More and more technology

It has been a long time since I posted, so I am sorry for that. Some of the things I have been noticing and plan on getting data on are: 1. The use of iPads for typing papers/ notes 2. iPhone for time lapse video 3. iPad for snapshots of rubrics 1. The use of iPads for typing papers/ notes. I have found that 50% of the class preferred to go to the library and work on a computer, rather than using their iPads. iPads do need computers to print, so if there are projects that you would like in paper form you will want to keep some computers around. As I talk to other districts more and more computer labs are going away. We have 5 computer labs in our school, which is very helpful because there are certain things you can do better or certain programs that are only available on a computer. I mention this because of the new program Creative Suites 6 we got this year to help develop our Graphic Design (illustrator/Photoshop), Technology (dreamweaver), yearbook (photoshop) and other programs in the package that can help all classes. When trying to get students ready for college programs like the above will help prepare students more than an app on their iPad. Sorry, I got off topic, back to papers and notes. I stopped into a neighboring class that was taking notes and 50% of the students were taking notes on their iPads and the others paper and pencil. I have seen some kids just take a picture of notes before and it makes me wonder if the student is really retaining that information with just a snapshot. I can understand taking a snapshot of a rubric and using it as a reference that we have already discussed together in class. I talked to some of the kids and told me that the English department has a class pack of keyboards that can be used with the iPads and the kids can check them out. I plan on sending a survey to both the English teachers and students regarding if they prefer the iPad alone for typing papers, keyboard or the computers in the library. I would also like to know their input about the app Pages. This I will try to send out next week, but may not be answered by the teachers until the following week because we have finals next week. 2. In my clay and beyond class we are making packaging tape sculptures. The groups needs to wrap each other with syran wrap and then packaging tape, cut the tape off (with a nurses scissors, so no one gets cut) and then tape it back up. I also give them the option of stuffing the package with the paper to add color. One of my students really likes technology and told me she was making a time lapse video of the entire project!! I was so excited to see her doing this technology on her own. Not only is she going to show me the video she is going to let me post it on here when it is done. Should be done by early next week because she is adding music and words to it explaining everything, how amazing. I fee like it is Christmas, what a gift:) She is also going to show me how she did it. Maybe I will have her make a video of how to use the app, so that I can incorporate that as part of the project. I will post it as soon as I get it, I am pretty excited! I love when I see the students doing their own creating both in art and technology. They think of think of things I do not always think of. 3. iPads for snapshots of rubrics has saved me a lot of paper and it doesn't get lost. The rubric is right there on their camera role. They can sue the rubric to do self checks to make sure they are doing everything they need to do. I will have more hard data next week and hopefully a time lapse video of our last clay and beyond project.