The One iPad Classroom

If you’re like me (and most teachers in my district), you have one (or less)
iPad per classroom. This year marks the first year that I have been able to bring in my own iPad to connect to the Wi-Fi that is now set up! Woohoo!

We are a small rural district in New York, and although we are getting there and we have big plans, we don’t have much in terms of technology…yet.

This year, I was appointed to the position of “Technology Integration Specialist” at the elementary level. At each building of around 600 kids, there is one specialist trying his best to simply educate teachers on the technology that is out there, and how we can use it with very limited resources.

With that being said, I whole-heartedly believe that big things can be done with students, even with very limited tech. One iPad per classroom is better than none! I wouldn’t say this if I couldn’t back it up with the cold, hard evidence.

In my room, we Podcast in a small group using an app called Bossjock. I then upload this Podcast using the app Soundcloud. Throughout the week, I have students researching and using the three computers in the room to find information needed to record our Podcast (see podcast post below).

Class Dojo is available as an iPad app! The iPad is great for carrying around, occasionally giving points to keep the kids focused and on track!

Using Raz-Kids and Reading A-Z, and the Nook apps on my iPad, I read students books. I literally have a bookstore at my fingertips…with just ONE iPAD!

I use my iPad in guided reading almost on a daily basis. The group sits around a small rectangular table, the iPad in the middle of our group. Each day, I have a central focus for my reading group (ie: main idea). I typically use NewsELA.com to have students choose an article they would like to read. For those who have not used this site, I would HIGHLY recommend taking a look. There are current events articles which are presented in a way where the teacher chooses the lexile level (the articles are usually ranging from 500-1,000), so this is perfect for guided reading. We read the article as a small group,
focusing in on the focused reading strategy for that day.

We Are Teachers, an Web site dedicated to tech, learning, and all things teaching,
recently posted an infographic describing apps that can be used in a “One iPad Classroom.”

In the comments, let us know what apps you use with your one iPad!

Just remember, “it could always be worse.” 🙂

-Dan M.