A place to share how we are using iPads in our classes.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Words of wisdom
Many students will be getting iPads next year for the first time. Please comment below and tell us what advice you have for students new to iPads. The more information you can provide, the better.
My advice would be to first get a bunch of note apps, and helpful educational apps, and then use them during classes. They can look at the top apps in the app store, or ask someone if they know of a good app to use. It helped me this year, so it will probably be really helpful to them starting junior high. They can keep track of their homework so they won't forget it by using the iPad, and they can have a planner on it too... I love the iPad, and I'm sure they will too.
My advice: The iPad is a great tool to use during the school day. I would recommend downloading a planner app, which will keep you and your assignments organized. You should download apps that will be of benefit to your learning/education. Do not download too many games because you will be too tempted to play them during class, or during times when you could be doing homework. If you want to play a game, download it, then delete it. Talk to your other friends with iPads to see what things they are doing that is making the iPad of use to them. Using the iPad to take notes is always fast and easy. It also saves paper. Find a good note taking app. I recommend just using pages or smart note. Remember to take care of the iPad. Make sure it is protected at all times, and not laying around for anyone to take. I enjoyed using the iPad so much this year! You will find it of great use and will surely enjoy it too!
I have a few points of advice. First, try out lots of apps! There are many great apps in the App Store, and I probably downloaded hundreds to find the ones I liked (especially with things like note taking apps). You can talk to your friends, teachers, or others about apps they like and try those out, too.
There are also some essential apps, in my opinion, that you should download. These include iStudiez Pro (an absolutely wonderful planner app that will keep you organized), GoodReader (for PDF annotation - for example, you can write on a PDF version of your homework that your Spanish teacher sends you), Pandora (for good music while doing your homework or something like that), Noteshelf (for handwriting notes, mostly), Penultimate (one of my favorite handwriting note apps), Notability (if you're doing a mix of handwriting and typing), and Dropbox (for cloud storage). There are many more great apps in the App Store - don't be afraid to try them out!
Also, give notetaking a try on your iPad. If you're doing any sort of handwriting notes, which are good in subjects like math, invest in a good stylus. My current favorite is the Cosmonaut because of its nice weight and balance (http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut). You could look at some cheaper options like the Boxwave stylus or Acase stylus. The Bamboo stylus is also supposed to be good, but it's a bit pricey. A stylus allows you to be much more precise than a finger. If your friend has a stylus, you could try theirs and see what you think.
A good case is another important thing to have, especially in a school environment when backpacks get tossed around and things like that. For my iPad, I have an Incase Magazine Jacket (http://goincase.com/products/detail/magazine-jacket-cl57925), which I keep in an Incase neoprene sleeve (any neoprene sleeve will do). The sleeve adds an extra layer of protection. The Speck PixelSkin is another good option, although it's a bit heavier. It's really important to take good care of your iPad no matter what case it's in - don't leave it lying around in your classroom, on the floor, or anywhere else where its screen could get cracked or anything like that! Another accessory to consider would be a Bluetooth wireless keyboard for your iPad - the Apple one is great, even though it's a bit expensive (http://www.apple.com/keyboard). There are even cases like this one to keep your keyboard in so it's protected that even double as a stand for your iPad (http://goincase.com/products/detail/origami-workstation-cl57934).
One last thing - it's very easy to get distracted on your iPad in class - I've certainly done it before. Make sure you stay focused on whatever is going on in class - if you're taking notes on your iPad, do nothing but that during class. I keep my iPad in my backpack when I'm not using it, which makes it a bit less tempting.
My advice would be to try a lot of apps. I downloaded a lot and out of them there were a few that I really liked. They have to find the apps that work well for them. Also they should figure out if they want to take notes with a stylus or they want to type their notes because I think it's if you decide to take notes one way and keep doing it because it will help them get faster and take better notes. One thing that is really helpful about the iPad is you have everything in one place. Typing on the keyboard will be hard at first, but it gets a lot easier once you get used to it. The iPad is really helpful and it has completely replaced a computer for me this year.
My advice would be to use your iPad for as many tasks as you can. Do everything on it. There are apps for things as simple as drawing out a diagram to show to a teacher (like ShowMe) or for making index cards for a presentation (like Index Card). The more you use it, the better you will get, and it will help you out a lot.
First of all, my advice would be to buy a bunch of apps from the app store and try them all out. See which ones work best for you. Also, when you screw up something on your iPad, don't get overly frustrated because that just makes everything worse. Instead take it to technology and let them fix it for you. I've also learned never to let your classmates on your iPad during class time, because they could be doing something your teachers wouldn't approve up and you could have your iPad taken away for something you didn't even do. You should keep your iPad in a safe place at all times, or constantly remind yourself where you last left your iPad so you don't loose it. If you're like me than your whole school life depends on your iPad so you need to remember to take it to school.
My advice to the new iPad users would be for them to use the iPad as much as possible. It saves paper, plus it is easy to access all of your things on the iPad instead of searching for old papers in an unorganized binder. It makes it easier to find homework and you can be more tidy. It is helpful to get many note taking apps for your homebase classes because there is going to be classes like literature, social studies, and writing, and the iPad is helpful to keep all of the assignments and things for those classes right there in front of you. Remember to charge the iPad the night before you come to school everyday, because there is nothing worse than having to switch to taking notes on paper in the middle of a class because your iPad is about to go dead! Also, always keep your iPad near you, so you won't lose. Try not to let other people use it, or they may break it or do something bad. Just don't take chances with other people.
Using the IPad really helps you out. It is an easy tool to take notes, use calendar, email teachers and many other things. I have noticed that the using pen and paper for notes is easy for you to lose the notes because you might misplace it, but with the iPad it automatically saves to your iPad. Overall the iPad is awesome!
My advice for the new iPad users is to always carry your iPads! You never know if you have to do some quick research during history class or if you're finding yourself with free time, you may want to do some work on your iPad. I found it extremely helpful to carry it around whereever i go because when i find myself with free time, i like to pull it out and finish papers or essays. My seccond advice would be to use the Notify app, it is the best notetaking app. There are many features and ma y students find this app to be extremely helpful.
One of my biggest bits of advice for someone getting an iPad, is to get a good note taking app. Everything else on the iPad can rotate through apps, but notes are harder to transfer. As soon as you get your iPad experiment and find a note taking app that you like. By the time classes start you could be comfortable with this app so you can take affective notes and keep yourself organized. Organization is key. Take some time, after you get situated with your iPad, to sit down and organize your home screens. Make shore you have you most important apps in an easy to access place. If you are unorganized, you are unproductive. Have fun. Yes you have the iPad for school. No, you should not have too many games on there. But you do need to have fun with your iPad. Break it in and be comfortable with using it.
Over the year, I have become almost addicted to my iPad. I use it all the time, take it everywhere I go and make sure NOBODY else touches or uses it (without my permission). I love the fact that I can just lay on the couch and do my homework and at the same time having the iPad to make it more comfortable than sitting at a desk working at my computer. I think another reason why I really love the iPad is because since I dont have my own laptop/computer and I usually use the families computer... Now, having the iPad I have my own electronic where I can watch videos, do homework and study.
My biggest advice is not to get distracted by games. I would tell you not to even get games on the iPad... I didn't (well... maybe once) and I ended up deleting it. Oh, and always to the blog assignments!!!! I tend to forget small things like that and it comes back to bite you if you dont follow the correct schedule.
My advice to any new iPad user would be to try lots of apps. Once you find one you like, people tend to slow down and just get into a pattern with that particular app. This can work sometimes, but itís still important to try others. I would suggest that as soon as you get your iPad, that for the first few weeks you try as many apps as possible. Even though you might not like most of them, you will probably find a few that work well for you. Even after this initial push, it is still important to keep trying apps, just at a slower pace. Trying new apps gives you the chance to find a really good one that may be able to help you in ways youíve never imagined. So, my advice is to not get into a lull of not trying new apps.
Whoever gets an iPad, consider yourself lucky. I'm very grateful that I've had an iPad for this year. I use it a lot for notes, so if you get an iPad you should explore many note taking apps, to find the perfect one for you. This comes in handy, because you will be taking a lot of noes, and if you don't you might be screwed. An iPad is so much easier to type with, plus your hand won't get sore from writing a lot of helpful information. Also, the iPad is the easiest device to carry around all of your work in, which means you have less to carry around to other classrooms.
My advice to students new to the iPad would be to: 1. try to utilize it as much as possible 2. APPS 3. Instructions . Utilize the iPad: Especially at first, and then you can figure out which things are more effectively done without the iPad, and you'll be great at the things that are so much better to do with an iPad (there's a lot). Also, I find that the more things I do with my iPad the more efficient and organized I am because all of my stuff is in one place, can be quickly and easily accessed, and the iPad and really easy to carry around, much better than binders (I only had 2 binders this year, one for math, one for handouts teachers gave me in my other subjects). APPS: get as many apps as possible and try them out. I am constantly getting and trying new apps, and that way I can find the ones that are really great for me that I can use all of the time. Almost all my apps are free, and if you don't like an app you can just delete it. 3. Instructions: read instructions. I personally hate instructions so much, so a lot (all) of the time when I got new apps I wouldn't read the instructions and I would miss out on really cool things you could do. Then I started reading instructions it saved me a lot of time and helped me a lot. Read them. Seriously.
My advice to new iPad users is similar to advice others have given. A notetaking app is probably the most important app I used all year, so it's important to find a good app fairly quickly. It's also important to remember to back up your notes often. I try and back mine up about once a week, in case anything happens to my iPad or the app. I ended up switching apps in the middle of the year, because I wasn't totally happy with the one I was using. I use mostly free apps, because I don't like spending a lot of money on apps, but I found that my favorite apps were the paid apps. I really like the notetaking app Notability, which I bought midyear, as I mentioned, after trying it out on a friend's iPad. I also bought Mental Case, my favorite flashcards app, after much research. I plan on buying a planner app in preparation for next year, because the free app I have works, but I would like some more features. While I wouldn't encourage students to only buy apps, I would just suggest to not be afraid to pay for apps, which can provide so many benefits for just a couple of dollars. At the same time, a lot of free apps have awesome features. I would also challenge students to find a way to use their iPad for as many functions as possible. For many tasks, I simply assumed that my iPad wouldn't work as well as a computer or pencil and paper, but you can usually find an app designed for the task you're trying to complete. Check out apps for your favorite (educational) websites, keep checking the app store for updates and new/featured apps, and try to do as much as possible with your iPad. Of course, for some things, an iPad isn't ideal, but give it a try first. I found that there are a lot of great handwriting apps, and I got a stylus to help take handwritten notes. I use the AluPen, which I really like. I find my iPad is very useful in part because I have everything in one place, so I would suggest that students try to keep everything on their iPad. Make sure you can find teacher pages, your notes, your papers, and when assignments are due. File sharing and cloud apps are also really helpful, though I've yet to find one that blows me away. Having everything in one place means you can work pretty much anywhere. In short, students should experiment with their iPad as much as possible, to find new functions and apps and improve familiarity with the iPad.
My advice to people getting iPads next year is to talk to each teacher you have at the begging of the year about how to use them in there particular class. Since not everyone has an iPad sometimes teachers won't know but it is good to ask because it is easier to figure out which apps would be good for that particular class. Also explore apps early in the year or even before you start classes because if you switch say a note taking app that you are using in the middle of the year it gets confusing. You should also not be afraid to look for new apps to use for different projects. I found some really cool apps that I used on different projects, one including an animation app for one of my lit projects. Also when finding a good note taking app get ones that you both write and type. Then you can test both and decide which you like better. I quickly found out I liked the typing better and that has been what I stuck with all year. Also some sort of planner app can be very helpful.
some advice i would give would be to start all of your assignments on the iPad, and also find one note taking app and use if for everything. iI have used so many and it got really confusing. Also TELL NO ONE YOUR PASS CODE. I can not tell you how many times people have asked for my iPad and/or stolen to look up spelling. When I told them no they would just ask someone for it or know the pilot program pass code. Luckily if you ask Amy nicely she will let you change it. You don't really need to get a keyboard for the iPad, I have had to write 3 page long essays and was fine without the keyboard. I do highly suggest getting a stylus especially for note taking apps. Last but not least don't forget the blog assignments. Those are really important. I think the rest is given. And don't take your iPad for granted because it can get taken away very easily.
Some advice I will give is that if you have an iPad, you always want to start downloading apps before you start school. If you don't do this, you will develop the habit of not using the iPad. I agree with Emilly B., never tell anyone your pass code. Often, the pass code will be the first 4 letters of your last name. If people find this out, you can ask Amy Valk if you can change your password. The one app that I would recommend you getting is a note taking app, you always need this type of app for all the classes that you have. I have enjoyed using my iPad this year.
my advice would be to use your ipad as often as you can so that you will always have your stuff on one device. i would also advise you to gat a keyboard so that you can type more easily. i have found that it can be a hassle to type on a touch screen, especially when it is as sensative as an ipad.
My advice would be to download a lot of different note-taking apps to find the one that best suits you. Try to download some that let you use your handwriting and buy a stylus. You can also use a stylus if you get some painting apps. I've seen some amazing work done on an iPad with a stylus. Tips: Press the home button and lock button for a screenshot, shaking the iPad undoes typing, double-clicking the home button brings up the multitasking bar, and make sure your iPad is charged before you go to school.
I would advise to get as many apps that you think are necessary to cover the range of inefficiencies that would be more easily done with the ipad. It's a bad idea to force iPad use into classes that can be done more easily with pen and paper, but there should be a few uses that you could put into those clases.
My advice would be to get a bunch of different apps, and get one for each subject/thing you have to do in school. For example, I downloaded a few notetaking apps, and a few apps that helped with math and a few that helped with history. Don't buy a stylus, because it doesn't help, it just makes notetaking harder. Don't get distracted by games. I think that it is ok to have a few of them, but don't play them in class. I did not find them distracting at all this year. Charge it every night if you use it a lot, but since the battery life is so good, maybe if you don't use it very much, charge it every other night.
I would give the advice of learning how to really utilize the iPad for school learning. It is a wonderful learning/study utensil for students who are visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners.
I would say to use your iPad for any and everything . It can be helpful in the weirdest places. I found myself using it for art and chorus which would be a suprise to many people. It can be a very helpful device if you use it correctly.
My advice would be to make sure that you get apps that you are most comfortable with. Also make sure that your apps can help you cover a wide variety of subjects. The world of technology is evolving every day so the different softwares and applications that you download can only get better from here. And don't be scared to try out a new app. My last word of advice is very simple to remember. Your iPad is not a toy. I guess it's ok to relax and play a game or two on your own time but don't get to carried away with it. Lastly don't forget to enjoy it. This iPad can help you out in class and it is a really efficient tool to have.
My advice would be to first get a bunch of note apps, and helpful educational apps, and then use them during classes. They can look at the top apps in the app store, or ask someone if they know of a good app to use. It helped me this year, so it will probably be really helpful to them starting junior high. They can keep track of their homework so they won't forget it by using the iPad, and they can have a planner on it too... I love the iPad, and I'm sure they will too.
ReplyDeleteMy advice:
ReplyDeleteThe iPad is a great tool to use during the school day. I would recommend downloading a planner app, which will keep you and your assignments organized. You should download apps that will be of benefit to your learning/education. Do not download too many games because you will be too tempted to play them during class, or during times when you could be doing homework. If you want to play a game, download it, then delete it. Talk to your other friends with iPads to see what things they are doing that is making the iPad of use to them. Using the iPad to take notes is always fast and easy. It also saves paper. Find a good note taking app. I recommend just using pages or smart note. Remember to take care of the iPad. Make sure it is protected at all times, and not laying around for anyone to take. I enjoyed using the iPad so much this year! You will find it of great use and will surely enjoy it too!
I have a few points of advice. First, try out lots of apps! There are many great apps in the App Store, and I probably downloaded hundreds to find the ones I liked (especially with things like note taking apps). You can talk to your friends, teachers, or others about apps they like and try those out, too.
ReplyDeleteThere are also some essential apps, in my opinion, that you should download. These include iStudiez Pro (an absolutely wonderful planner app that will keep you organized), GoodReader (for PDF annotation - for example, you can write on a PDF version of your homework that your Spanish teacher sends you), Pandora (for good music while doing your homework or something like that), Noteshelf (for handwriting notes, mostly), Penultimate (one of my favorite handwriting note apps), Notability (if you're doing a mix of handwriting and typing), and Dropbox (for cloud storage). There are many more great apps in the App Store - don't be afraid to try them out!
Also, give notetaking a try on your iPad. If you're doing any sort of handwriting notes, which are good in subjects like math, invest in a good stylus. My current favorite is the Cosmonaut because of its nice weight and balance (http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut). You could look at some cheaper options like the Boxwave stylus or Acase stylus. The Bamboo stylus is also supposed to be good, but it's a bit pricey. A stylus allows you to be much more precise than a finger. If your friend has a stylus, you could try theirs and see what you think.
A good case is another important thing to have, especially in a school environment when backpacks get tossed around and things like that. For my iPad, I have an Incase Magazine Jacket (http://goincase.com/products/detail/magazine-jacket-cl57925), which I keep in an Incase neoprene sleeve (any neoprene sleeve will do). The sleeve adds an extra layer of protection. The Speck PixelSkin is another good option, although it's a bit heavier. It's really important to take good care of your iPad no matter what case it's in - don't leave it lying around in your classroom, on the floor, or anywhere else where its screen could get cracked or anything like that! Another accessory to consider would be a Bluetooth wireless keyboard for your iPad - the Apple one is great, even though it's a bit expensive (http://www.apple.com/keyboard). There are even cases like this one to keep your keyboard in so it's protected that even double as a stand for your iPad (http://goincase.com/products/detail/origami-workstation-cl57934).
One last thing - it's very easy to get distracted on your iPad in class - I've certainly done it before. Make sure you stay focused on whatever is going on in class - if you're taking notes on your iPad, do nothing but that during class. I keep my iPad in my backpack when I'm not using it, which makes it a bit less tempting.
Adam
My advice would be to try a lot of apps. I downloaded a lot and out of them there were a few that I really liked. They have to find the apps that work well for them. Also they should figure out if they want to take notes with a stylus or they want to type their notes because I think it's if you decide to take notes one way and keep doing it because it will help them get faster and take better notes. One thing that is really helpful about the iPad is you have everything in one place. Typing on the keyboard will be hard at first, but it gets a lot easier once you get used to it. The iPad is really helpful and it has completely replaced a computer for me this year.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to use your iPad for as many tasks as you can. Do everything on it. There are apps for things as simple as drawing out a diagram to show to a teacher (like ShowMe) or for making index cards for a presentation (like Index Card). The more you use it, the better you will get, and it will help you out a lot.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, my advice would be to buy a bunch of apps from the app store and try them all out. See which ones work best for you. Also, when you screw up something on your iPad, don't get overly frustrated because that just makes everything worse. Instead take it to technology and let them fix it for you. I've also learned never to let your classmates on your iPad during class time, because they could be doing something your teachers wouldn't approve up and you could have your iPad taken away for something you didn't even do. You should keep your iPad in a safe place at all times, or constantly remind yourself where you last left your iPad so you don't loose it. If you're like me than your whole school life depends on your iPad so you need to remember to take it to school.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to the new iPad users would be for them to use the iPad as much as possible. It saves paper, plus it is easy to access all of your things on the iPad instead of searching for old papers in an unorganized binder. It makes it easier to find homework and you can be more tidy. It is helpful to get many note taking apps for your homebase classes because there is going to be classes like literature, social studies, and writing, and the iPad is helpful to keep all of the assignments and things for those classes right there in front of you. Remember to charge the iPad the night before you come to school everyday, because there is nothing worse than having to switch to taking notes on paper in the middle of a class because your iPad is about to go dead! Also, always keep your iPad near you, so you won't lose. Try not to let other people use it, or they may break it or do something bad. Just don't take chances with other people.
ReplyDeleteUsing the IPad really helps you out. It is an easy tool to take notes, use calendar, email teachers and many other things. I have noticed that the using pen and paper for notes is easy for you to lose the notes because you might misplace it, but with the iPad it automatically saves to your iPad. Overall the iPad is awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy advice for the new iPad users is to always carry your iPads! You never know if you have to do some quick research during history class or if you're finding yourself with free time, you may want to do some work on your iPad. I found it extremely helpful to carry it around whereever i go because when i find myself with free time, i like to pull it out and finish papers or essays. My seccond advice would be to use the Notify app, it is the best notetaking app. There are many features and ma y students find this app to be extremely helpful.
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest bits of advice for someone getting an iPad, is to get a good note taking app. Everything else on the iPad can rotate through apps, but notes are harder to transfer. As soon as you get your iPad experiment and find a note taking app that you like. By the time classes start you could be comfortable with this app so you can take affective notes and keep yourself organized.
ReplyDeleteOrganization is key. Take some time, after you get situated with your iPad, to sit down and organize your home screens. Make shore you have you most important apps in an easy to access place. If you are unorganized, you are unproductive.
Have fun. Yes you have the iPad for school. No, you should not have too many games on there. But you do need to have fun with your iPad. Break it in and be comfortable with using it.
Over the year, I have become almost addicted to my iPad. I use it all the time, take it everywhere I go and make sure NOBODY else touches or uses it (without my permission). I love the fact that I can just lay on the couch and do my homework and at the same time having the iPad to make it more comfortable than sitting at a desk working at my computer.
ReplyDeleteI think another reason why I really love the iPad is because since I dont have my own laptop/computer and I usually use the families computer... Now, having the iPad I have my own electronic where I can watch videos, do homework and study.
My biggest advice is not to get distracted by games. I would tell you not to even get games on the iPad... I didn't (well... maybe once) and I ended up deleting it.
Oh, and always to the blog assignments!!!! I tend to forget small things like that and it comes back to bite you if you dont follow the correct schedule.
My advice to any new iPad user would be to try lots of apps. Once you find one you like, people tend to slow down and just get into a pattern with that particular app. This can work sometimes, but itís still important to try others. I would suggest that as soon as you get your iPad, that for the first few weeks you try as many apps as possible. Even though you might not like most of them, you will probably find a few that work well for you. Even after this initial push, it is still important to keep trying apps, just at a slower pace. Trying new apps gives you the chance to find a really good one that may be able to help you in ways youíve never imagined. So, my advice is to not get into a lull of not trying new apps.
ReplyDeleteWhoever gets an iPad, consider yourself lucky. I'm very grateful that I've had an iPad for this year. I use it a lot for notes, so if you get an iPad you should explore many note taking apps, to find the perfect one for you. This comes in handy, because you will be taking a lot of noes, and if you don't you might be screwed. An iPad is so much easier to type with, plus your hand won't get sore from writing a lot of helpful information. Also, the iPad is the easiest device to carry around all of your work in, which means you have less to carry around to other classrooms.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to students new to the iPad would be to: 1. try to utilize it as much as possible 2. APPS 3. Instructions . Utilize the iPad: Especially at first, and then you can figure out which things are more effectively done without the iPad, and you'll be great at the things that are so much better to do with an iPad (there's a lot). Also, I find that the more things I do with my iPad the more efficient and organized I am because all of my stuff is in one place, can be quickly and easily accessed, and the iPad and really easy to carry around, much better than binders (I only had 2 binders this year, one for math, one for handouts teachers gave me in my other subjects). APPS: get as many apps as possible and try them out. I am constantly getting and trying new apps, and that way I can find the ones that are really great for me that I can use all of the time. Almost all my apps are free, and if you don't like an app you can just delete it. 3. Instructions: read instructions. I personally hate instructions so much, so a lot (all) of the time when I got new apps I wouldn't read the instructions and I would miss out on really cool things you could do. Then I started reading instructions it saved me a lot of time and helped me a lot. Read them. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteMy advice to new iPad users is similar to advice others have given. A notetaking app is probably the most important app I used all year, so it's important to find a good app fairly quickly. It's also important to remember to back up your notes often. I try and back mine up about once a week, in case anything happens to my iPad or the app. I ended up switching apps in the middle of the year, because I wasn't totally happy with the one I was using. I use mostly free apps, because I don't like spending a lot of money on apps, but I found that my favorite apps were the paid apps. I really like the notetaking app Notability, which I bought midyear, as I mentioned, after trying it out on a friend's iPad. I also bought Mental Case, my favorite flashcards app, after much research. I plan on buying a planner app in preparation for next year, because the free app I have works, but I would like some more features. While I wouldn't encourage students to only buy apps, I would just suggest to not be afraid to pay for apps, which can provide so many benefits for just a couple of dollars. At the same time, a lot of free apps have awesome features.
ReplyDeleteI would also challenge students to find a way to use their iPad for as many functions as possible. For many tasks, I simply assumed that my iPad wouldn't work as well as a computer or pencil and paper, but you can usually find an app designed for the task you're trying to complete. Check out apps for your favorite (educational) websites, keep checking the app store for updates and new/featured apps, and try to do as much as possible with your iPad. Of course, for some things, an iPad isn't ideal, but give it a try first. I found that there are a lot of great handwriting apps, and I got a stylus to help take handwritten notes. I use the AluPen, which I really like.
I find my iPad is very useful in part because I have everything in one place, so I would suggest that students try to keep everything on their iPad. Make sure you can find teacher pages, your notes, your papers, and when assignments are due. File sharing and cloud apps are also really helpful, though I've yet to find one that blows me away. Having everything in one place means you can work pretty much anywhere.
In short, students should experiment with their iPad as much as possible, to find new functions and apps and improve familiarity with the iPad.
My advice to people getting iPads next year is to talk to each teacher you have at the begging of the year about how to use them in there particular class. Since not everyone has an iPad sometimes teachers won't know but it is good to ask because it is easier to figure out which apps would be good for that particular class. Also explore apps early in the year or even before you start classes because if you switch say a note taking app that you are using in the middle of the year it gets confusing. You should also not be afraid to look for new apps to use for different projects. I found some really cool apps that I used on different projects, one including an animation app for one of my lit projects. Also when finding a good note taking app get ones that you both write and type. Then you can test both and decide which you like better. I quickly found out I liked the typing better and that has been what I stuck with all year. Also some sort of planner app can be very helpful.
ReplyDeletesome advice i would give would be to start all of your assignments on the iPad, and also find one note taking app and use if for everything. iI have used so many and it got really confusing. Also TELL NO ONE YOUR PASS CODE. I can not tell you how many times people have asked for my iPad and/or stolen to look up spelling. When I told them no they would just ask someone for it or know the pilot program pass code. Luckily if you ask Amy nicely she will let you change it. You don't really need to get a keyboard for the iPad, I have had to write 3 page long essays and was fine without the keyboard. I do highly suggest getting a stylus especially for note taking apps. Last but not least don't forget the blog assignments. Those are really important. I think the rest is given. And don't take your iPad for granted because it can get taken away very easily.
ReplyDeleteSome advice I will give is that if you have an iPad, you always want to start downloading apps before you start school. If you don't do this, you will develop the habit of not using the iPad.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emilly B., never tell anyone your pass code. Often, the pass code will be the first 4 letters of your last name. If people find this out, you can ask Amy Valk if you can change your password.
The one app that I would recommend you getting is a note taking app, you always need this type of app for all the classes that you have.
I have enjoyed using my iPad this year.
my advice would be to use your ipad as often as you can so that you will always have your stuff on one device. i would also advise you to gat a keyboard so that you can type more easily. i have found that it can be a hassle to type on a touch screen, especially when it is as sensative as an ipad.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to download a lot of different note-taking apps to find the one that best suits you. Try to download some that let you use your handwriting and buy a stylus. You can also use a stylus if you get some painting apps. I've seen some amazing work done on an iPad with a stylus.
ReplyDeleteTips: Press the home button and lock button for a screenshot, shaking the iPad undoes typing, double-clicking the home button brings up the multitasking bar, and make sure your iPad is charged before you go to school.
I would advise to get as many apps that you think are necessary to cover the range of inefficiencies that would be more easily done with the ipad. It's a bad idea to force iPad use into classes that can be done more easily with pen and paper, but there should be a few uses that you could put into those clases.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to get a bunch of different apps, and get one for each subject/thing you have to do in school. For example, I downloaded a few notetaking apps, and a few apps that helped with math and a few that helped with history. Don't buy a stylus, because it doesn't help, it just makes notetaking harder. Don't get distracted by games. I think that it is ok to have a few of them, but don't play them in class. I did not find them distracting at all this year. Charge it every night if you use it a lot, but since the battery life is so good, maybe if you don't use it very much, charge it every other night.
ReplyDeleteI would give the advice of learning how to really utilize the iPad for school learning. It is a wonderful learning/study utensil for students who are visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners.
ReplyDeleteI would say to use your iPad for any and everything . It can be helpful in the weirdest places. I found myself using it for art and chorus which would be a suprise to many people. It can be a very helpful device if you use it correctly.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to make sure that you get apps that you are most comfortable with. Also make sure that your apps can help you cover a wide variety of subjects. The world of technology is evolving every day so the different softwares and applications that you download can only get better from here. And don't be scared to try out a new app. My last word of advice is very simple to remember. Your iPad is not a toy. I guess it's ok to relax and play a game or two on your own time but don't get to carried away with it. Lastly don't forget to enjoy it. This iPad can help you out in class and it is a really efficient tool to have.
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