The Model iPad Classroom

Notes from session at iPadpalooza 2013
#iPlza13

Presenter: Sam Gliksman

Presentation Description: iPads have become the hottest commodity in the educational technology market and are outselling Macbooks by a ratio of 2:1. However, the rush to purchase new technologies often precedes the necessary planning that’s crucial to their success as educational tools. Effective iPad programs are integral parts of a larger holistic approach that re-imagines traditional classroom practices and dynamics. What does the successful iPad classroom look and feel like? In writing his "iPad in Education for Dummies" book author Sam Gliksman spoke to teachers around the country to see how they were innovating with technology. In this session he'll demonstrate a variety of ways that iPads can be used to transform education and draw on specific classroom examples that are included in his book.

Keys to Successful iPad Implementation:

1. Define your educational objectives

• Do we ever ask ourselves:
• What are our educational goals?
• What skill set is needed for our kids today? How do kids learn today?
• Do not confine children to the way you learned?
• You must first define your educational objectives.

2. Build a solid foundation

• Reliable wireless connection
• Wireless network management
• Allow for growth

3. Communicate and Prepare

• Communicate your vision and direction
• Make sure all are on the same page - administrators and parents alike
• Communicate with parents - they might not understand why you are bringing ipads into the district.

4. Develop Management

• Storage and security procedures
• Clear AUP (hotspots)
• Consider self-management - give students independence to manage their own ipads

5. Share carefully

• Limit sharing of accounts after the 3rd grade

6. Create simple information workflows

7. Use apps as tools rather than solutions

8 Create a Culture of Growth

• Get teachers involved
• Technology training has been a problem throughout history
• The Introductory Workshop - we give this type of workshop and then send teachers on their way
• Training has to be an ongoing process, not an event
• Teachers need timely, in class help
• Focus on the objectives, not on the technology
• Remember you'll never be the expert!

9. Connect

• Connect your students; connect with teachers
• Use social media, like twitter , blogs, etc. to get them connected to others

10. Encourage the unpredictable

• The key to learning isn't knowing the right answers.
• The key to learning is knowing how to ask the right questions
• Investigate and Analyze
• Use technology to explore