Using iPads in Education

So you are thinking about getting an iPad? Or maybe you got one as a teacher? Maybe you are thinking about using them with your students? What can you do with an iPad in the classroom?

First of all an iPad is NOT a laptop computer! They work quite differently and for those used to working on a laptop it may take some getting used to. The advantages of the iPad is it is smaller, lighter weight, has a long battery life and there are about 1 million Apps available for personal or classroom use, many of which are free!

The iPad can be used for all of the basics- word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web surfing, calendars, checking e-mail, calculator, taking photos or video and wireless printing. But that is just the tip of the iceberg! With about 1 million Apps (software applications) available, there is a long list of software options available in such categories as music, math, science, art, photography, video, audio, social studies, foreign languages, English, etc etc. Most "paid" Apps cost under $10, with most costing just a few dollars or less. The iPad can work independently of a desktop or laptop computer or it can be synced with your computer for integration with your iTunes, iPhoto, Calendars, e-mail or other software.

While iPads may work better with Apple Mac computers, they can also be used with Windows computers. Here are some great resources to learn more and get started using your iPad in the classroom:

Apple's iPads in Education

ZDNets Guide to 50 Resources for iPad use in the Classroom

Interaction Education iPads in the classroom

Education Dive's 18 iPad Uses in the Classroom

TeachHub's Amazing iPad Apps for Educators

Edutopia: 6 Things About Using iPads in Education

What is Blended Learning?

Many think the debate about the future of American education is a choice between "brick and mortar" schools or "online" schools. But there is another option that is growing in importance and popularity known as "Blended Learning."

Blended learning involves a class meeting in person, face to face, and using a "Learning Management System" (LMS) such as Blackboard, Edmodo, Weebly, Moodle or other online options for using web resources with the class.  This allows for more options and flexibility for both the teacher and the students. One variation of the model is known as "Flipped Learning," in which students cover material online and when they get to class they review that information, answer questions and use class time to get help with "homework" or other assignments.

The HCCS eChalk web site can also be used for online. blended and flipped learning. Those who prefer to use another option, such as Edmodo, Edublogs or Weebly, may simply put a link on their eChalk class web page to integrate your online resources and web pages into one location for your students to easily access and use with your courses.

Here are some good articles and videos covering these topics:

Edutopia Blended Learning Article

Four Blended Learning Models (eSchool News article)

Edutopia Article on the Pros and Cons of the Flipped Classroom

Blended Learning Introduction YouTube video

What is a Learning Management System (LMS)? YouTube Video