I tried out my first attempt at creating a wiki this week. I decided to create a page for my PTA to use next year. I will be acting as president next year and this site will be a great way to share information with the teachers and parents about who we are and what we do for the school. Previously, we have done this through the old-fashioned paper newsletter. Google Sites has options for inserting calendars which will help keep everyone informed of our event and meeting dates. The only problem with my calendar was my events did not transfer over from my gmail account, I am fairly sure it is something I did wrong and will have to look at further. I made several changes with my columns and layouts to better fit some of my images. This was very simple to do and allowed me to explore different looks while not requiring me to reinsert any of my pictures. I found the Google Sites application very easy to navigate and use. All of the editing features are similar in look and feel from the previous Google apps we have looked at. I hope to explore more options as far as creativity and layouts in the future.
I will definitely use my new knowledge of wikis for my own classroom. It is a great way to keep students and parents informed of current happenings at school. I will easily be able to prepare my class in advance for upcoming assignments with a glance at my classroom calendar. I can even create a page for at home study tips and activities to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom.
You can view my work-in-progress through the link below:
https://sites.google.com/site/christenberryelementarypta/
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
iPad Literacy and Disciplines for the Elementary Classroom
In previous entries I have discussed iPad use for the classroom. Here I will specifically analyze several iPad apps and features regarding literacy, presentations and disciplines for the elementary level student.
Preparations
The dictionary app I chose to look at was one by Merriam Webster. As a free app, you have to deal with pop-up ads, but otherwise it is a great tool to have handy for students. The search bar has an auto-finish feature with options to choose from when looking up definitions. Many of the basic functions found in a hard-back dictionary are also in the app such as: alternate forms and word uses, synonym/antonym feature, pronunciation guide and examples of the word used in a sentence. Some extra features are the "playback" mode, voice search tool, and ability to cross reference certain words within the definition. The "playback" mode would be great for ESL students as it correctly pronounces the word in English for the student, however, not all word entries have this option. Another great feature is the "word of the day" which posts a new word each day to build a broader vocabulary.
I chose to look at the My Spelling Test app for a non-dictionary preparational tool. I fail to see the ability to use this app for actual classroom testing unless all students have assigned tablets. However, for providing feedback to the teacher as an assessment tool, individual student practice or in test preparation this software would be great. Basically the teacher pre-records spelling words with sentence examples. When the student takes the test, your audio recording is played back for them as they type in their answer. The app will let the student know if their answer was right with corrections if not. The app also stores student answers that can be viewed later by the teacher.
Presentations
I looked at Adobe Photoshop Express for use in visual presentations. For a free app, this would be great for personal or classroom photo editing, however, I was amazed that coming from such well-known photo editing software makers there was no red-eye reduction tool. Most other basic editing tools such as crop, rotate and flip are included, as well as exposure adjustments like saturation, tint and black/white options. You can also add effects to soften/sharpen photos and create novelty looks such as rainbow hued pictures. You have the options to post edited photos to FaceBook and Twitter or upload them to the Internet.
I thought Puppet Pals was a great live animation app for use in several types of classroom "story" presentations. I noticed that only a few basic characters and backdrops were included in the free version, however, you can purchase the "director's pass" for a low cost which allows free downloads of all available actors and scenes. You can manipulate actors within a backdrop by dragging and through multi-touch gestures to flip, zoom and rotate them. You can even import your own images into custom content for characters and backdrops, if a little inconvenient from the need to do this through iTunes. Sound is also recorded along with character movement when the record button is pressed. For classroom use this app can promote creative and dramatic thinking in regards to story creation, use of literary devices and explaining concepts recently learned. Collaboration among students is easily supported with this software as well. A newer version called Puppet Pals 2 has more character options and also allows the student to overlay their own face on an actor's body. The characters have pos-able limbs, imitate talking motions as you speak and have more mobility options than the previous version. The only negative aspect I found was that files must be saved to the iPad's camera roll before exporting and file sharing to other sources.
K-6 Disciplines
The Toy Story app by Disney is great for younger students and emerging readers to encourage literacy. It has the option to listen to a narrator while the text being read is hi lighted or as they become more proficient the student can read to themselves or even record their own voice reading the story. There is also a young reader setting that turns on interactive features when you click on story characters and allows for self page turning and in-story coordinating coloring page options. This is a really fun app that could relate well with young children familiar with the Toy Story movie and characters. The narration even has real "character voices" from the movie and animated clips integrated into the story. There are two games offered which, although not very educational, offer hand-eye coordination practice. This definitely would be a great reading motivator to keep in a library of reading/literacy apps.
Toontastic is another free live animation app similar to Puppet Pals. I have some experience with this one as my own children use it often at home while referring to themselves as "movie directors." I do like that characters in this app allows a child's own drawing to be used in addition to those characters offered in the game. Additional characters and scenes can be purchased for a low cost beyond the free pirate content included in the game. Students can share their recorded plays easily through the in-app ToonTube, a global storytelling network for kids. What's great about these types of apps is that they draw out creativity and thinking skills while motivating the student and engaging them in interactive learning. This would be a great way to reinforce use of literary devices (characters, setting, theme, etc.) or to recreate history lessons...the possibilities are endless.
I chose to include two books by Auracle Press I reviewed in the Children's Books folder. Miko's Trip, by Stephanie Roehe had a "read to me" option with hi lighted text as well as an off feature for more independent readers. The great thing about allowing the narrator to read the story is that is teaches the student about use of inflection, cadence and how to treat punctuation while reading, all important aspects of reading comprehension. The other book, Head 2 Toes by Rosemary Wells, is another in the Max and Ruby series so well-known by children. The story is narrated to the "Head and Shoulders" song while the bunny character makes appropriate motions. There is also an option to read the story in several other languages all to the same music. This is great for cultural awareness as well as for learning other languages.
Preparations
The dictionary app I chose to look at was one by Merriam Webster. As a free app, you have to deal with pop-up ads, but otherwise it is a great tool to have handy for students. The search bar has an auto-finish feature with options to choose from when looking up definitions. Many of the basic functions found in a hard-back dictionary are also in the app such as: alternate forms and word uses, synonym/antonym feature, pronunciation guide and examples of the word used in a sentence. Some extra features are the "playback" mode, voice search tool, and ability to cross reference certain words within the definition. The "playback" mode would be great for ESL students as it correctly pronounces the word in English for the student, however, not all word entries have this option. Another great feature is the "word of the day" which posts a new word each day to build a broader vocabulary.
I chose to look at the My Spelling Test app for a non-dictionary preparational tool. I fail to see the ability to use this app for actual classroom testing unless all students have assigned tablets. However, for providing feedback to the teacher as an assessment tool, individual student practice or in test preparation this software would be great. Basically the teacher pre-records spelling words with sentence examples. When the student takes the test, your audio recording is played back for them as they type in their answer. The app will let the student know if their answer was right with corrections if not. The app also stores student answers that can be viewed later by the teacher.
Presentations
I looked at Adobe Photoshop Express for use in visual presentations. For a free app, this would be great for personal or classroom photo editing, however, I was amazed that coming from such well-known photo editing software makers there was no red-eye reduction tool. Most other basic editing tools such as crop, rotate and flip are included, as well as exposure adjustments like saturation, tint and black/white options. You can also add effects to soften/sharpen photos and create novelty looks such as rainbow hued pictures. You have the options to post edited photos to FaceBook and Twitter or upload them to the Internet.
I thought Puppet Pals was a great live animation app for use in several types of classroom "story" presentations. I noticed that only a few basic characters and backdrops were included in the free version, however, you can purchase the "director's pass" for a low cost which allows free downloads of all available actors and scenes. You can manipulate actors within a backdrop by dragging and through multi-touch gestures to flip, zoom and rotate them. You can even import your own images into custom content for characters and backdrops, if a little inconvenient from the need to do this through iTunes. Sound is also recorded along with character movement when the record button is pressed. For classroom use this app can promote creative and dramatic thinking in regards to story creation, use of literary devices and explaining concepts recently learned. Collaboration among students is easily supported with this software as well. A newer version called Puppet Pals 2 has more character options and also allows the student to overlay their own face on an actor's body. The characters have pos-able limbs, imitate talking motions as you speak and have more mobility options than the previous version. The only negative aspect I found was that files must be saved to the iPad's camera roll before exporting and file sharing to other sources.
K-6 Disciplines
The Toy Story app by Disney is great for younger students and emerging readers to encourage literacy. It has the option to listen to a narrator while the text being read is hi lighted or as they become more proficient the student can read to themselves or even record their own voice reading the story. There is also a young reader setting that turns on interactive features when you click on story characters and allows for self page turning and in-story coordinating coloring page options. This is a really fun app that could relate well with young children familiar with the Toy Story movie and characters. The narration even has real "character voices" from the movie and animated clips integrated into the story. There are two games offered which, although not very educational, offer hand-eye coordination practice. This definitely would be a great reading motivator to keep in a library of reading/literacy apps.
Toontastic is another free live animation app similar to Puppet Pals. I have some experience with this one as my own children use it often at home while referring to themselves as "movie directors." I do like that characters in this app allows a child's own drawing to be used in addition to those characters offered in the game. Additional characters and scenes can be purchased for a low cost beyond the free pirate content included in the game. Students can share their recorded plays easily through the in-app ToonTube, a global storytelling network for kids. What's great about these types of apps is that they draw out creativity and thinking skills while motivating the student and engaging them in interactive learning. This would be a great way to reinforce use of literary devices (characters, setting, theme, etc.) or to recreate history lessons...the possibilities are endless.
I chose to include two books by Auracle Press I reviewed in the Children's Books folder. Miko's Trip, by Stephanie Roehe had a "read to me" option with hi lighted text as well as an off feature for more independent readers. The great thing about allowing the narrator to read the story is that is teaches the student about use of inflection, cadence and how to treat punctuation while reading, all important aspects of reading comprehension. The other book, Head 2 Toes by Rosemary Wells, is another in the Max and Ruby series so well-known by children. The story is narrated to the "Head and Shoulders" song while the bunny character makes appropriate motions. There is also an option to read the story in several other languages all to the same music. This is great for cultural awareness as well as for learning other languages.
Google Drawing in the Classroom
The Google Drawing app is a great tool for the classroom that can be used for creative projects, math assignments as well as in the pre-writing process. I found the software easy to use and pretty self explanatory. In addition to the basic shapes, the app offers caption bubbles, callouts, equation symbols and several line styles. I particularly liked the helpful tools in the arrange tab, allowing you to align items horizontally or vertically, group items together to be edited and arrange from front to back. Some of Google Drawing's features are normally found in higher priced software such as Illustrator, and make it a great alternative for teachers on a budget. Several of the links posted led to great tutorials and ideas on how to use Google Drawing to meet Common Core State Standards in the classroom. For research and writing projects, the students can create idea webs to organize thoughts as well as visuals such as flow charts and Venn diagrams for comparison/contrasting elements of literature. Math assignments are easy with the ability to create arrays, algebraic equations and geometric shapes with the opportunity to rotate 90 degrees and flip objects on a horizontal/vertical axis. Again, as with all Google applications, the opportunity for collaboration is quick and easy with options to share and publish on the Web.
The "Exploring Shapes" assignment for elementary students was a great use of Google Drawing to meet Common Core math standards. I can definitely see how the children would respond well to the lesson in a fun, creative format through the software. Not only will the student gain key vocabulary and mathematical terminology, but can begin to distinguish defining attributes of shapes and learn to sort based on those identifiers. The ability for the student to use creativity as opposed to simply performing automated steps for the assignment is a key motivator. As I worked through the assignment I particularly liked the alignment feature that automatically "snapped" any object in line with handy guidelines that popped up. It was very easy to add text to my drawing as labels for my shapes and in defining their attributes. I will definitely use Google Drawing for my own classroom.
The "Exploring Shapes" assignment for elementary students was a great use of Google Drawing to meet Common Core math standards. I can definitely see how the children would respond well to the lesson in a fun, creative format through the software. Not only will the student gain key vocabulary and mathematical terminology, but can begin to distinguish defining attributes of shapes and learn to sort based on those identifiers. The ability for the student to use creativity as opposed to simply performing automated steps for the assignment is a key motivator. As I worked through the assignment I particularly liked the alignment feature that automatically "snapped" any object in line with handy guidelines that popped up. It was very easy to add text to my drawing as labels for my shapes and in defining their attributes. I will definitely use Google Drawing for my own classroom.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Basics of the Apple iPad
Apple's addition of iWorks for the iPad gives more portability and accessibility to basic software used in many classrooms. The Pages application allows you many of the same tools as Microsoft Word such as advanced font options, tables/charts, page layouts and hypertext links. I especially like the Media Browser function which allows your text to wrap seamlessly around any images you insert. The sharing of iWorks files with Microsoft and other software users is easy with the option to save files in MS Office, PDF and other formats. In addition, you can use iCloud to automatically save and share your documents with multiple devices to access anywhere. The Box is a similar online storage service with an app available on the iPad. The auto-save feature prevents file loss and the undo feature provides the teacher a means of looking back through previous changes within the document, tracking the student's thought process and progression of the assignment. The iPad can also print your documents wirelessly through AirPrint. The iPad's ability to function much of the same way as a traditional desktop makes it invaluable in the classroom. One of the negative aspects of the iWork version for iPad devices is that the applications are sold individually ($10 each), while sold as a software suite for the Mac OS. Another caveat is that documents created with elaborate formatting may not convert correctly to Microsoft Word.
The iBooks app for iPad organizes your books and media by "collections" and displays them on a virtual book shelf with a real "library" feel. You can easily arrange items according to your preferences and move within these collections by swiping the screen. The Kindle app for the iPad provides the same basic book reading function as iBooks with minor differences. Most of the differences boil down to user preferences such as the setting which allows a black background with white text. Kindle provides a simpler view and minimalistic feel. Books can easily be purchased within the iBooks app. However, when downloading books from Amazon, you cannot purchase through the Kindle app and must do so through Safari. For my own purposes I prefer the iBooks application.
Safari remains the fastest and most secure way to browse the Internet via the iPad. Safari has offline reading features, a "big picture" tab view of open tabs, iCloud tabs and a unified smart search field. On the other hand, because iPads do not support Flash or Java, Rover is an alternative, free app that will process those web site contents through a proxy server and stream it to mobile devices. Rover has another great feature in that it filters web site content for the student user. One negative side I personally found while using Rover is that many educational websites (pbskids.org and several other well-used educational sites) that are frequently used in classrooms were blocked. Every time I tried to go to one of these sites a message popped up directing me to send a written request to the website owners asking them to partner with Rover. This seems like a long, aggravating procedure a teacher would have to go through to make previously approved web sites accessible through Rover. However, although I prefer Safari, there were some nice educational games and activities available directly through the Rover App.
The iBooks app for iPad organizes your books and media by "collections" and displays them on a virtual book shelf with a real "library" feel. You can easily arrange items according to your preferences and move within these collections by swiping the screen. The Kindle app for the iPad provides the same basic book reading function as iBooks with minor differences. Most of the differences boil down to user preferences such as the setting which allows a black background with white text. Kindle provides a simpler view and minimalistic feel. Books can easily be purchased within the iBooks app. However, when downloading books from Amazon, you cannot purchase through the Kindle app and must do so through Safari. For my own purposes I prefer the iBooks application.
Safari remains the fastest and most secure way to browse the Internet via the iPad. Safari has offline reading features, a "big picture" tab view of open tabs, iCloud tabs and a unified smart search field. On the other hand, because iPads do not support Flash or Java, Rover is an alternative, free app that will process those web site contents through a proxy server and stream it to mobile devices. Rover has another great feature in that it filters web site content for the student user. One negative side I personally found while using Rover is that many educational websites (pbskids.org and several other well-used educational sites) that are frequently used in classrooms were blocked. Every time I tried to go to one of these sites a message popped up directing me to send a written request to the website owners asking them to partner with Rover. This seems like a long, aggravating procedure a teacher would have to go through to make previously approved web sites accessible through Rover. However, although I prefer Safari, there were some nice educational games and activities available directly through the Rover App.
Google Forms in the Classroom
When I created my first quiz in Google Forms I was amazed at how user friendly the software is. In the span of five minutes I created a survey, sent it out to my classmates and then accessed their answers which were populated into a spreadsheet for me. The tutorial I watched was very informative and easy to follow in regards to turning the spreadsheet into a self grading quiz (http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cjXeqwnDe). I can imagine using this software frequently in the classroom for quick surveys on reading assignments as well as providing feedback on lessons. A teacher can quickly assess how the students are doing in specific areas of instruction as well as seeing which areas they need review or even remediation.
Google Forms also works to support Common Core State Standards, specifically those referring to presentation of knowledge and ideas as well as writing standards. The software provides an easier way of gathering statistical information for research projects and allows for less error in compiling the findings. More time is left for thorough exploration of concepts and leads to deeper understanding of the subject. I remember the time and effort involved in a statistics class for a particular research project of mine. Surveys had to be typed out, printed and then distributed by hand throughout campus, not to mention the time involved with gathering and compiling the statistical findings. Now students have the opportunity with Google Forms to quickly and easily do the "leg work," leaving more time for synthesis and evaluation of the material.
You can find my self-grading quiz below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdEwtbm5POUZ4OE10OEllLTU0b0JlbUE&usp=sharing
Google Forms also works to support Common Core State Standards, specifically those referring to presentation of knowledge and ideas as well as writing standards. The software provides an easier way of gathering statistical information for research projects and allows for less error in compiling the findings. More time is left for thorough exploration of concepts and leads to deeper understanding of the subject. I remember the time and effort involved in a statistics class for a particular research project of mine. Surveys had to be typed out, printed and then distributed by hand throughout campus, not to mention the time involved with gathering and compiling the statistical findings. Now students have the opportunity with Google Forms to quickly and easily do the "leg work," leaving more time for synthesis and evaluation of the material.
You can find my self-grading quiz below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdEwtbm5POUZ4OE10OEllLTU0b0JlbUE&usp=sharing
Monday, May 27, 2013
Google Spreadsheets in the Classroom
Not having much experience with spreadsheet software in the past, I could not comment much regarding similarities and differences between Google Spreadsheet and Microsoft Excel. However, for those who have used them or currently have Excel files, it is very easy to convert the format and continue editing the document in Google's software. I also liked the idea of being able to collaborate and share documents easily via Google Drive.
In my first experience with Google Spreadsheet I can see how it would be a great tool to keep teachers organized and save time when posting grades (assuming their grade book template has already been created). I felt that as a beginner, it took me entirely too long to figure out the formula functions. There are many of these mathematical formulas available but only a few were included on the tool bar. With more practice, however, I feel I could easily become proficient at the task. The tool bar was not overly daunting and most of the functions I used were easy to find. There are also multiple "shortcuts" which would be a benefit to those who use the software frequently.
Comments regarding how spreadsheets can be used to address Common Core State Standards will be forthcoming...
Below is a link to my "attempt" at creating a class grade book in Google Spreadsheet.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdGFxbFY5SVFTMVBUUTNhRVhxbDFsUHc&usp=sharing
In my first experience with Google Spreadsheet I can see how it would be a great tool to keep teachers organized and save time when posting grades (assuming their grade book template has already been created). I felt that as a beginner, it took me entirely too long to figure out the formula functions. There are many of these mathematical formulas available but only a few were included on the tool bar. With more practice, however, I feel I could easily become proficient at the task. The tool bar was not overly daunting and most of the functions I used were easy to find. There are also multiple "shortcuts" which would be a benefit to those who use the software frequently.
Comments regarding how spreadsheets can be used to address Common Core State Standards will be forthcoming...
Below is a link to my "attempt" at creating a class grade book in Google Spreadsheet.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdGFxbFY5SVFTMVBUUTNhRVhxbDFsUHc&usp=sharing
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Tablets in Education
In my earlier post, Tablets in the Classroom, I compared several top choices in the tablet arena for classroom use. Among the various options in tablets today there are seven main areas of basic functions or uses that sway purchasing: Apps, Books, Internet, Magazines/Newspapers, Movies/TV/Video, Music and Software. I will briefly discuss these functions, comparative use factors and iPads from educators' standpoints and specifically in relation to teaching.
Apps
Due to their exclusivity within operating systems and inability for most to work among varying mobile devices, app availability is an important area to consider when looking at tablets. From games and puzzles to avenues for artistic expression, apps can be great teaching tools as well as engaging for the young student. The leader by number of educational apps available remains iTunes (Apple) followed by Google Play (Android) and Amazon (Kindle) in last place.
Books
All tablets generally have book reading capabilities with hi lighting, dictionary and annotation features. The vendors, and in particular the pricing and variety offered in their markets, as well as software features can be daunting to sift through for this specific tablet function. Both the Nook and Kindle remain favorites among book readers. Amazon (Kindle) dominates the ebook market. Apple has the best book features if not the greatest availability of books through iTunes. However, books from all major markets can be viewed on the iPad. Another great feature is iAuthor, which allows educators to create books with media and app supplements. Book features allow students to easily transport and access textbooks, references, and independent reading assignments.
Internet
All major tablets in question have basic Internet access. However, because Flash continues to be widely used, Apple is at a disadvantage to their competitors. Apple uses HTML5 and many Flash games and educational programs as well as web site features will not work on the iPad. The option of cellular connectivity is also available on most devices other than the Nook and Windows tablets.
Magazines/Newspapers
All major tablet vendors offer Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions. Apple has a stand alone app, Newstand, that keeps periodical materials organized.
Movies/TV/Video
Subscription services remain the least expensive way to access large quantities of movies and TV shows. Most newer devices can access subscriptions such as Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu and NetFlix. Movies can also be purchased via the same markets as books. Most newer devices have similar functions in this category.
Music
Apple's iTunes music library is arguably the largest with Amazon closely behind. Google Play is still fairly new and has yet to accumulate as many offerings as the prior two vendors. Prices for music files are pretty comparable among the markets. Both Amazon and Apple's music files can be played on each other's devices as well as on some other tablets.
Software
With the addition of Google Docs in recent history, many devices have access to the same type of software features previously only found with Microsoft Office compatible devices. Microsoft is currently the only vendor offering the exact same software from computers down to mobile devices. Apple has transferred much of the same software to its tablets but in a mobile version. The Microsoft Surface tablet tends to work best in business environments and not as well in the classroom.
Examples of Tablet Use in Education
Many schools are now integrating tablets into their libraries to create new ebook/ereader programs. Others have created "book clubs" based on tablet use to encourage reading as well as boost achievement and motivation. The availability of many classroom textbooks in ebook format also prevents damage and loss that can occur with traditional books. The initial cost will be far outweighed by the durability and longevity of ebook format. The Nook, Kindle and iPad are three specific tablets that have been purchased and reviewed by multiple sources that can be found through Comparative Use Factors in Education for Tablets and Uses of iPads in Education.
Nook: Several sources have cited that the Nook is by far the best option for school use based on its low comparative price point and excellent tech support. Another benefit is that Barnes & Noble is now offering a back-end management system/tool to K12 schools. The Nook has an easily cleaned touch-screen, Web access and utilizes standard ePub book format. Nook Study is being used widely in universities to deliver eTextbooks and provide study aids, test preps and periodicals to students at a fraction of the cost of buying. The books available on the Nook can also be used by other devices. However, there are only a limited amount of apps available on the nook, and those cannot be utilized by other devices. Other negative reviews state that school policies regarding paying for the ebooks are often hard to deal with, and the fact that Barnes & Noble charges each ebook separately makes this difficult to circumvent.
Kindle: One great feature of the Kindle is that social networking is not available, which makes for a safer experience for the student. The "electronic ink" display technology is reflective like paper and makes the screen very easy to read. Other great features are the long battery life and text-to-speech function for ESL and vision impaired students. Amazon has also launched an eTextbook store for its Kindle platform. Several negative reviews state the likely hardware damage, proprietary format, lack of expandable storage space
iPad: The iPad is by far the most like a computer in its ability to do research on the Internet, create presentations, shoot and edit video, take notes and write papers...all in a very portable little package. Although iPads are slightly more expensive than other tablets, they function in many of the ways a computer would in the classroom at a significantly lower cost. Maintenance issues are almost nonexistent, not to mention the plethora of educational apps at the teacher's disposal and the ability to to create digital textbooks with Apple's iBooks Author. The high expense of textbooks can be eased in the long run when iPads are used instead. The Apple Configurator is an app which can mass configure and deploy the devices in a school-wide setting. Another great feature is the Verbally app, a speech aid software that pronounces English words correctly, which would be beneficial in an ESL or speech therapy classes. Apple iPads are also being used on a 1:1 basis in classrooms and in some cases can erase the need for physical classrooms altogether. There are instances of pilot courses in which the iPad will give students animated instruction, note taking capabilities and access to video tutorials. The teacher can monitor performance in real-time, administer tests and provide feedback as well. These are just a few reasons of too many to mention why Apple devices remain the best tablets for education.
Apps
Due to their exclusivity within operating systems and inability for most to work among varying mobile devices, app availability is an important area to consider when looking at tablets. From games and puzzles to avenues for artistic expression, apps can be great teaching tools as well as engaging for the young student. The leader by number of educational apps available remains iTunes (Apple) followed by Google Play (Android) and Amazon (Kindle) in last place.
Books
All tablets generally have book reading capabilities with hi lighting, dictionary and annotation features. The vendors, and in particular the pricing and variety offered in their markets, as well as software features can be daunting to sift through for this specific tablet function. Both the Nook and Kindle remain favorites among book readers. Amazon (Kindle) dominates the ebook market. Apple has the best book features if not the greatest availability of books through iTunes. However, books from all major markets can be viewed on the iPad. Another great feature is iAuthor, which allows educators to create books with media and app supplements. Book features allow students to easily transport and access textbooks, references, and independent reading assignments.
Internet
All major tablets in question have basic Internet access. However, because Flash continues to be widely used, Apple is at a disadvantage to their competitors. Apple uses HTML5 and many Flash games and educational programs as well as web site features will not work on the iPad. The option of cellular connectivity is also available on most devices other than the Nook and Windows tablets.
Magazines/Newspapers
All major tablet vendors offer Magazine and Newspaper subscriptions. Apple has a stand alone app, Newstand, that keeps periodical materials organized.
Movies/TV/Video
Subscription services remain the least expensive way to access large quantities of movies and TV shows. Most newer devices can access subscriptions such as Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu and NetFlix. Movies can also be purchased via the same markets as books. Most newer devices have similar functions in this category.
Music
Apple's iTunes music library is arguably the largest with Amazon closely behind. Google Play is still fairly new and has yet to accumulate as many offerings as the prior two vendors. Prices for music files are pretty comparable among the markets. Both Amazon and Apple's music files can be played on each other's devices as well as on some other tablets.
Software
With the addition of Google Docs in recent history, many devices have access to the same type of software features previously only found with Microsoft Office compatible devices. Microsoft is currently the only vendor offering the exact same software from computers down to mobile devices. Apple has transferred much of the same software to its tablets but in a mobile version. The Microsoft Surface tablet tends to work best in business environments and not as well in the classroom.
Examples of Tablet Use in Education
Many schools are now integrating tablets into their libraries to create new ebook/ereader programs. Others have created "book clubs" based on tablet use to encourage reading as well as boost achievement and motivation. The availability of many classroom textbooks in ebook format also prevents damage and loss that can occur with traditional books. The initial cost will be far outweighed by the durability and longevity of ebook format. The Nook, Kindle and iPad are three specific tablets that have been purchased and reviewed by multiple sources that can be found through Comparative Use Factors in Education for Tablets and Uses of iPads in Education.
Nook: Several sources have cited that the Nook is by far the best option for school use based on its low comparative price point and excellent tech support. Another benefit is that Barnes & Noble is now offering a back-end management system/tool to K12 schools. The Nook has an easily cleaned touch-screen, Web access and utilizes standard ePub book format. Nook Study is being used widely in universities to deliver eTextbooks and provide study aids, test preps and periodicals to students at a fraction of the cost of buying. The books available on the Nook can also be used by other devices. However, there are only a limited amount of apps available on the nook, and those cannot be utilized by other devices. Other negative reviews state that school policies regarding paying for the ebooks are often hard to deal with, and the fact that Barnes & Noble charges each ebook separately makes this difficult to circumvent.
Kindle: One great feature of the Kindle is that social networking is not available, which makes for a safer experience for the student. The "electronic ink" display technology is reflective like paper and makes the screen very easy to read. Other great features are the long battery life and text-to-speech function for ESL and vision impaired students. Amazon has also launched an eTextbook store for its Kindle platform. Several negative reviews state the likely hardware damage, proprietary format, lack of expandable storage space
iPad: The iPad is by far the most like a computer in its ability to do research on the Internet, create presentations, shoot and edit video, take notes and write papers...all in a very portable little package. Although iPads are slightly more expensive than other tablets, they function in many of the ways a computer would in the classroom at a significantly lower cost. Maintenance issues are almost nonexistent, not to mention the plethora of educational apps at the teacher's disposal and the ability to to create digital textbooks with Apple's iBooks Author. The high expense of textbooks can be eased in the long run when iPads are used instead. The Apple Configurator is an app which can mass configure and deploy the devices in a school-wide setting. Another great feature is the Verbally app, a speech aid software that pronounces English words correctly, which would be beneficial in an ESL or speech therapy classes. Apple iPads are also being used on a 1:1 basis in classrooms and in some cases can erase the need for physical classrooms altogether. There are instances of pilot courses in which the iPad will give students animated instruction, note taking capabilities and access to video tutorials. The teacher can monitor performance in real-time, administer tests and provide feedback as well. These are just a few reasons of too many to mention why Apple devices remain the best tablets for education.
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