Friday 29 November 2013

iTunesU - A reason for iPads in schools? #1

We've been using iPads in school in an ad hoc manner for around a year now with some small successes, but with no killer app being used across the school. Looking at this years BETT line up for talks brought me to the SEN stage, and a talk on using iTunesU to create specific courses for SEN students. A quick google later brought me to the iTunesU Apple page and suddenly I'm very interested to discover more.

It looks, from the outset, like a massive resource, full of lesson ideas, videos, tests, handouts, all available to UK schools for free. Hook up the iPad to a projector via Apple TV and suddenly the iPad could become extremely useful in lessons. Further more, if the lessons can then be accessed by the students later on, you've got massive potential for independent learning.

I'll certainly be attending the talk at BETT if I can, or catch the video later. This could not only benefit our SEN students, but it could give that iPad that's been sat in the corner the workout it needs.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Dropbox sharing

Want resources for your subject areas, or want to shate your own with like minded teachers?  http://www.classroomtm.co.uk/teaching-dropboxes/ is worth looking into. Free resources, regularly updated that are being used by other teachers across the country, an excellent use of digital sharing!

Sploder - Game design

Continuing on the theme of games and education, our new Head of English is starting to use Sploder in his English lessons to promote creativity. Here's the Gadget show explaining Sploder far better than I can (Starts at 5:30 in)

As far as I can see, this should be a fantastic use of technology, games, creativity and English in one website!