iPads in the classroom

Here is another great article called “Getting the most out of your iPad in the classroom”

http://www.edweek.org/tm/section/chat/2013/01/08/index.html

Great iPad apps for Teachers

Here’s a list of some great apps for those Teachers lucky enough to own an iPad.

http://ipadapps4school.com/2012/12/26/10-great-apps-for-a-teachers-new-ipad/

Tips on managing iPad in the classroom

More thoughts on the educational benefits of using iPads in the classroom in this article here:

sco.lt/5qSLxp 

US guru gives Scots Computing education the thumbs up

Praise for Scottish education's approach to Computing, which is always welcome.

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6309539#.UOX6GCA9hmI.mailto

iPads in Education

More and more schools are buying iPads for classroom use. I think iPad minis could really be the one that could aid pupils learning in particular. They are much more compact.

The only issue I have is that does this mean we need to create all new materials using apple software? Where is my motivation transferring or converting all my stuff into iPad friendly applications? Or are we just going to PDF everything?!

Seriously, from a pupils point of view it could have a big impact on classroom learning and especially motivation. I think it is important we to embrace technology but I also believe that the importance of reading a book (not a Kindle!) and learning information that I carry around in my head (and not rely on the crutch that is Google) is still important. Our young people have to be flexible and have a wide range of skills. And importantly, when we say they have ICT or IT skills do we mean much more than just being able to copy and paste onto Word or PowerPoint and make a pretty poster/presentation? Can they use graphics packages? Can they use Corel Draw or AutoCAD or Inventor? Can they create pie charts in Excel and create queries in Access? Can they add signatures to their Emails?

But I do believe new software which can allow simulations and role play may really be the best use of all. With that in mind here is a link here to 10 uses for the iPad in education:

http://edudemic.com/2012/11/ipads-in-the-classroom-tools/

I have to admit I use my iPad a lot, but not much for education! Well, I suppose I do use it to update this blog and indeed my twitter account. But I would never create materials on it as I am not a fan of Pages or Numbers. I much prefer the likes of Word and Excel, but perhaps I am a dinosaur.

Should pupils learn more programming?

The teaching of computer science must become more relevant to modern needs, said the government.

The government said the current teaching of IT was "insufficiently rigorous and in need of reform".

The call for change came in a response to an industry report which looked at technology teaching in the UK.

Without reform future UK workers would lack key skills and the nation would lose its standing as a video games and visual arts hub, said the report.

The Next Gen report was published in October and criticised current ICT (information and communication technology) classes which tended to focus on how to use software rather than on how to write it.

Written by gaming guru Ian Livingstone and visual effects veteran Alex Hope, Next Gen called for programming skills to replace learning about business software in ICT lessons.

In its response, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the report had set out some "compelling" ideas about how to make the UK a hub for video games and visual effects.

Creative industries minister Ed Vaizey said computer games and the visual effects sectors had a clear economic and cultural value.

Do we stifle creativity?

Here is an interesting video clip and article by Sir Ken Robinson who talks about how traditional forms of Education may in fact be killing creativity among our young people.

http://www.theadclass.com/education/sir-ken-robinson-do-schools-kill-creativity-ted-conference-2006

Food for thought!