Well, it's backwards to do a week in review on Monday, but why not? This week I will be, mostly, working with 1 kindergarten class and 1 2nd grade class using the the I-Pads. The k class is using apps like a math game app (which has various mini-games on it that the students can play together) and tangrams (in which they fill out a template with shapes or make their own design) and the second grade class is using a racecar typing game (familiarizing the students with the touch screen keypad) and Oregon Trail (I have yet to discover the educational reasoning behind this app... but it is a ton of fun!). It is amazing to see how quickly the students adapt to the new technology. With every lesson I start by asking them if they have ever seen an Ipad (most hands raise) then I ask if they have ever used an ipad (again, most hands raised)- this is both classes mind you. It is amazing to see a 5 year old use an ipad correctly, carefully, and with a partner. As my mentor teacher says, "we have the coolest game in town!"
I was wondering, do any of you ed techies know any interesting APPS for the Ipad for the K-2 age group? Do any of you have any ideas for how to integrate these ipads into the curriculum further besides just having the students play with apps? I am helping my mentor teacher integrate the ipads into all of the schools, and we decided to start with the youngest school and the high school (each school has 12) the 3-5 school and the middle school will have access to them next month (we'll see how that goes!)
At the end of this week I will be taking my final state teaching exam (cst-educational technology specialist test) and was wondering if any of you have taken this test before. I am incredibly worried about taking this test, although I did do a review with the materials provided online. It is a hard test to review for because us Ed Tech Specialists have to know a great deal, not just about technology, but how to incorporate technology into an already jam packed curriculum! I will let everyone know how the test goes after I've recovered!
Only one week until winter (February) break! Hope everyone makes it!
Sarah Jeanne Marbach
For the Ipads, maybe they could start learning how to hold a pen and write some letters? I am not that familiar with the Ipads, but that is the first thing that came into my mind.
ReplyDeleteI am taking the test too! Where are you and what room?
I'll let you know tonight... I have to look at my admission ticket! We'll compare notes after the test, I'm a little nervous!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we are in the same boat, test this weekend :( but at least we have a week off from student teaching :). iPads, what I would try to do with them is to use it as a journal for the second grade, of course. For example, you will see in my blog that I talk about observing a caterpillar changing to a butterfly. Students can use the iPad to record their observations and later sync it with the laptop to make a podcast or iMovie. They could use the iPad in partners, if there are not available for each student. For the K class, I have seen it used as Lauren said to practice writing. Another use was practicing diction, but that was in a Dual Language classroom, with a headset. However, I don't remember the names of the Apps, but I try to figure it out. The iPads are not as available in my school as they are in your school :)
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful to be getting this opportunity, not only as something really great to add to my resume/portfolio, but as a huge learning opportunity. Not many teachers in the district know how to operate the ipads, so I have been conducting a great deal of tutorial lessons (I had a mini session with 2 librarians 5 minutes ago). I love being able to show something new and answer questions. It's really adorable to see the older teachers afraid to touch the ipad because they think they are so fragile. I tell them, they've already lasted in a room with 20 kindergarteners, I think you're safe!" I will keep you guys updated on the progression of the Ipad pilot in the district.
ReplyDeleteAgain, hope everyone enjoys their winter break as much as I plan on enjoying mine!
Sarah