I have many emails from teachers that are just starting to use iPads in their classrooms about what apps I would recommend. I have to admit that the apps I loved 3 years ago are the pretty much the same ones I would recommend today. I do need to stress that these apps alone without teacher direction and curriculum goals will not magically improve your test scores or your students writing levels. There is a lot of thought in the way that I incorporate technology into my classroom. My favourite apps aren't button pushing apps that help students memorize math facts or sight words. These are apps that if used properly show student thinking. They are apps that make assessing students knowledge and thinking very apparent. These are apps that allow my students freedom and creativity to show what they know.
So my disclaimer is that these are my favourite apps for my classroom. A classroom that offers a lot of choice and freedom to my students. A classroom that is noisy, messy and full of life. This may not be your kind of classroom. These may not be your kind of apps.
My Top Pics Are:
I love and completely agree with your criteria for app selection. Your classroom sounds like a beautifully creative and inspiring place to learn!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, it is an ongoing process!
DeleteSo many don't realize if they have bought an iPad in the last 2 years, iMovie is free for you. Also included: Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.
ReplyDeleteLove your choice. Do you have any issues with the unfiltered access to Internet through Skitch?
Great list. Another great one for green screen production is Touchcast. Completely free and very powerful.
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