Have you ever received some news that is so wonderful and amazing and incredible that you go into stun mode? You know, that mode where you just can't believe it so you don't think about it too much because if you do, you might find out it's not true. Deep sigh. Well, I am definitely in stun mode!
Here is my wonderful, amazing, incredible and actually quite a bit scary news:
I was chosen as a pilot teacher for iPads. Can you hear me screaming? But wait, it gets better ... the pilot program is for a 1:1 iPads. (More screaming!) That means 1 iPad for each child. (Hopefully you are covering your ears!!!) That means 25 iPads for my class. (I know, it is so amazing that I may never stop screaming and may never come out of stun mode!) That means .... I don't know what all it means. This is such new territory. I am fairly techy, but I have never used an iPad (though I have always coveted one). I wrote up a super long application with lots of ideas for apps and projects, but now I am quaking in my boots (and this California girl knows all about quaking!!!). I keep telling myself to breath.
So (deep breath) ... I thought I could devote my blog once a week to talking about lessons I have learned about using iPads in my classroom. Although I hope recording my journey will help others, I will definitely derive the most benefit.
Monday I go for the preliminary training. It is for four hours after school. I will be joined by four other teachers. One I know and she is marvelous. I just hope the others are nice since we are going to be breaking new ground together. (How pathetic do I sound? Somewhat like the little girl going away to camp with a group of strangers? "I hope they are nice!"Been there, done that!!)
If you are using iPads in your classroom, whether it's one iPad or more, please let me know. I have found lots of resources, but you are the folks in the trenches and you are the ones I trust the most.
In case you are wondering, my grant is from my district. Here is a link for my iPad grant application. The formatting may be crazy because I simply cut and pasted it from Word into Google Docs. If this can help anyone, great!
Love to all,
Camille
What terrific news! I can't wait to read all about how you use them in your class!
ReplyDeleteJessica
The Littlest Scholars
Yay Camille!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous. I was told by my district that there was no educational value in iPods or iPads. WHAT? WHAT?!?! Someone in my district is obviously overpaid and undereducated!
This is awesome news for you. I can't wait to hear about all you do with them. I am in the process of putting together as much info as possible on the use of this type of technology so I can run my rear up to the mucky muck in my district who ignorantly made this decision so I can educate him/her. :D I'm glad you planning on sharing info on all you and your kiddos do.
❤Traci❤
Dragonflies in First
WOW!!! That is awesome Camille and I am so happy (and jealous) for you! I use my own personal iPad in class everyday with my students. I LOVE an ap called TeachMe Kindergarten. Each student has their name in and it keeps track of how they are doing. It has math, reading and spelling. It is really great. I also love Montessori Crosswords and Word Wizard. I use them for spelling and phonics. I also have a student who comes in about 10 minutes early each day and I let him work on it for practice. OMG I think you are going to really enjoy this journey! I would just love having 5 ipads so I could use them in a center. As it is, I have to give each child in the center a short turn. Not ideal, but still good. Good luck and I hope to read more!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting! I can't wait to hear all about it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMs. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
I am soooooo sooooo soooooo jealous but I am so happy for you!!! It couldn't have happened to a more deserving teacher!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I can't believe you shared your link with us -- I am so going to look into this over break!!!!!!!!!! You are the best! Thank you!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
Wow!! That is fabulous and fun! I look forward to reading how you use them. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
I am your newest follower and I'm so glad I found you!! I can't wait to read about how you use your iPads!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Teaching First
Oh my goodness - I am so happy for you. Can't wait to follow your journey. I have one iPad for personal use but once I get over the "don't touch it you'll break it" phase, I plan on using it in my classroom - so I'll be following this VERY closely!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHolly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
TWENTY-FIVE!?? Wow! I just got three and have been over the moon...I think you'd have to pick me up off of the floor with 25!
ReplyDeleteWhile I haven't ventured out to projects, I have been trying out apps and my favorite- which isn't what it's intended for- is Quick Voice. I can record my kids' voice and send it via email to parents/administrators, etc. A child is absent? We take 60 seconds during morning meeting to send well-wishes. A child is in India for extended stay? We send a "miss you" message. Someone passes a level in Rocket Math that's been tricky? They record and share their news with parents in 60 seconds. A great way to stay connected. On Read Across America day, I read There's a Wocket in my Pocket. Spur of the moment idea: make up our own silly rhymes. Two minutes later, sent to parents. (Funniest: There's a zoilet in my toilet from a "serious" child.) When I want to send to whole class, I send to my email and then forward from there since I can't store emails. (This is a free app. If I upgraded, I'm sure I could.)
We also use Quick voice for my fluency center.
My only dissapointment with iPads is realizing they don't have Flash capabilities so I couldn't have them listen to several online stories from BN site and storylineonline.net.
Anyway, yea for you and your students!!