Thursday, July 28, 2011

Preparing Your iPad for Use in the ICCARS Project 2011- 2012

We are excited to begin year two of the ICCARS with the implementation of iPads for all of the teachers in the Project.  16 of our teachers are using the original iPad and 42 are using the iPad 2.  The major differences between the iPad and the iPad 2 are:

  • Built in Cameras (Front and Read) -- The original iPad uses a SD adaptor to move photos from a camera to the iPad.  The iPad 2 saves the photos directly from the built in cameras.
  • Ability to use mirroring when connected to a projecting device.
Thirty-five new teachers in the ICCARS Project have come in to pick up their new iPads.  Each teacher received an iPad 2, a VGA adaptor and a two year warranty.  Here are some of the things we talked about (or we should have talked about):

  • Have fun with it, play with it, download lots of free apps.  Become comfortable with it.
  • Open the warranty box and make sure that you submit the warranty number that is included within the box.
  • Set up the "Find My iPhone" app.  This is very important because it will help in case your iPad gets misplaced.  It allows you to send out a message, a beep, or erase the iPad.  There is no charge for this service.  Just follow the directions. 
  • You can do your email on the iPad, using the Mail App.  If you use Microsoft Exchange, MobileMe, GMail, Yahoo, AOL, or other accounts, it can be easily set up in the settings section.  You probably will not be able to set up your school email through the mail app.
To make learning easier with the iPad, you are encouraged to watch the guided tours at:
You will find great videos on using Facetime, Mail, Safari, iBooks, Videos, Photos, Find My iPad, iPod, iTunes, App Store, Maps, and AirPlay.  You might also want to visit:
and watch the video on using the Smart Cover (now I know how to get it to stand up correctly).

You might also like to think about new ways to use the iPad in education.  If so, check out:
http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

I (Dave) would also like to share with you, some of my favorite apps that complement the study of climate change.  Take a look at them in the App Store, on your iPad.  Don't buy any yet, we will be able to do that for you, but if they are free try them out.  Here is a list of the Apps:
iBooks (added 8 - 1- 11)
Climate Change
TWC Max+ (The Weather Channel)
Negotiator
iMatter
TiltMeterE
EarthObserver
CliMate
Skeptical Science
Climate A2Z
GPS HD
Gaia GPS
iGiS
GisRoam
Clinometer
Satellites
NASA
Compass
NASA Now
Our Choice (CC Book by Al Gore)
LeafsnapHD
Protractor
Spaced
Flipboard (Social Networking)
Early Edition (RSS Reader)
Pages (Word Processing)
Numbers (Similar to Excel)
Keynote (Similar to Powerpoint)
Garageband
App Tracker (Great for App Bargain Hunting)
PBS
NFB (National Film Board of Canada)
NPR
Howcast (How to Videos -- Even on how to use the iPad)
SoundNote
PDFReader Pro
GoodReader
TED
EMD PTE (Periodic Table)
Science360
Facebook
Twitter

We would love to hear your comments and suggestions.  Use the comment section in the blog, found below.