iPads in the Classroom

I just received my iPads and cases from a funded donors choose project I had setup. It is a really amazing way to request resources for your classroom when there is no other viable option.

I am trying to setup my classroom with flexible seating and ready to learn 21st century skills. To truly make it work you need technology that can be just as flexible. We have Chromebooks and while flexible, they are not flexible enough. That’s where the iPad comes in.

With these new iPads and cases from donors choose, more of my students and now able to work on collaborative projects wherever they want in the classroom. Anytime you come into my room you will find students laying on the floor, sitting on stools, using balance balls, or just standing and working on an iPad. It looks more like a busy and bustling office than a classroom.

I have given up my desk so we have more room to spread out and learn in our individual styles. I am able to run my classroom completely through my iPad that I carry everywhere.

Apps like keynote and it’s keynote live feature allow me to share a whiteboard to every student in the class so they all have a front row seat when we are doing whole group “campfire” lessons.

During small group “ water hole” lessons I like to use explain everything so my students can show me and each other what they know. It’s amazing to watch them show and share their knowledge with their peers.

One of my favorite ways for my students to reflect on what we have learned during our “cave” learning time is with flipgrid. I will setup a new grid while the students work individually and as they finish they can share their thought and feelings with me.

Overall, I think that the iPads are going to be a great  addition to our class!