Apps, apps, & more apps!

I love apps! Apps by far have revolutionized my science classroom! As I have posted in earlier blogs all my classes are divided into small groups and rotate each day. This allows me to to incorporate direct instruction that is individualized to each group. When the students are not on their groups direct instruction day with me they are using the classroom iPads to complete other assignments. If at all possible I try to require that all assignments are completed using the word processing and productivity software because of its benefits for the students (Roblyer and Doering, 2013). I use the iPads to incorporate whole concepts but assign various assignments to complete each week based on the unit. One assignment is always based on research this allows students to discover information related to the standard on their own. The search engine I like to introduce to students is Google so that I can teach students how to utilize the advanced search engine option as noted in chapter seven (Roblyer and Doering, 2013). The second is to use the iPads to complete virtual labs that are based on the standard being taught. Once students have completed their lab for the week they also have to complete their lab journal in which they use Excel to document the results of their findings from the lab assignment. This is a vital tech tool to help students analyze their findings (Roblyer and Doering, 2013). The third incorporation is required reading. Each class I teach has a required book they have to read and complete chapter tests on each. Using computer based testing for these weekly tests are definitely an asset in the fact this type of testing helps lessen the load for frequent testing (Roblyer and Doering, 2013). The books are loaded onto their iPads and students can complete their weekly required reading throughout the week. The final incorporation is video/article responses. Students use the iPads to view either an article or video and respond using using the article or video critique form. Listed below are just a few apps that I incorporate into daily instruction. One app that I like to use and the students complete for me is TeacherKit! It allows you to customize your rosters and easily take attendance and participation records daily! The second app that has become a lifesaver in my chemistry labs is PBS: Hunting the Elements! This app has forever changed the look and feel of the traditional periodic chart! The third app that I like as an intro hook is Science 360! This app has fascinating articles but the pictures are definitely great hooks to get instruction started. As always one of my absolute favorites is the Kahn Academy app! It provides students with immediate remediation to concepts that may not be clear using direct instruction. This video discusses the use of iPads in the science classroom. They are great in facilitating labs and research but the Brain Genie app focuses on individual student achievement! Great resource!