So busy.....

Well the term is flying by and working on the day to day running, having this project and then a student teacher turns up.  Has made for a busy term.  Confession also that I haven't had the time to put into checking out more apps.  On the plus side this blog has made me refocus and set some goals for the next few weeks.
The iPads have been used in class and all children get to use them.  The targeted group also has extra time with them 1-1 with a teacher aide, myself or by themselves.

Goals:
- trial the iPads in rotations all day
- draw up a roster with the apps I would like them to use during these times
- watch and document at the end each week
- get a "Best App' review from the students (first have to teach them how to review)

Wish me luck!!

How are we going?

I am still working on how to let the rest of the class have a go, while still letting my focus group use them.  My focus group is doing really well, they are able to go on and off and access the various applications.  I have set up one screen for maths, one for reading and one for writing.  This seems to work well.  They are asked to use the apps for the section of the day that the rest of the class are working on.  Engagement is high, next steps are to make sure they are learning, practising and not just playing.
I have been browsing a few sites and these seems to help.
http://www.vln.school.nz/ - joining the iPad/ iPod group was a godsend at the start, lots of little things that you learn.
Like how to make sure the apps can't be deleted while the children are playing.  That was a important as well as being able to control youtube and safari (internet) so I can monitor what they see.

http://exploringapps.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/itunes-u.html
This is a blog set up by Core Education and they review apps regularly.  I like this one as it is New Zealand based and trying to find that can be a long winded process.  As the reviewers also post in the VLN you know you are getting good up to date information.