Ben B.
Computing Showcase Website
iPad Applications
The invention of tablet computers and handheld computers has been a great game-changer in both the world we live in and our communication. Subsequently, developers have produced applications for these devices to supplement teaching and work in the classroom. A massive range of applications can be found to support educaton and reading under the guise of 'games' whilst other apps are uniquely produced to achieve goals in the classroom. A useful website detailing the application of iPads in the primary classroom is 'iPads in Primary' where many resources and suggested apps can be found.
Teaching reading using systematic phonics is the recognised method in the National Curriculum and subsequently a large range of apps are available on the market to meet classroom and home-learning needs.
Taking phonics as an example, one only needs to visit the app store to see the huge range of applications available for iOS devices. The same can be seen with regards to supporting early mathematics and other subjects.
iPads are not constrained to use in lower years, with children being keen to use them across the school given their highly pleasing and engaging interface. During my GPP placement, I was fortunate enough to observe the use of splashtop software as well as PicCollage for children to create and share collages and posters assembled using the software. Splashtop interacts well with SMART technology to broadcast signals via Airplay onto whiteboards, meaning that children can easily share content on their iPads with the class to allow collaborative learning.
I also personally make extensive use of iPad applications to record music using Garageband and Multitrack DAW to sample and layer. An example of my own recordings can be heard on my About Me page at the bottom, hosted by Soundcloud.
Similarly, it is possible to use iPads to record podcasts and record video to supplement children's learning effectively.