Jenny’s iPad Tip-The secret to successful iPad implementation ….plan, plan, plan!

We had a mind-spinning planning session with the school leadership team and the grade one teachers at Rossmoyne Primary School in Perth.

We brainstormed and conceptualised an exciting learning challenge using iPads. This initial thorough planning is an essential part of the ICT integration process.

We had great fun playing with new apps as we discussed how we can use the power of the touch screen to promote deep learning and stimulate higher order thinking and creativity.

Tips2012 iPads and Special Needs in Franschhoek

I had a very productive meeting with the leadership team at Bridge House School in Franschhoek in South Africa on how iPads can be used in contexts of scarce resources for community upliftment.

Caryl Lane, Director of the Educational Support Unit, discussed the groundbreaking Franschhoek Charter where the whole community are working together for common good. I think the iPad technology can give access to all students to high quality learning support.

If you are using iPad technology for community access please share your ideas with us.

Welcome to the Mauritian Educators

I spent a very productive day meeting with the academics, researchers and teacher educators at the Mauritian Institute of Education. We shared ideas and future projects for integrating new technologies in teacher education in Mauritius and building closer links with Edith Cowan University.

MIE are working actively with teachers to integrate touch technologies in the classrooms. I look forward to working closely with them in the future and welcome all Mauritian teachers to the Tips2012 Project. In our discussions we agreed that although we live far apart, we share goals and aspirations for developing and supporting teachers in the important work they do as they prepare students for the future.

I hope you will share this learning journey and join us in developing the research evidence of effective ways of using iPads and touch technologies in education.

Jenny`s iPad Tip – Create your own Digital Texts

Digital textbooks are becoming a highly discussed and contentious issue. I am not a huge fan of textbooks, but where we do use them, they need to be interesting and engaging.

My flight today was delayed due to a cyclone, so I took the time to catch up on my reading. A report on the plans for wide scale introduction of digital textbooks in the USA was very interesting: “Playbook:Digital Textbook direction in the US“. It follows the plans in the USA to use digital textbooks across different states, and describes the huge financial investment by the government in textbook creation, high speed Internet provision, computers and tablets for students.

The launch of iBooks 2 showcases Apple’s new venture in digital textbook publishing. I have reviewed some of the digital textbooks and have found them very disappointing – they are just glorified PDF’s.

The challenge for textbook writers is to exploit the interactivity and engaging nature of ePubs in textbook production. They can be rich multi-modal documents with the embedded multimedia.

Many students don`t approach text in the way we have traditionally, reading pages from top to bottom and left to right. They tend to scan pages with their attention moving to the embedded hyperlinks and multi-media. It is also important that digital texts allow the reader to engage with the text through annotation and highlighting functions.

Digital textbooks can encourage student collaboration through the sharing functions. The e-book “Our Choice” by Al Gore uses some of the engaging, interactive features of digital publications that can be used in textbooks.

There are a number of apps and traditional software that allow you to create your own e-books. You can create an e-Pub in Pages, but you need the full computer version not the iPad app. Book Creator is the best ePub creator for the iPad.

Tips2012 Project Update – St Paul’s

We welcome the teaching team at St Paul’s to the Tips2012 Project. I spent a great afternoon working with the whole school teaching team.

Research indicates that support from the school leadership team builds the culture of learning in the school and accelerates positive learning outcomes. I’m looking forward to working with these dedicated educators to plan challenge-based learning projects in each class.

The iPads will be used by students K-6 to research the essential questions, and as creative tools to express and share their learning. The camera apps will be used to document the learning journeys of students and staff. Polling apps will be used to gather data for the research.

ACEC2012 Conference in Perth

We are hosting the National Conference for ACEC in Perth Western Australia from the 2nd-5th October 2012. I am convening a strand “It`s time to get mobile”. We have an exciting line up with great keynotes. Come along to see what is new in integrating technology in educational settings. If you are doing interesting things with technology in your classroom or educational setting present a paper and share your journey- abstracts close 3rd March 2012.

ACEC2012 Link

Tips2012: TEACHERS & TPACK

The effective integration of ICT in classrooms is challenge for both current and future teachers. This has been identified as an area of concern in a number of National and International studies.

The integration of ICT is a key element in every learning area in the new Australian National Curriculum (ACARA, 2010). Koehler and Mishra (2008) developed a conceptual model (TPACK), which describes the different types of knowledge required by teachers working in 21st Century Schools.

 

In this model, Content Knowledge (CK) – “knowing what to teach”, Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) – “knowing how to teach” and Technological Knowledge (TK) – “knowing how to use technology” are three core areas of understanding for teachers.

However the research is indicating that it is the integration of these three types of knowledge that forms the essential new knowledge, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), that teachers need for teaching in 21st Century contexts.

In the TIPS2012 Project, I am working with teachers supporting them as they plan their lessons ensuring all aspects are covered for successful ICT integration. My research measures this process and the impact on learning.

Tips2012: Say Hello to your new iPad

If you are a new iPad user, this post will guide you through the basics and help you to get started.

You initially need to use the USB cable (provided) to connect your iPad to a computer, it can be a Mac or a PC. iTunes will automatically load and prompt you to set up and register the iPad and create a unique Apple ID. The Apple ID has a user name and a password, which you will use to access the iTunes Store.

The iTunes Store has a range of books, applications, and music which you can download onto your iPad. Some of the applications, commonly known as “apps” are free, while others are paid. You pay for these apps using a credit card, or a purchased iTunes voucher.

When you set up your iPad for the first time, you will be prompted to set up iCloud. This is an online data storage facility which enables you to back up your iPad data (contacts, apps, photos, songs), and sync them across a number of devices (e.g. your iPhone, iPod Touch), providing they all use the same Apple ID.

On this blog we will be discussing teaching and learning strategies to maximise the effective use of iPads as teaching and learning tools.

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