I have to admit that I had some fears related to releasing the iPads to the students. We worked together to co-create iPad use and safety procedures. However, I know 9 and 10 year-olds. They might have the absolute best intentions, but in every classroom, things happen.
I was looking for an inexpensive alternative to the hard cases on the market. My principal had a set of iBallz to show me. I was intrigued with the design but further struck with the expense.
iBallz official site
The company states that the iBallz are versatile and work with other popular tablets and other cases.
I found some examples of people dropping the iPad.
One test
I tried my own test, albeit tentatively, a few times. The iPad simply hit the ground, had a slight upward 1cm bounce, then rested easily for the next test.
I am more confident in releasing more responsibility to my students now.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Issues
Just a quick note on some of the issues we've had with our project.
The biggest issue to date for us has been the inability to get supply teachers. A combination of the job action, a low supply teacher pool, and our unique location has resulted in a shortage of supply teachers for release time. We've had to do internal coverage which hurts the group dynamic as well as leaving the bulk of our release money untouched. Frustrating to say the least.
As well, it is not easy to get fellow teachers to use the technology. Sometimes we have to step back and realize some teachers are just not comfortable with technology. We will continue to work around this issue in hopes that we can encourage the use of this innovative technology.
The biggest issue to date for us has been the inability to get supply teachers. A combination of the job action, a low supply teacher pool, and our unique location has resulted in a shortage of supply teachers for release time. We've had to do internal coverage which hurts the group dynamic as well as leaving the bulk of our release money untouched. Frustrating to say the least.
As well, it is not easy to get fellow teachers to use the technology. Sometimes we have to step back and realize some teachers are just not comfortable with technology. We will continue to work around this issue in hopes that we can encourage the use of this innovative technology.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Find my iPad!
Well it goes without saying that our biggest fear is having a student misplace or steal one of our iPads. We've turned on the " find my iPad" function on all of our iPads. This should be the first thing that is done when you bring the iPads to your classroom. Technology is a prized possession in the classroom and needs to be protected at all times.
The other day we thought we had lost one of the iPads, which sets all parties into a state of panic. We used the "find my iPad" function and in no time our frayed nerves were put to rest as we realized the teacher had left it at home. The find my iPad function showed us on a map the street location, which just happened to be the teachers house. All ends well!
The other day we thought we had lost one of the iPads, which sets all parties into a state of panic. We used the "find my iPad" function and in no time our frayed nerves were put to rest as we realized the teacher had left it at home. The find my iPad function showed us on a map the street location, which just happened to be the teachers house. All ends well!
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