See It, Hear It, Apply It!

I've been so busy with testing out what I have learned at the Chicago Public Schools iPad Academy, I forgot to upload this post.   This conference was designed to give teachers the opportunity to listen to presentations on effective implementation of iPad/mobile learning in the classroom.   I can tell you without hesitation that I learned so much during this conference and feel more confident in my use of the iPad.

CPS Librarians attend the iPad Academy

The conference began with an 'Unconference.'  (I know what you are thinking because I originally thought the same thing too!)  The unconference was really a different way of kicking off this two day event because the main goal was to start the conversation around use of iPads.   The unconference was very spontaneous and the sessions were planned by attendees.  It was also really nice to hear how CPS librarians are using iPads to support the school curriculum through their library programs.

QR Code Book Review

Also during the unconference, I met Wanda Kern and Jodie Kadonsky from Wisconsin.  Wanda,  the school's Tech. Coordinator, uses QR Codes heavily in her class.  She shared a very cool sample  book review lesson with me.  As a result of this, I'm now going to create a scavenger hunt using iPads for my freshman students in the fall.  In addition to sharing this lesson, both ladies encouraged me to create a Pinterest account.  Since creating my personal account/boards, I've been addicted to the site!

Dr. Ruben Puentedura, Keynote Speaker

Friday, day #2 of the conference, the presentations began.  Dr. Ruben Puentedura, creator of the SAMR model for selecting, using and evaluating technology in education provided the morning keynote address.   His work is quite extensive and I strongly suggest that you visit his website/weblog, Hippasus.  

As with every conference I attend, there are so many interesting sessions given within a short period of time.  Here are some of my favorite presentations from the conference where I did some session hopping:

- "My Principal Gave Me a iPad Cart and I am Scared to Death...Help!" - Kim Darche, Tech. Coordinator at Catherine Cook Elementary - hands on, practical, and energetic presentation for iPad newbies.
- Powerful Collaboration with Web 2.0 Tools by Carolyn Skibba, Tech. Coordinator at Burley Elementary - really nice presentation of the blogging website for students called KidBlog; I can't wait to share this with the teachers at my school.
- "iPads at Marine Math and Science Academy" - Matt Murphy, Tech Coordinator.  - truthful testimonials about year one iPad implementation at this high school.  After seeing his presentation, I would like to adopt a similar method of data collection to justify future purchases.

"iMovie on the iPad" - Fran Feeley, Librarian at Inter-American Magnet School, impacted me the most.  All of my dwindling questions about iMovie were answered during Fran's engaging session.  He inspired me to create this simple video above of my two cats Domino and Daisy Lee.  Since creating this video, I have used this trailer as a example for my students that I work with daily during the Phillips Summer Camp for teens.   After the students viewed my video, they created their own themed iMovie project.  Hopefully, after all of the photo/video consent forms have been returned I will be able to share them with you.


Until then, take care!