Mlearning Article # 10 iPad

“The iPad for Teachers and Administrators”

This article is on the different apps available to help teachers and administrators. The iPad is a good way to cut down on paper and keep organized. You are less likely to misplace a note or forget to schedule an appointment when using an iPad. Administrators and teachers need an app that accepts PDFs, allows for handwritten notes and typed text, has a filing system, and has an audio component. Here are some examples of apps that could be useful:

DOCas: a document reader and handwritten note taker that also handles PDF files.

IEP Checklist: an app that reinforces Individualized Education Program info and lets you put in student information.

Look For: This app allows a principal to organize, identify, clarify, and provide real-time feedback to teachers about instructional practice.

GradeBook Pro: Can be used to track grades and attendance, and it uses student photos.

TeacherPal: Another app for attendance, grades, and student photos. It also has a section for student behavior.

Teacher Assistant Pro: Tracks behaviors and achievements

Planbook: Allows you to write lessons, add assignments, and attach links to lessons. Links with Dropbox.

GoDocs: Allows you to read, edit, and download Google Docs offline.

Sticky Notes: Never run out of sticky notes!

Goodreader: Lets you sync your folders via Dropbox, SugarSync, iDisk, etc. You can manage files, text search, and more.

I found this list of apps very helpful, although some of them were specialized for special education teachers. It is a nice place to start, although I am sure there are hundreds of useful apps available for teachers. It read a little bit like an advertisement for these apps and the iPad, although I think the author was genuinely excited about the apps she had been using. I also have to agree that an iPad could quickly become indispensable to a teacher, and replace day books, sticky notes, etc., and in this case there is no question of an e-reader working in place of a tablet. A Kindle or Nook will not be as useful.