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."