Thing Link - What are the Possibilities?

I have just discovered the ThingLink App and had my first play.  By scrolling over the picture below various links come up to link you to either text, photos or video.  Very simple to use.  Would love to hear your thoughts on how you are using this OR ideas you have to use as part of teaching and learning.  In the meantime enjoy my links to one of my FAVOURITE places in the world, the amazing Hole in the Rock in the spectacular Bay of Islands.

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iBooks and free first in the series books

The iBookstore, available through either the iBooks app or through iTunes, offer paid and free eBooks on a whole host of topics and for a range of readers.  Not only do they have a range of popular books turned into eBooks, there are a range of interactive eBooks to bring stories and learning alive such as  Life on Earth and The Yellow Cab of the Universe.

Currently, the iBookstore has a range of 'first in the series' eBooks available for free.  There are some great titles for children available so take the time to check these out.  You will find them on the iBookstore home page, just scroll down to find the iBooks and First in a Series Free.

Haiku Deck - Playtime is Important

A lite version of the app is available to try before buying.

If you are using this app in your class, let us know how you and your students find it.

WWF together

WWF Together is a free app from the World Wildlife Fund.  The app shares  information on endangered animals through a variety of interactive features including video and origami.  The images are beautiful and a range of features are used to reveal facts about each animal such as chopping down bamboo to learn about their diet or having a globe appear highlighting the distance from where the animal lives in comparison to the user.  A great way to learn about endangered species.

 See 

Puppup lost at the zoo

This story tells the adventures of Puppup, a loved soft toy that gets lost during a visit to the zoo.  A lovely tale that is read aloud and accompanied with beautiful illustrations and some animation.

The app is approximately $4.20 but occasionally appears as a free app of the day so worth keeping an eye out for it.

Sharing files across devices

I am loving Instashare for transferring files, videos and photos between iOS devices such as an iPad and iPhone.   It works like Airdrop on the Mac by enabling the transfer of files via local wi-fi or Bluetooth. There is a Mac beta version which works well to  instantly share files between my Mac, iPad and iPhone. Currently an app for iOS Devices, the developers are working on an android as well as Windows version.

Instashare would be great for sharing files between devices the classroom.

Instashare is free, and you can upgrade to a ad-free version for around $1.30.

iPads in Education

This video highlights how iPads are being used in education at a secondary school level. Tricia Kelleher, Principal, reflects on the use of the iPads: “iPads mean that it is no longer simply a case of a sage on a stage, it is more about collaborative learning, enhanced engagement and infinitely greater learning potential. Teachers and students work together to create something special and we are very proud to be leading the way."

L@Schools - iPad Apps to Support Teaching and Learning

The Learning@Schools Roadshow has kicked off again today in New Plymouth.  I have just delivered an iPads workshop for the second time this week to an enthusiastic group of educators who are all at various stages of iPad integration.

Below are the links to the apps we explored.  I will slowly add the examples upon my return to Whangarei so please keep checking back to this post.

AR Dino Park

QR Code Reader
Check out a great blogpost here to see how they are being used in a classroom.

Show Me
Check out an example here.

Popplet
Check out an example here.

Pic Collage

MultiTouch Math

Jelly Bean Count

My Story

Sock Puppets
Example from Allanah King here.

Strip Design

Sonic Pics
Example from Manaia Kindergarten here.

Haiku Deck
Example from Ben Soole, 1-1 iPad class teacher @ Kamo Primary School here.

Puppet Pals
Example from Hey Milly's class here.

Vid Rythm

Mad Pad

Create a Monster

iMovie
Example from Dominik @ Whangarei Heads School here.

Scribblepress

Create a Car

Comic Life

I can count money NZ

Learning@Schools - Augmented Reality Presentation

This week I am lucky enough to be presenting at the first ever Learning@Schools Roadshow.  Kicking off in Whangarei on Wednesday 3rd April with an amazing programme.

One of my presentations is 'QR Codes and Augmented Reality'

The iPad comes alive with Augmented Reality

This workshop will focus on the use of an iPad to explore QR Codes and Augmented Reality (AR). 

The session will focus on how to effectively use and integrate QR codes throughout the curriculum and school community. You will see how Augmented Reality has engaged, enhanced and empowered students to write and create books using a variety of different iPad apps.

I have enjoyed introducing students and teachers to the concept of augmented reality and have been exploring how this can be used to support teaching and learning.  We have had heaps of fun trying out different apps and thinking about how these can be used.  To date, the biggest success has been in engaging students in writing digital stories using augmented reality pictures.  All you need is your IMAGINATION!  Here is the list of apps I am sharing within this workshop.  Some of these apps do require markers to be printed off.

AR DinoPark

Imag-N-O-Tron - The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore

Aurasma

Money Vision

The Amazing Spiderman

Lunch Rush

Zoo Burst

Space Craft 3D

NZ Shapeshifter Monarch

AR Flashcards

String

Dragon Detector

Star and Planet Finder

Tour Wrist - not truly augmented reality BUT gives amazing possibilities when you are able to visit historic landmarks and use these pictures as the basis for extending storytelling.

Can you imagine when this is a reality and part of our everyday life?

Haiku deck

Haiku deck is a free presentation app suitable for crating digital stories as well as presentations. Text and font can be added, and the app searches for Creative Commons images to go with the text. Presentations can be uploaded to facebook or twitter, shared via email or exportedQuick and easy to use. A great way for students to present their ideas.

- Posted by Tara using BlogPress from my iPad

Marble Math Junior

This math game provides a series of challenges. Players roll the marble (by tilting the iPad) or drag the marble (using touch) across the screen to complete the challenge.

Player profiles can be created and customised including level and problems to be solved. There is no limit to the number of profiles that can be created. Each player can create an avatar and an overview of the player's results can be viewed. Instructions can be read out to the player - particularly useful for emerging readers.




Challenges vary from sequencing, shape finding, time, equivalence, addition, subtraction and multiplication with the level of challenge increasing as the player progresses.  There is also a money challenge (levels 2 &3), however as this not in New Zealand currency, I generally uncheck it in the options so it unavailable as a challenge.





If the player gets the answer incorrect, they are offered the opportunity to have another go, skip the question or be shown the answer.





A good app for reinforcing math learning in the classroom.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad