iPad Tech Tools
3 Tools to Share Content with Students
Quick Overview
Here are three ideas for you to consider categorized by "Beginner", "Intermediate" and "Advanced" technology users.
Beginner - Try using QR Codes to help deliver content
Intermediate - Branch out to use Nearpod
Advanced - engage your students and give them some control using OneNote Classroom
Scroll down to get a look at each of the areas.
Beginner Level
QR Codes - the Quick and Easy Way to Get Students to info on the Web
As a teacher, you have to create the QR code and print it/add it to a handout. To do that you just need the URL of the web page or video, and a QR code generator.
Search QR code generator and you'll find dozens of good ones. One of my favorites is Kaywa (see the video below). You can copy and paste your URL there, choose static and generate and you have your QR code that you can save or copy and paste. If you have a Google account, you can use the Google URL Shortener to create a QR code (see how to video below), or Chrome users can install a QR code Generator app into their Google browser apps. If you are an Office 365 user, you can automatically generate a QR code through the share feature (see video below).
To read the QR code, users will need a QR code reader. Typically we have used I-Nigma since it has proven to be reliable without distracting ads. Users simply scan, and press "Go Online". There are plenty of others out there that would be good to use though.
Before you use
- Ask yourself: Is this something I should just link on a website so students have access to it from any where? And how will I organize the QR codes so students can easily find what they need?
- Check out some resources and how tos from a Power Lunch we did a few years ago - Power Lunch: QR Codes
- See the 6 Tips for Using QR Codes at School from Graphite
- Check out the videos below for how to make a QR Code
How to Use Kaywa to Create a QR Code
How to use Google URL Shortner to make a QR Code
Create a QR Code in Office 365
Intermediate Level
Nearpod - Using your Teacher iPad to Deliver Content to Student iPads
As a teacher, you create an account and can use the web based platform on your computer, or work with the application through your teacher iPad. You can create content directly in Nearpod in a "slide" type format, or you can import previously created content like PowerPoint files on the web based platform.
You also have the option to search (and sometimes purchase) lessons that have already been created in Nearpod. For sure search "field trips" (see video below). You can take your students on virtual field trips with Nearpod and 360 Cities.
While this tool may not be ideal for full class instruction every day if you have a Smartboard and can present to an entire class using that method (in particular if showing a video), it would be a helpful differentiation tool for students who have difficulty seeing the board or students who have a hard time with executive functioning. It is also a useful tool for embedding formative assessments directly into your discussion and keeping students on task.
Before using:
- Ask yourself: is there a better or easier way to deliver this content to my students for full class instruction via the Smartboard (no sense in using tech to have all students watch the same video!)
- Check out the Graphite review on Nearpod
- Check out some blog posts and articles:
- 10 ways of using Nearpod in the Classroom on Learning Inspired;
- Nearpod "Best Practices" for Math Class Mathy Cathy's Blog
- Using Nearpod in Digital 1:1 Classroom iTeach Third - this has lots of pictures and how to info!
- Watch the demo videos below
Nearpod Demo
Nearpod & Virtual Field Trips
How Nearpod Might Look in your Classroom
Advanced
OneNote Classroom: Student Notebooks Across Multiple Devices
OneNote Classroom is available through our Office 365 accounts. Log in to webmail, and you can access it through the apps in the top left of the screen.
As a teacher, you set up a notebook, decide on the basic "tabs", upload content including handouts, powerpoints etc to a "Content Library" accessible to everyone in the class, and then invite your students to the notebook through email. To see it in action check out the 9 minute video below for a comprehensive overview.
What is great about this tool is that users can annotate using drawing tools or by typing and then can collaborate with others. Students each have their own private notebook that the teacher is able to access from any device that connects to the Internet or through the OneNote app. All users have access to a "Collaboration" area where they can work together on projects. All users can add photos and other files to enhance their notes and learning.
The OneNote notebook will sync to each student's Office 365 cloud - so there's no immediate danger of "losing" content. It also means that the students can access their OneNote notebook from any device that connects to the Internet. Additionally, if you have students who just aren't ready for a "paperless" classroom format, you could have them take traditional notes in a notebook and then photograph their work to use in the digital notebook.
Before Using:
- Ask yourself: Are my students ready to use a digital notebook, and if not, what skills do I need to address with them (they will need to understand how to access email and follow a link)? Do I have enough content saved digitally that it will be easy to transfer files in? Can I work with another teacher to create the content in notebooks?
- Check out the review on Graphite the app has been updated since the professional review was submitted, so it would be helpful to check out the teacher reviews below the professional one.
- Go through the OneNote Training documents - they are comprehensive and interactive
- Check out Teachercast's 10 Great Ways to Use Microsoft OneNote - this is actually a very informative podcast format that you can also find in your iTunes Podcast area. I often listen to this podcast as a way to discover new ideas.
OneNote Classroom Overview for Teachers
Johnson Elementary Library
Email: heidi.neltner@fortthomas.kyschoools.us
Twitter: @heidinelt