iPad/Educational Technology Overview and Other Notes

Thank you to everyone who could attend our iPad/Educational Technology
Training this past week.  If you were unable to attend, here is some
of the information covered:


1. Apple has moved to the iOS 5 operating system.  I will need to
gather and update the iPads by syncing to the iTunes on my computer.
Once your iPad is updated to the iOS 5, then there will be 200 new
features.  We will never have to sync to an iTunes again for another
update.  All of the applications that have been purchased through our
district iTunes account will be able to be viewed and downloaded on
your iPad.


New and updated features include:
iMessaging, Notification Center, Newsstand, Twitter, Reminders,
Camera, Photos, Safari, PC Free and more


2. Apple iOS 5 Video
Here is the video link for information on the new operating system:
http://www.apple.com/ios/


3. Apps for Learning
http://www.apple.com/education/apps/
Link to recommended apps for the areas of: English Language Arts,
Mathematics, Astronomy and Earth Science, Life Science, Physics,
Geography, Language Development, Teachers (research, productivity, and
collaboration), Art/Music/Creativity, and Accessibility (Special
Education)


4. How iPad is transforming teaching and education at all levels
Video link at http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/


5. School Leaders Advancing Technology in Education Conference
Wisconsin Dells from December 5 to December 7.  If you are interested,
please let me know. www.slateinwi.com for more info.


6. Hands on Apple iOS and Management Seminar
Dennis H and will be attending this on November 1 from 9:00 to 12:00
in Wausau.


7. Updating of Apps
Some of your apps might not be updating on your iPad unless you have
the Apple iOS 5 operating system.  Almost all apps will be changing to
be in compliance with the new system.


8. Thank you!
Thank you to all the staff who attended and shared the many exciting
things they are doing in their classrooms with educational technology
and in particular the iPads.


9. Edmodo
Edmodo is a secure, social learning platform for teachers, students,
schools and districts. We provide a safe and easy way for your class
to connect and collaborate, share content and access homework, grades
and school notices. We have several teachers in the school district
who are using this platform.  For more information: www.edmodo.com


10. Weebly
We have several teachers especially at the middle school level that
have started to create their own websites.  This can be done through
google or through a site called Weebly.  Here is the link for more
info: http://www.weebly.com/  Here are some sample weebly sites:
http://jchasteen.weebly.com/ = Jill Chasteen 8th Grade Special
Education
http://alleonardmams.weebly.com/ = Al Leonard MAMS Principal
http://mrsjessicamartin.weebly.com/ = Jessica Martin MAMS and MASH
School Psychologist
http://stibbeclass.weebly.com/ = Angie Stibbe Grade 6 Teacher


11. Blogs
We have several staff that have started to use blogs to feature their
classroom activities.  You are encouraged to view their sites for
ideas and possible expansion of your own classroom.  Here are some
links:
http://jgreget.blogspot.com/ = Joseph Greget's Special Education and
Student Services Blog
http://ajolangdon.blogspot.com/ = Amanda Langdon Pre-Kindergarten
Teacher Blog
http://kristynbrown.blogspot.com/ = Kristyn Brown Kindergarten Teacher
Blog
http://kathyhackbarth.blogspot.com/ = Kathy Hackbarth's Kindergarten
Teacher Blog
http://mrsheier.blogspot.com/ = Dawn Brandner Heier's Grade 1 Teacher
Blog


12. iPads in the Islands
Very fun to see the new iPads in the Islands station in our SES
Special Education Classroom.