Journal 10 Literacy iPad Apps for Teachers

Shettel, J. (2012). Literacy ipad apps for teahers. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(6), 38-39. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/DigitalEditionMarch-April2012.aspx
Summary: This article provides a glimpse into the iPad applications for teachers that are just learning to work with ipads with students.  The article lists and provides a brief description of each application and the cost.  The article also breaks the applications into grade level; elementary, middle, or high school.  Many of the applications listed are free, which is beneficial for schools, whereas other applications cost anywhere from $1.99-$2.99.  One downfall of buying applications is that if it is not an effective application, there is no way of returning it.
 A couple of the applications caught my eye, as potential to use in my classroom.  The use of mad libs is a great option for grammar and vocabulary review.  Anther great great application that I am going to try in the classroom is Puppet Pals. This is a free app that allows the kids to focus on story writing using pre-made puppets and backdrops.  The students are able to record their voices to create dialogue between the characters.

The Constitutional and Declaration for iPad is a wonderful resource for my eighth grade students.  All of the students complete a large project on the Constitution.  This application allows the students to learn about the signers of the Constitution, read more in depth information about the articles of confederation and amendments. They are primary resources that students can use in research projects! 



Question:  My school site had the privilege of gaining thirty ipads this year.  I have used them with the students and they love working with them!  We have had a couple of issues with some of the applications.  What kind of support is given to the schools to help alleviate the 'technical' issues with the individual applications?  Our school, specifically, needs to go to our assistant principal with any issues. He then contacts a district tech person who then contacts apple.  This process takes some time before our issues are resolved.  I wonder if school sites have other options available?  Does Apple provide any technical service to schools specifically? 

Question 2: Will there be a time when all textbooks are offered digitally so kids can access them on an Ipad?  So many applications are available and to assist anyone and everyone. I can definitely see a time when schools no longer have textbooks because they only offer applications of the textbook.  I think we are far from this way of teaching and many rules needs to be in place before this happens. Overall, I feel it will help kids with learning disabilities gain more access to the general education setting.