Author Archives: mkaufman

Pearson Testing Social Studies Text on iPad

Posted on by mkaufman

As predicted getting students to use iPads to access text books is on the horizon. Here’s an article about a one the major text book publishers testing a social studies curriculum being offered on the iPad.

Virginia Schools Launch iPad Study Program
September 30th, 2010 at 8:26 AM – News by Jeff Gamet

Schools in Virginia have teamed up with the educational book publisher Pearson to launch an iPad-based social studies program that relies on Apple’s iPad instead of traditional textbooks. The 12-week test program will include seventh and ninth grade students in two counties, and is the first educational program of its kind.

The test program includes four iPad apps designed by Pearson just for the school’s U.S. and world history curriculum. Students will be able to use the apps to create their own customized textbooks from course materials, play interactive games designed to reinforce class lessons, and take tests.

iPads go to school in Virginia

The idea behind the US$120,000 test program is to draw in students that are more comfortable with digital content than traditional printed media. “The knowledge gained will help policy makers, educators and our private sector partners better understand the potential instructional uses of interactive digital media and wireless technology,” commented Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright.

Pearson and the Virgina school system are working with Radford University to evaluate the results of the program. Virginia’s iPad learning program is set to launch on November 1.

Does the iPad Improve Science Comprehension?

Posted on by mkaufman

iPad in Elementary School

A school district in Northern Kentucky is experimenting with iPads to see if they will improve science comprehension. My prediction is that it will – if the teacher is any good and doesn’t just do the same thing they’ve always done. I imagine the novelty of getting to use iPads will create some enthusiasm and excitement in the young people and as a natural course they will pay more attention and be intrinsically motivated to participate. The idea of a pre-test and a post-test could be a good idea however that should be done with care. We’ll look forward to seeing what happens.

By Associated Press
10:15 AM EDT, October 1, 2010

INDEPENDENCE, Ky. (AP) — One northern Kentucky elementary class has become a testing ground to see whether technology can improve students’ comprehension of science.

Fourth-graders at Summit View Elementary School received $30,000-worth of iPads in late September from the Duke Energy Corporation. The Kentucky Enquirer says the devices are part of a pilot project between Duke, a Cincinnati firm called STEM Innovations and the Kenton County School District.

Students were tested in science and completed surveys about their attitudes toward science a week before the 27 iPads arrived.

They will be tested and fill out surveys again in the spring.

The students are using them now for in-class math and science assignments.

Information from: The Kentucky Enquirer, http://www.nky.com

Scientists Using iPad at Archeological Site

Posted on by mkaufman

Entering data about an excavated basin rim into FMTouch. Its lack of moving parts makes iPad preferable to laptops in the trenches, where dirt finds its way into keyboards, ports, and screen hinges.

As more and more iPads find their way into work environments – both in the office and out – it is likely their use will highlight some of the value teachers and school officials may find in adopting the iPad for school settings.

Apple has a number of great examples on their web site of iPad changing the way people do business. In this one example – Discovering Ancient Pompeii with iPad – they highlight how the iPad is revolutionizing how scientists work in the field. Rather than recording notes and sketches on paper, researchers at the site use iPad and apps to capture invaluable historical data faster, more easily, and with far better accuracy.

Imagine how this kind of application can be applied in school settings. Not only does this change the dynamic in the classroom but it also untethers the learning from inside the classroom and allows students and teachers the option of taking the learning outside – into the community. Doesn’t that make sense? Isn’t that the kind of learning we would imagine for our children?

I’m excited about this kind of possibility!

The applications mentioned in this article are:

iOS 4.2 for iPad includes AirPrint

Posted on by mkaufman

One of the complaints that people have had with the iPad is the inability to print. A couple of weeks ago Apple released the first Developer Beta for iOS 4.2, allowing developers to get an idea of what iOS 4 is like on an iPad. Click here for a video preview of the release. Obviously the ability to multi-task will be welcomed by many iPad users however the update’s headline feature is wireless printing, which Apple has called “AirPrint”.

I imagine schools will find the ability to print just one more reason to use iPads in School (or one more reason to be happy they are already using the iPad in School).

Here is a quote from the Press Release that accompanied the announcement of AirPrint: AirPrint wireless printing for iPad™, iPhone® and iPod touch® to members of Apple’s iOS developer program today, and that AirPrint will be included in the free iOS 4.2 software update in November. AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly over Wi-Fi without the need to install drivers or download software.

The 4.2 update will bring the iPad into line with iPhone and iPod Touch which have been running iOS 4 since July.

Best Apps for Business

Posted on by mkaufman

ipad for business professionals

I have been following a blog by a guy who decided to run his business using just the iPad for one month (right from the release of the device in April). He’s had some interesting experiences and now after several months he has published his list of what he considers the best iPad applications for business. This list contains the apps on his iPad plus a list of apps that have been submitted by other readers of his blog.

I imagine that many of these applications would make a good addition to the list of applications that schools will use. These could be on both sides of the process – the administration and teaching side as well as the learning side.

Here’s his list.

It starts with Paul’s favorite (best) iPad Apps (in order of the amount of time he spends using them):

  • OmniFocus – The iPad specific version of this game changing productivity app is everything we hoped it would be.
  • SimpleNote– Making the notes that matter and making them available wherever you might be (this is an app that comes with iPhone version for easy syncing back and forth.
  • LogMeIn Ignition – Our remote access client of choice.  Easy to use, no monthly service and a Universal App.  Once you purchase this, you can run as many computers as you want from both your iPhone and iPad.
  • 1Password Pro – Universal app for 1Password (iPhone/iPad) version – now with Dropbox Sync.  Awesome password solution.
  • Reeder – Best RSS reader.  Integration with Google Reader.
  • Instapaper – Words can’t describe what a game changer this one is. Quick and easy parsing and selecting of the articles that you want to read – later – without the ads and annoying formatting.
  • Keynote – I haven’t done a presentation on a laptop since I bought this app.
  • OmniGraffle – Create a quick (and gorgeous looking) diagram or chart in seconds with this one. We use it at Colligan.com to map out all of our processes.
  • Dropbox – This is the files in the cloud solution for everyone.  Most app builders are building integration with DropBox and, well, we love it.  Also a Universal app with a great iPhone version.
  • Evernote – Don’t forget anything.  Hard to explain.  Universal app with iPhone and desktop versions (Mac and PC).  Free for the basic stuff.

Here are some of his reader’s favorites.  He polled them a few times and these keep coming up at the top.

And here’s the link to Paul’s blog Paul’s iPad dot com.