Explore Learning Gizmos are fabulous for helping students learn concepts in Maths and Science, the subscription is well worth the investment.
But until now, Gizmos needed the Shockwave plug-in, hence did not work on the iPad. But in January, their new iPad app was released. Check it out in iTunes.
Here is a Gizmo learning object for the science lab:
At the end of 2013, Apple delivered on it's promise to provide a simple way for MDM (mobile device management solutions) such as Apple Profile Manager, Casper or AirWatch to install and revoke apps to iOS devices over WiFi and the Internet.
It's call "Managed Distribution" and makes it easy to deploy (and revoke) apps for 1:1 iPad programs in schools, where each user has a device for themselves. Whether it's school provided or a BYO program, it makes distribution of institution owned apps straightforward.
If you are using Apple Configurator, you can still purchase apps in the VPP Store and download the 'Redeemable Codes' spreadsheets. This method is still the best for most schools who have shared iPads in class sets or small groups shared across the school.
BEWARE – When buying apps, choose the right option:
'Redeemable Codes' for Apple Configurator
'Managed Distribution' for MDM
Looking for an easy way to get photos and videos from iPads to your computer ? Especially when you have a set of iPads, managing photos can get out of hand.
Simple Transfer is designed to make it easy to transfer photos and videos from your iPad's Camera Roll to any Mac or Windows computer over WiFi.
Simply open the app to find the iPad's IP address, then enter that into your computer's web browser to view and download some or all the photos on your iPad's camera roll.
There is a free version, which is limited to downloading 50 images or videos, or the paid 'Pro' version allows unlimited downloading.
There are many maths apps available for Infants classes, but the majority of these focus on Number. One app that has been designed to cover time, length, weight and capacity is Measurement HD.
Students are able to answer simple time questions using Crazy Clock, help an alien select heavier or lighter items in Scale Tale, fill up jugs with juice or bowls with scoops of ice-cream playing Fill me Up, compare the length of ropes, worms and candy canes in Long and Short or play with animated letters to learn the months of the year with Action Month.
Possibly the best use of this app is for after these concepts have been introduced in class and students have had time with hands on activities, comparing the weight of objects and turning the hands on a clock. By revisiting these skills on the iPad and being able to regularly ‘touch base’ with measurement, students are able to stay familiar with the concepts and build their confidence and understanding.
Apple Configurator
Managing iPads is very different to Macs and PCs. There are a wide range of solutions for managing iPads, but usually schools fall into two categories – individual use or shared class sets.
The methodology and tools for each category are very different.
In 1 to 1 or BYOT programs, where everyone has their own iPad, you may prepare the device, but ongoing management is best done by the user, including installing apps. A mobile device management (MDM) solution such as Profile Manager or Casper can be useful for asset management and deploying app redemption codes to users. Further information on Profile Manager in this video.
Class sets of iPads shared across the school need to be managed differently. Apple Configurator is a fantastic tool for this – allowing you to install both free and paid apps, taking advantage of the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for apps, plus configuring and locking settings using profiles. Here is a great video on Apple Configurator
