"App"mazing Resource

For the past couple of weeks, my principal and I have been discussing the possibility of implementing a 1:1 iPad program at our school next year.  We were able to visit another school within our deanery that started this program in grades K-8.  While there, we were able to walk around and see how they were using these devices within the classroom and speak with the Apple representative to ask any questions we might have.  Prior to this, I visited another school the year before that had implemented 1:1 Macbooks at their school.  After being able to see both of these machines in action in the classroom, I must say that I am sold on the iPad!

At first, I must admit I thought laptops were the way to go, however, now that you can downloads apps such as Pages and Keynote to the iPad, as well as access Google Docs you no longer need the bulky laptop.  And the thought of having a device that eventually all the students textbooks are available on, that would eliminate the need for the ridiculous over sized suitcases backpacks the kids have.  Of course there are somethings that the iPad can't do right now that I will need to still use our laptops for in the classroom (such as the video creation unit my class does), I know that for the day to day stuff the iPad will work.

So, after visiting this school and finding out about some of the apps they were using, I was excited to start researching for other apps (paid or free) that could be used within the classroom setting.  I started with my own class and set-up a document that they could submit apps they were using.  They had to give me some brief info on the app and explain why I should check it out.  (You can see the form here) It was interesting to see how many of my students were using apps they helped them with their studying such as Flashcard+ or calendar apps to keep them organized.  And of course, there is a plethora of games that they told be about too! But even after checking out some of the games, I see the educational value in them as well.  To check out the apps my students have submitted to me so far - click here.

As my students were busy trying to find and submit new and interesting apps to me, I continue my research as well.  Which is when I hit the mother load!!  I had heard about a school district that was heavily into using mobile learning devices and started to snoop around their district page when I came across THIS!

 

The Escondido School District has compiled a list of 198 apps (and it continues to grow) and organized them by grades level, price, subject, type, etc.  You can even choose certain parameters and it will show you only the apps that fit within whatever components you picked.   This was a APPmazing resource I found!  Not only is it updated but it also provided me with a list of apps that I could share with some of the younger grade teachers who struggle with ways to implement the one iPad we have in our classrooms already.  

Hopefully, you'll find this resource useful too!  Have you come across any apps that you love?  Share them below.