Apple in education

Today I explored Apple's educational website. It talked about the use of iPads, Macs, iPods, iPhones, and iTunes U in the classroom. I have an iPod touch, so I looked into how that can be used for educational purposes. I found that there are over 20,000 education apps for iPod touches and iPhones. These apps include reference materials, interactive lessons, and games that can make learning the material fun. Then I decided to look further into what iTunes U is because I had never heard of it. When using iPads, it allows you to create your own courses. It's a free app that students will love because everything they will need for the course is right at their fingertips.

iPads in the classroom

I was surprised to hear that iPads have become the next big thing in classrooms around the U.S. There are so many different uses for iPads, and I'm hoping our class will get them when we renew our contracts next year so that I can learn more about them. There is an unimaginable number of apps that you can by for any and all school subjects. From math, to reading, to anatomy, all the bases are covered. iPads in Schools has a bunch of apps listed for elementary, middle school, and high school. This is a great resource if you're looking to find some great apps, and they are categorized by school subject.

iPad Rules Poster

A couple weeks during the semester we were able to use iPads in the classroom. We were then assigned to make a poster of iPad rules that could potentially be used in our future classrooms if we have iPads. I used Photoshop (again) to create my poster.

Favorite teacher websites/blogs

One of my favorite blogs is The Cutest Blog on the Block. This blog has lots of backgrounds, banners, and other accessories available for use --- in fact, this is where I got my current blog background.

In my Introduction to Education class we explored Mrs. McDavid's 3rd Grade Website. This is a great example of some of the things I could put on my own class website. It has information for students, parents, and teachers, so it's a great way for parents to stay connected with what's going on in the classroom.

Poster created from Poster My Wall

 I explored several different poster-making websites. One of my favorites was Poster My Wall. It was very simple to use! I chose a background from a wide assortment available from the website, and I added one of my favorite teaching quotes. This is a great, affordable way to collect posters for the classroom!

MP3 Audio Book

In class we downloaded Audacity and used it to record ourselves reading a story. I read "Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone" by Iza Trapani and burned the audio recording onto a CD. This is a great idea for students who may have difficulty reading because they can listen to the recording to get some practice. To find this book on amazon click on the picture below for the link.

Difference between teacher & student

In my forty hour practicum this semester I was able to assume the teacher role. I have been a student for sixteen years, so it was great to have my first experience in the opposing role in the classroom. As a teacher, it is important to be a good role model for your students, because students look up to their teachers like I have in the past with mine. Another difference is teachers need to have eyes in the back of their to keep an eye on everything in the classroom. It's a completely different perspective being in the classroom as a teacher. There is one main similarity between the two, though. Both teachers and students learn from each other everyday.