  Another student says that "taking notes in a fun, easier way almost makes me want to take notes" in reference to the note-taking programs we have selected.

APPLE TV--best piece of equipment I use alongside the iPads.  The kids love it as well.  It is another prime reason the engagement of the students has increased drastically.  Apple TV allows me to display any iPad in the room that is on the network onto my board.  We can annotate, use apps, show notes, work problems, and many more things.  I can call on the kids randomly and they have to show their iPad to the class--they are always on their toes, ready to go.  Not only that, they WANT me to call on them.  It is amazing having the students work together to help another student "fix" any errors that may be present or to commend them on a job well-done.  Another student response about using the Apple TV:  "I think that the iPad forces you to be more involved in class, because with the share feature you can show your work on the iPad, just like you were using a whiteboard. Also you could use the chat feature to have a class discussion when not in class."  There is instant accountability.

The chat feature--I haven't quite figured this feature out and how I really want to use it in the class, but the kids sure have.  All of the iPads are registered under the same account, so they all can message one another using this.  Keep in mind, they also come to my iPad.  This is a gray-area in a lot of schools and it could be here, but my kids are not abusing it.  I do monitor it and it has been very handy at times.  For instance, the kids will send an instant message and it goes to everyone in the class and they are able to ask each other questions and see everyone's responses and help each other through problems at home.  There have even been times my iPad started going off at night with the kids sending messages asking questions--questions as simple as "do we turn this in tomorrow?" to questions asking for help on studying for the semester exam.  I can see this being a very useful tool to the students especially.


Organization
An aspect the students voice often about the use of the iPads in the class is their ability to be more organized, both for storing their work and for submitting their work.  The students prefer to use Evernote shared notebooks rather than my website to retrieve documents for class.  Here are some responses from students about their organization:

"The iPad makes it easier to turn in homework."

"I feel my average raised, and was better because I had everything. I couldn't lose it."

"It is so easy to find assignments and websites on the iPad."

"The several calendar and reminder applications help me keep my assignments and tests in order."

"It's all in one folder or app; all you have to do to send it in is use Evernote and it's there forever."

"It is so much easier to just go into a folder and have everything you need right there."

"My other binders are torn up and have a ton of paper and are pretty unorganized."

"Many people complain about losing some of their papers needed in their binders. It's not possible to lose homework on an iPad, unless you physically lost the iPad itself. Plus it is very organized so when you tell us to pull out our homework, there is no searching, it's just pulling up the app and clicking on the assignment."

"My study habits have definitely changed. I can study easier because all of my notes are in one folder in Evernote."

"Homework is unable to be forgotten or lost, and studying/doing my homework isn't as bad as in my other classes"

   

   

Student Discussion Post 1

Now that we have two weeks of school behind us, and we have been using the iPads daily, reflect on your class experience. Your comment needs to be a minimum of 7-10 sentences (more is welcome!) and be a thorough reflection of you experiences. Remember, the focus of the class is not on the iPad, it is on you using a mobile learning device to take the class paperless--no textbooks. You can include any thing from the learning of how to use the iPad in class to using it now everyday; use in other classes; your first thoughts on the class using iPads and going paperless; and your feelings toward the class now compared to the beginning.

Comments:

McDuffey, Aug 27, 2011

When I first received the note attached to my schedule that I would be participating in a paperless version of applied physical science I was really excited. Then I went to the summer meeting about the class and then realized that this may be more difficult than I had first thought. When the class first started we had a good amount of problems getting the iPad to work correctly. We still have some technical issues but thankfully we have Mr. Brown to help with those. Now that everyone is getting used to the iPads it is becoming simpler to so things in class and it is really nice to not have to lug around a textbook. Another good thing about being paperless is that it is much harder to lose assignments and you don't have to worry about them falling out of a binder. I am glad that I am receiving this experience because I feel that it will help prepare us for college. I haven't really used my iPad much in other classes because we don't have Internet throughout the school and because some teachers feel it could be distracting, but it can be very useful when completing homework.

Littlefield, Aug 29, 2011

When I found out about that were going to be using iPad this year was pure joy. I have never been very good at keeping up with my papers so just having them all on a iPad is very convenient. And I really like having the homework on twitter so if I forget to write the hw down in my planner I can just go to that which is wonderful. It took a little bit but I think that I have gotten the hang off the iPad now, I think the rest of the class has to. I haven't tried using the iPad in different classes because guess some of my teachers are a little old school so I've only really used it in science. Today was a little weird cause I guess the Internet was slow and flipping through each page and getting the right info. on to my graph took a little longer than it needed to, but besides that I have loved using the iPad.

Askins, Aug 29, 2011

When I was first asked to be in the iPad class, I was very excited. All I could think about was taking no handwritten notes. Then, the first meeting came and I begun to feel discouraged and started getting nervous because of all the rules and guidelines we had to follow. Then the class started and it was great. At first, getting to understand all of the apps was confusing and directions were hard, but as more days came, it got easier. I use this in a lot of my other classes too, it is a great planner for me to write all my homework in, and also very easy to take notes with. My feelings and thoughts about the class now are much more positive. This is such a great learning device.

Grice, Aug 29, 2011

Using the ipads in class is a lot of fun. It really helps lighten my backpack because its so much lighter to carry than a binder and textbook. When I first found out we were using them in class I was really excited. It was a little difficult to get started in the beginning of the year and have everyone on the same page. Now that we're a couple weeks into school, we still do the same amount of work as in my other classes. It also feels like we're getting a lot of stuff done. So far, the ipads are a great learning tool.

Huie , Aug 30, 2011

I'm really excited about learning with iPads. It makes my backpack lighter without having to carry textbook and an extra binder. At the beginning I wasn't sure how it would workout but now I'm pretty confident that it is going to work out great, and I think it is going to make learning a little more fun rather than reading out of a textbook. I'm so glad I decided to accept and do the iPad class.

Britt, Aug 30, 2011

I think going paperless with the iPads is great, but it can be kind of dificult and crazy at times. For example, organization gets kind of hectic when I don't know how to use a certain app, plus homework takes longer when I'm doing written assignments. I also get kind of stressed when an app or something online doesn't work and i have to ask a bunch a classmates or Mrs. Hawthorne what to do. On the plus side, I love not having to take a binder, textbook, pencils and pens, etc. to class everyday. If the entire school went paperless then we wouldn't need to spend so much money on supplies plus we wouldn't need to carry heavy backpacks back and forth everyday. I was definitely excited in the beginning when I heard about the iPads and I couldn't wait to see what we would do and I still feel that way. I love that I have this opportunity and I think it will benefit me as well as the school.

Hornsby, Aug 30, 2011

At first i was excited but also kind of worried about the pace we would be going. Im not the most technical person and has always been a struggle for me. This class presents alot of challenges in that regard but is not something that I don't think i can handle. It's a new learning experiance and I am just taking it one day at a time. Having no books to carry around reduces alot of stress at school and at home. I continue to be amazed at all of the ipads capabilities everyday. I think all in all this is a better way to learn.

Abele, Aug 30, 2011

When I first heard that we were using iPads in the class room, I thought we would use them everyday or so. I was wrong! I think using the iPad is great because we do not use any paper, that means no dead trees. Although many of the apps still confuse the mess out of me. I think I got the basics down so I can make learning on the iPad easier. The iPad is a fantastic way of learning because this is how our generation learns, with computers/electronics. My whole attitude toward the iPads has changed completely. I hope many other classes can be able to use this great learning tool!

Romero, Aug 30, 2011

When we first started using the iPads it was definitely difficult to get Evernote and all the apps we used set up. However now that we have almost everything set up it is going along quite smoothly. The iPad is useful when I'm doing Spanish, Math, English, and even Social Studies. Everything I need is either in the app store or on the internet! When using the iPads in class I think it helps keep everything more organized and makes it easier to understand when due dates are. The iPad helps me plan when I need to due my homework or study. Evernote makes it easy to turn in assignments without a hassle. I love the idea that the iPad can be used as a mobile learning device! I think that the "Paperless" class is a brilliant idea and can hopefully be tuned to perfection from the mistakes our class makes.

Yeilding, Aug 30, 2011

When I first found out that I was put in the paperless class I was very excited! I went to the summer meeting and as Mrs. Hawthorne and Mr. Brown were telling us about it I got kind of nervous. I was nervous because of two reasons. One, I have to keep up with and not break this IPad that holds all of my work for the whole year and in one press of a button it could be gone. The second reason is that once they told us about all of the apps we were using I felt like I would fall behind the other students. Don't get me wrong, I was excited from the beginning! When I got my iPad on the second day of school I was so pumped and could not wait to start using it... And brag to all of my friends! Since we've started using the iPads I think that it is going to be easy most of the time, but stressful at some points. I love the iPad because it is very convenient to have everything in one place! Also, I like not having to look through a textbook and carry it around everywhere.

DeBardeleben , Aug 30, 2011

Using our iPads during class has been so much fun! I love how all of our work is organized into files and we dont have to worry about writing notes or even bringing a textbook! The paperless classroom has been working out very well! When I was told we were using iPads for science class I was a little nervous. I was worried about learning how to use them and how we were going to send our work in. But so far it has gone pretty smooth. Using our iPads in other classes has helped a lot also. I like how we are able to type our notes and papers during class instead of always having to write everything. The paperless classroom is going great!!

Thomas, Aug 30, 2011

When my mom first told me about how she got a note saying I was in an iPad class I was really excited! When I walked into class the first day i knew this was going to be a very good learning device. It's really easy to operate and fun to have. I will admit though it is a little hard to take notes and that sort of thing and it's kinda nerve racking knowing if you lose the iPad it's $700.00. Otherwise I think this is great because it helps us in the future by using this technology and it's really light. In the beginning it was a little difficult but now I'm starting to get the hang on Evernote and note taker and I feel like things are getting done just like my other classes. I also think this is great for other classes and I don't have to carry around a binder for this class. Being paperless is really easy and I think this is a great learning device.

Childers, Aug 30, 2011

The idea of a paperless classroom is very productive in the fact that the student does not have to carry a binder and a textbook. Though carrying a textbook to and from class everyday is a hassle, for me, it is not best part about having an iPad. The organization provided by the device is extremely helpful during a busy day of school. Having all of your assignments on one universal device gives the student the convenience of not having to keep up with paperwork. Using an iPad takes a little getting used to, but is well worth it.

Capps, Aug 30, 2011

Using the ipad 2 for applied physical science is awesome! It is way more interesting to look and interact with an Ipad 2 than a old out dated textbook. You do not have to carry around a binder, textbook, and pencils everyday to class. It is lighter and leaves more room in your backpack since it is usually full every night. Technology is important because our generation has grown up around cell phones, computers, and other advancements. It will also prepare us for years to come either in college when we will be using this type of technology to do our school work, or when we are much older and using it for our jobs. Every now and them we will have technical difficulties but nothing to much that would hold us back from getting work done. I anticipate a great year with these Ipads and cant wait to see the results after the year. Hopefully our school and other schools will start using them for more and more classes as the years pass by.

Trott, Aug 30, 2011

When I was first told about having a paperless class, I honestly thought that it would be close to impossible. Given all the technologies we have today, such as the iPad 2, has made this a lot easier. All of the apps on the iPad are very helpful and with some training easy to use. Having all of our stuff in one place is very convenient and well worth the occasional technical difficulty! Having the iPad allows us to take notes, perform labs, and many other things. I love having the iPad 2, and hopefully in the future we will be able to use them for every class.

Stinson, Aug 30, 2011

I was very surprised to learn that I was a part of this experiment, because registered late. Now sence we have gone paperless for two weeks I dont want to go back. Paperless is so much more organized and easy to keep up with. I know it is hard for me to keep up with papers or get to my locker to get books, but with this all i need to keep up with is an iPad which is extremely easy.

Gallardo, Aug 31, 2011

The day I received my schedule with a note attached explaining about the iPads, I was extremely thrilled! My first reaction to the news was " is this a joke ", though by time I realized that there was actually going to be a paperless class. Now, there are many advantages in obtaining the iPad instead of a text book. One, one can be much more organized in their notes, homework, lab work and so forth. Two, it allows more access to information by having the worlds biggest textbook in here, the Internet! I believe this made my life and my classmates life so much easier by having the access of using the Internet at any time; I use the Internet as my second teacher in class. And to end this, I think it's just awesome that I don't have to carry another load of textbook and binder to class! It would be fantastic if every class was the same; because, it would make learning so much easier and I cannot express that enough. So, whoever had this brilliant idea, thank you!

Briggins, Aug 31, 2011

When i first found out i was going to be in an iPad class i was sooo excited. But when we first started i was confused and i didnt get how to work evernote, or notetaker. Being two weeks into school i now know evernote and notetaker off the back of my head. Its amazing how quick we caught on. I love having my ipad. Not using a txt book is my ideal class. Its so easy for me to learn on these iPads because i can quickly go to the internet and google what ever i need. This ipad helps me stay so organized , if i didnt have it i wouldnt be able to remeber what i have to do in my other classes , long story short i love my ipad class.

Sanders, Aug 31, 2011

At first, I was excited beyond belief about the iPad paperless class. I am still very pleased with it, although I have troubles with learning how to use the iPad on top of learning the lesson being taught by Mrs. Hawthorne. It does help on not having lug books from school to home and vice-versa. The paperless factor is very environment friendly. I think that Note Taker HD is a wonderful application we use on the iPads. I also believe that evernote is quite resourceful and makes organizing our assignments easy. Although it will take practice, I think that these iPads will become a very resourceful tool in the world of education.

A Glance into the Classroom

Using the iPads in class has been exciting and very different from normal day to day life in the classroom. When wanting the kids to do something new with the iPad, I have to plan to take a good bit of instructional time out of my plans for the day. However, by using the iPads, we do get more done quicker so the time evens out. I am not having to spend valued class time for students to turn in their work and for me to pass the work back out to them. It's all done over the internet.

The students access all resources they need from my website (http://teachers.vestavia.k12.al.us/hawthornesd/MLearning/APS_ipads.html). My website gives them any external links they may need to supplement their learning since we do not have a textbook and is the primary location to open any files we are working on in class. All documents are saved as PDFs so they can be opened easily. 

The app I have chosen for the students to use is Note Taker HD. This has to be one of the top apps I would recommend for classroom use. All in one app they can take notes (handwritten or type written); create graphs, data tables and charts; insert or take photos; annotate files; send files; and so much more! The students can create folders for each unit to save their files in and can also backup all of their files. It is user-friendly. It has taken the students some time to learn how to use the app, but are becoming more efficient everyday using it. There have been times when the students would be too consumed with making their notes "perfect" and not paying as much attention to the lesson; however, we have slowly overcome this as the students have gotten more comfortable. I have attached some samples of student work created in Note Taker.

               

All files the students create or annotate are sent directly from Note Taker HD to my Evernote account and their account. We set up each student's Note Taker to automatically include their email address for Evernote and my email address for Evernote. The subject line has the name of the folder the file needs to be sent to. For example, we are in the Graphing Unit so the students have a Graphing folder to organize all of their files. The subject line will say @Graphing and the file will automatically go to this folder. I then access their work and open it into Note Taker for grading. Once graded, I send it back to their Evernote account directly into their folder for the current unit. Grading has been much easier and its nice having a lighter load--not carrying hundreds of papers to and from school for grading.

Evernote has been another program I highly recommend for use in the classroom. I purchased the Premium version because I am sending/receiving so many files. However, my students have not come near the quota for their free accounts. I suggest that everyone should have an Evernote account. It is so powerful and has so many possibilities for any type environment (home, work, school).

I have a Google Calendar that I update daily for my students. I include the day's activities and any homework. The students have a program called Calengoo on their iPads that are synced with my calendar. Every time I update the calendar, it syncs with their programs. The students also have a planner app on the iPad that many use instead of their agenda books now. It is allowing them to stay very organized in one location. My calendar can also be synced to this app.

Going paperless has had its challenges, but overall I am really seeing the benefits both for me as the teacher and for the students. We still use other resources besides the iPad in the class, just nothing with paper (i.e. textbooks). I use white boards at each group for them to show their work on to help one another, clickers, promethean board, document camera, and many other resources. The students are engaged the entire time during class, and are seeming to enjoy learning again!

Birmingham News

The Birmingham News is coming tomorrow to write the press release for my class.  I am so excited!! Will keep you updated.

3 Weeks In...

We have now been in school for about 3 weeks.  Have you ever heard of the phrase "Don't speak too soon?" Well, I have and I always do! :-)  

We have definitely had to overcome some challenges.  Last week, we did not have internet at school for a day.  This was the first time for this experience.  However, I had a back up plan in place.  We took a practice science ACT.  My class is designed to increase student scores; so at the beginning of the year all students take the science portion for a base score, and at the end of the year we retake the test to see the difference in the scores.  We took the practice ACT on this day.  The students did use the paper version of the test, but wrote their answers using their iPad and used the clickers to input their responses for their scores.  The day after, the routers in the school were being worked on (they added new ones for other areas of the school and programs).  Because of this, my routers were not working properly due to some interference I was told; however, not told until after class.  During the class, it was very frustrating to me and to the students because nothing was working as planned and nobody seemed to know what the problem was.  We did afterwards.  Afterwards is too late.  It's wasted instructional time.  We were able to get some things done, but not really what I was hoping for.  This set us back.  One great thing about this format of the class though, is that we can catch up pretty easily.  The students had more homework than what I planned, but we had to make do.  My students are great, but I could tell they were as frustrated as I was.  Things had been going so well until then.  Things are up and running now though. 

We have started graphing in my class, so one class day was used to teach the students how to use their app for graphing (we are using Notetaker).  The students seemed to catch on pretty quickly.  This is the slowest part of the class--teaching them how to use the apps most efficiently and correctly.  Once they have been taught, they catch on great and can do it on their own.  I have an adapter that allows me to hook to my projector, so it is great being able to show them how to do it and not just tell them.  At the beginning of the year, I was having to tell them or put the iPad on my document camera to show them.  It was more difficult and not as efficient.

I also have now removed all of the restrictions on the student iPads.  Having these restrictions seemed to pose more of a hassle than it was worth.  The students know my class policies and the school policies when using the iPads; it is their responsibility to adhere to them.  They were told when I removed the restrictions that they must have me input the iTunes account before or after school if they use their own to download apps--not during class.  I do not have time to do 20 iPads every class.  

Another issue we ran into recently was using Evernote.  I have signed up for the free version which only allows a certain amount of usage per month.  Well, we have met the limit.  The students were unable to send their homework assignment to me because of this.  However, I have now upgraded to the premium version which will give me plenty of space.  Evernote has been very user friendly both to me and to the students.  

After 3 weeks in, I can still honestly say this class has been great so far.  There have been some struggles, but the engagement of the kids is amazing.  They are sucked into their iPads during class and wanting to use it as much as possible.  So much at times I have to tell them to look up because I don't feel they are paying attention, yet the majority of them can repeat everything I said previously.  I really look forward to this. 

I will be presenting at an ASTA Conference at the McWane Center on October 13.  I am really excited about getting to share my classroom ideas on how to incorporate the iPad into classrooms to have more active learning occur and working towards a paperless classroom environment. 

Ready, Set, Action!

We have been Ready and Set to go for a while now...just time for the Action part!


We finally had a REAL class lesson using the iPads.  It was our first lab experience.  The students were taking measurements of the length of their stride and calculating the total distance between two points.  They went to my website, pulled in the lab instructions, created the new pages for procedures and data and completed the lab without a hitch! I WAS SO PROUD!  It went so smooth.  Everything I had envisioned happening, happened.  But great happenings.


We also had visitors--our principals and superintendent stopped by and asked the kids some questions.  One student told the principal that "It makes it easy that its all in one place"! They were amazed at the work we were doing together and how far along this class has come since its inception last spring. All of the time and money put into this pilot program will pay off--I guarantee it!  The kids will come out on top! We will be teaching the kids how they need to be taught, and using technologies that interest their generation and that they are familiar with.  We are in the 21st Century and we need to stick with the newest models and instructional strategies for our students.