world-shaker:

[VIDEO] Subtext for iPad: Digital Book Discussions

Subtext is a great free iPad app that I recently learned about from my Ed Tech Teacher colleague Greg Kulowiec. The list of the things that you can do with Subtext is quite impressive, but the basic purpose is to provide a place for teachers and students to have digital book discussion.

via FreeTech4Teachers

(by Subtext Video)

world-shaker:

50 Best iPad Apps for Reading Disabilities
They cover:
Helpful Tools
Fundamentals
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Here are three from the Reading section:
Read 2 Me: For those who have difficulty reading, apps like Read 2 Me can be a godsend. The app comes complete with an entire library of texts, all of which can be read out loud.
Read2Go: If you use DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) books in your classroom, Read2Go is one of the best and most accessible ways to read those books on iOS.
AppWriter: Designed with reading and writing disabilities in mind, this text editor for iPad integrates numerous accessibility features into standard text editing functionality.

world-shaker:

50 Best iPad Apps for Reading Disabilities

They cover:

  • Helpful Tools
  • Fundamentals
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling

Here are three from the Reading section:

  1. Read 2 MeFor those who have difficulty reading, apps like Read 2 Me can be a godsend. The app comes complete with an entire library of texts, all of which can be read out loud.
  2. Read2GoIf you use DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) books in your classroom, Read2Go is one of the best and most accessible ways to read those books on iOS.
  3. AppWriterDesigned with reading and writing disabilities in mind, this text editor for iPad integrates numerous accessibility features into standard text editing functionality.
world-shaker:

iTeacherBook iPad version submitted 
This is an awesome teaching tool from the makers of iStudiez Pro (arguably the best student planner app for iOS). I strongly suggest you take a look when it’s published (and learn more about it right now).

world-shaker:

iTeacherBook iPad version submitted

This is an awesome teaching tool from the makers of iStudiez Pro (arguably the best student planner app for iOS). I strongly suggest you take a look when it’s published (and learn more about it right now).

If we can agree that an iPad is a tool, we can also then agree that it isn’t the best tool for every situation. Back to the “iPad is like a Hammer” analogy. When my brother created the boat inspired bookshelf, he likely used the hammer to pound in the railings and nail together a few pieces. He did not however, use his hammer to paint the hull blue. I would argue that iPads should be used in the same fashion, as a tool that can help students solve specific problems, overcome certain obstacles and create content to demonstrate their understanding. Unfortunately what happens in many instances is that iPads are purchased and there is an expectation that they be used in the classroom without any particular end goal in mind. In other words, the tool is coming before the end goal or objective.
12 Characteristics Of An iPad-friendly Classroom

world-shaker:

An awesome overview. I’ve included three below. Click through for the rest!

Assessment is…
  • Authentic (less academic)
    Seamlessly transfers to physical and digital domains of learner, with useful artifacts, products, and applications in the “real world”
  • Frequent & Formative (less intermittent and summative)
    A climate of assessment that yields simple data digestible to all stakeholders–including the teacher
  • Fluid and/or Project-Based (less obsessed with standards and “proficiency”)
    “Fluid” assessment provides a constant stream from a wide variety of sources and forms. This is possible in Problem-based, Challenge-based, or Community-Based projects that reward innovation, risk-taking, self-awareness, and inductive thinking patterns