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Beyond the Classroom with iPads & Mobile Technology

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Though originally dismissed by educators, cell phones, iPods, and iPads are quickly emerging as excellent learning tools for a variety of reasons:

  1. Digital culture: Technology is pervasive in modern culture and is a staple of youth social interaction. To remove a cell phone from a teenager today is in many ways to disconnect her from her friends and social life and disrupt her daily routines.
  2. Mobile computing trend of future: As handheld devices (such as iPods, iPads, and tablets) become increasingly powerful, their utility increases. "Smart" phones that can access the Web have become more of the norm in only a few short years, and small web-based and app-based tablet devices are on the rise.
  3. Flexibility of handhelds: Along with power comes flexibility as cell carriers continue to add features and programs. These tools also provide even more than computing power. They can serve as digital cameras, video recorders, audio recorders, eBook readers, and much more.
  4. Portability, ease of use: Cell phones, iPods, and even iPads can go just about anywhere easily.
  5. Great apps options and growing: There are many free and low-cost apps that can provide useful applications for the device.
  6. Great possibilities for integration with Web 2.0: There are also many free or low cost websites that can work with a cell phone or other handhelpd device to create slideshows, podcasts, photo galleries, videos, and more.

Teaching History?

Our list of potential apps is growing daily. For a great list of history suggestions, visit our Teaching History with Technology website.


Resources to Evaluate Apps

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With millions of apps available to download, it is often hard to know where to begin looking. These links will take you to "best of" lists of educational and productivity apps:


EdTechTeacher Recommended iPad Apps, Links, & Ideas

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The resources below come from a Diigo feed that Beth and Greg maintain. Their most recent find will always appear at the top of this list.

The iPad as.....

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Over the past few months, iPads have exploded throughout schools and classrooms. Their flexibility, versatility, and mobility make them a phenomenal learning tool. In webinars and blog posts, we have talked about the iPad as....

  • Reader
  • Creator
  • Student Response System
  • Classroom Manager
  • Study Tool
  • Organizer
  • Differentiator

In this section, we take a similar approach as with our Great Tech Tools. In order to help educators integrate iPads effectively, we have compiled a list of apps focused on learning goals consistent with the CRCD framework. While many of these apps have also appeared in our iPads in the Classroom section, this list is driven by specific learning goals that promote critical-thinking, creativity, collaboration, and the creation of student-centric learning environments. 

iPad Learning Objectives
  1. I want my students to record and edit video on the iPad. 
  2. I want my students to record and / or edit audio on the iPad. 
  3. I want my students to read class content on the iPad. 
  4. I want my students to annotate course readings on the iPad 
  5. I want my students to be able to use audio books on the iPad. 
  6. I want my students to use the iPad as a digitial notebook / note-taking device. 
  7. I want my students to use their iPads to create screencasts to share and demonstrate their understanding.
  8. I want my students to create presentations on the iPad. 
  9. I want my students to create digital stories on the iPad. 
  10. I want my students to be able to study with the iPad. 
  11. I want to use the iPad as a student response system. 
  12. I want my students to create written content on the iPad. 
  13. I want my students to blog on the iPad.
  14. I want my students to create ePubs / iBooks to read on the iPad.
  15. I want my students to create and edit images on the iPad.
  16. I want to use the iPad in order to create a language lab environment for my students.
  17. I want my students to use the iPad to stay organized. (NEW)
  18. I want to use the iPad to conduct video / virtual conferences in the classroom (NEW)
  19. I want to control my computer or Interactive White Board from my iPad. (NEW)

I want my students to record and edit video on the iPad.

For more information about creating video projects with students, visit our Video in the Classroom page.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Videos AppVideos
 Free The native Videos app stores and plays videos downloaded from either iTunes or iCloud. With an Apple TV, videos can also be streamed from the iPad to a larger projection device.

Tip: This app is only for viewing and not for creating.		 3 Easy
iMovie AppiMovie
 $4.99 Similar to the full iMovie on a Mac, the iPad app lets you combine and edit videos and photos that you have taken with your camera and produce a video in a few quick steps. The app allows for multiple audio tracks, transitions, and the use of themes. It also has great sharing features, allowing you to quickly post to YouTube, Vimeo, FaceBook, and to your Cameral Roll to send by email. 5 Medium
Vimeo AppVimeo
 Free Technically an iPhone app that will work on the iPad. Shoot and upload video directly to a Vimeo account from the iPad. The app includes a basic editor to enhance video clips. An existing vimeo account is needed to upload content to Vimeo and the app will connect to existing videos in a Vimeo account. 4 Medium
ReelDirector AppReelDirector
 $1.99 Quickly import video or photos from the iPad camera roll into ReelDirector to edit into a final movie. Every editing function is incorporated in the app and export options include camera roll, email and YouTube. 3 Easy
Viddy AppViddy
 FreeViddy lets you quickly shoot, edit, and share short video clips. It comes with a variety of music options as well as visual effects that you can integrate. Once you complete a Viddy, you can easily share it via FaceBook, YouTube, Twitter, and Tumblr. 2 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to record and / or edit audio on the iPad.

Podcasting In and Out of the Classroom has more information about project ideas and computer programs that leverage audio recording and editing.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Garageband AppGarageband
 $4.99 The app version of the Apple software is fairly easy to use and has a lot of potential. In addition to being able to record and edit audio, the app comes with a host of musical tools.The editing options are robust, and students can easily share projects either via email or by sending them to iTunes for synching later.

Tip: Be sure to turn off the metronome & make the length unlimited when creating podcasts.		 4 Medium
SoundCloud AppSoundCloud
 Free The free SoundCloud app allows students to record and upload audio directly to a web-based SoundCloud account (www.soundcloud.com). There are no editing features included in this simple, one-button-to-record interface. Once uploaded, audio projects are posted on the users' SoundCloud account and can be shared with a link or embedded in a website/blog. The free app allows for 120 minutes of recording to be posted online. 5 Easy
AudioBoo AppAudioBoo
 Free Students can record up to 5 minutes of audio as Boos either via the web version or the app. Though there aren’t editing features, students can stop & start recordings, add images to accompany their audio, and reply to recordings either in text or by voice. Recordings are also geo-located, making this a great device for field trips or other place-based activities as it will generate a map showing the location of the recording. 4 Easy
Fotobabble AppFotobabble
 FreeWith either the web or the app version, students upload an image and then record audio to accompany it. Completed Fotobabble projects can be shared via email, Facebook, or Twitter and also embedded in web sites or blogs. Fotobabbles recorded on the iPad automatically appear on the web account, but web Fotobabbles do not automatically download to the iPad. While the audio does not have editing features beyond a re-record button, there are some interesting image editing options on the app. 4 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to read class content on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
iBooks AppiBooks
 Free The native iPad app reads both ePub and PDF files.

Tip: Annotations only work in iBooks when reading ePub files and not PDFs.

Tip: Access public domain books, for free, and download them to iBooks from the following sources: 		5 Easy
DropBox AppDropBox
 Free Create shared folders with other Dropbox users. This allows course content to be shared with students who have their own Dropbox accounts. Any file type, including ePub and PDF, can be uploaded.

Tip: Folders in Dropbox can’t be made public, but can be shared with other Dropbox users.		 4 Medium
Box AppBox
 Free Upload content to folders within a Box account and share an entire folder or individual document with a unique URL. Sharing entire folders with students allows them to have access to course content without creating their own Box account.

Tip: Create a folder with course content, share the URL with students & have students create a shortcut to the iPad homescreen to quickly access course folder.

** Video tutorial available below		 5 Easy
Evernote AppEvernote
 FreeUpload content to Notebooks within an Evernote account online and share the entire Notebook with a unique URL. Students do not need their own Evernote account to access the content within the shared folder. If students do have an Evernote account, folders can be shared with specific users and students can access the course content within the Evernote app on the iPad.

** Video tutorial available below		 5 Medium
JoliprintJoliprint
 FreeJoliprint offers a unique option that allows web based content to be converted to a PDF document directly on the iPad. A website, blog or article that is going to be used as a course reading can quickly be converted to a PDF document and opened within a PDF annotation app such as Notability or GoodNotes.

This post, Creating and Reading on the iPad from the History 2.0 Classroom explains the process.

** Video tutorial available below		 5 Medium
dotEPUBdotEPUB
 FreedotEPUB offers another unique option that allows web based content to be converted to an ePub directly on the iPad. A website, blog or article that is going to be used as a course reading can quickly be converted to an ePub document and opened within the iBooks app on the iPad. Once in iBooks, the document can be annotated using the built in annotation functions in the iBooks app.

This post, Creating and Reading on the iPad from the History 2.0 Classroom explains the process.

** Video tutorial available below		 4 Medium


^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to annotate course readings on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
iBooks AppiBooks
 Free The native iPad eBook reader allows users to annotate ePub files (eBooks) while reading. Annotations include: underline, highlight, strike-through and inserted sticky-notes. PDF files can also be opened in iBooks but do not have notation capability. 5 Easy
GoodNotes AppGoodNotes
 Basic Version: Free

Full Version: $3.99		Open a PDF file in the GoodNotes app and easily add notations with the swipe of a finger or iPad stylus. Annotations include highlighting and writing in an assortment of colors. The app also include a zoom-in feature to add precise annotations within a document. Once the PDF is annotated, it can be exported from the app as either just the PDF, just the notes, or both together.

Tip: The free version allows for three PDF “notebooks”, while the full version allows for an unlimited number of notebooks.

Tip: Keep the writing tool bar open and scroll through the document with two fingers.		 4 Easy
NotabilityNotability
 $0.99A fantastic value for the price of this app, Notability combines the ability to annotate PDFs, with the opportunity to create original notes and word process all in one. Notes can be exported from the app as PDFs to Dropbox and via email. 5 Easy
Paperport AppPaperport
 FreeA fantastic free option to have, students both annotate and create text notes within one app. PDF files can be opened in the Paperport app and notations, including highlighting and underlining, are possible. Within a note, typed text can be inserted along with recorded audio. When complete, an entire PDF, or only selected pages from an annotated PDF, can be exported to Google Docs, Box, Dropbox or via email. 5 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to be able to use audio books on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
iBooks AppiBooks
 Free Apple’s native book reader has the ability to become an audio book through a feature called Speak Selection. Once turned on, students can select words, sentences, or full pages to be read aloud.

Tip: To turn on Speak Selection, open up Settings, tap on General, then look under Accessibility. In accessibility, click on Speak Selection, then turn on Speak Selection and adjust the speed of the voice.

** Video tutorial available below		 5 Easy
AudioBooks AppAudioBooks
 Basic Version: Free

Full Version: $0.99		 The free version gets you access to thousands of titles of classic and public domain titles that can be heard on the iPad, and the premium app adds to the number of titles available. Books can be listened to in the background while reading and taking notes to ePub versions read through iBooks or another eReader app. Features also include automatic bookmarking and the ability to download audio books for offline listening. 4 Easy
LibriVox AppLibriVox
 Free Though not an app, Librivox is a web site of thousands of public domain recordings that can be downloaded and then played via iTunes on the iPad. In addition to providing the full recording, Librivox also allows for downloading books in smaller segments and posts additional resources about each title such as a book summary, a link to a Gutenberg e-text, and references to related Wikipedia articles. 4 Medium
OverDrive Media Console AppOverDrive Media Console Free With a valid library card, download eBooks and audio books from the library. Browse from the titles available through public and university libraries. Much like physical library books, these titles are borrowed and then returned. At the end of the lending period, they simply disappear from the app. Both eBooks and audio books are “read” through the Overdrive app and cannot be transferred to iBooks for annotation purposes. 3 Medium


^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to use the iPad as a digitial notebook / note-taking device.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Notes AppNotes
 Free Create typed notes in the built-in Notes app with the option to copy and paste into another app or export the note via email from directly within the notepad. Limitations include the inability to organize notes into categories or groups as well as a lack of rich text formatting. 2 Easy
Evernote AppEvernote
 Free The most well known and robust iPad notebook app, Evernote has every feature possible to keep an organized and useful digital notebook. Using a Notebook and Note structure to organize information, each note can be tagged with key words and placed in specific notebooks for easy recall. Notes can also include images and audio recordings. From the app, individual notes or entire notebooks can be shared with other users via email or can be published with a unique URL. All notes are synced with the users' web-based Evernote account and can be accessed on any device.

Tip: Content can be sent to an Evernote account or notebook via email. 		5 Medium
Notability AppNotability
 $0.99 A fantastic iPad digital notebook app that combines the ability to annotate a PDF document along with creating typed or text notes. In addition to creating notes by handwriting and typing, audio recordings can be inserted into the digital notebook. Notes can be arranged by subject as well as category and can be exported to Dropbox and shared via email. 5 Medium
PaperDesk AppPaperDesk
 Lite Version: Free

Full Version: $3.99		This app mimics the concept of a students’ desk - allowing them to organize themselves into virtual notebooks. Each notebook has an unlimited number of pages, though the Free version of the app limits you to only 3 separate notebooks. Import PDFs or images to annotate and record audio along with text. Pages can be emailed, and entire notebooks can be shared either via Twitter or Google Docs. PaperDesk also allows students to add bookmarks, keep task lists with notifications, and choose from different page types to support note taking. 4 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to use their iPads to create screencasts to share and demonstrate their understanding.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
ShowMe AppShowMe
 Free An extremely easy to use screencasting app with a very clean interface that offers little distraction for a younger user. Once created, screencasts are uploaded to the Showme website where they can easily be shared with a link or embed code. While this app does not include as many functions as other screencasting apps, the ease of use is perfect for the elementary or middle school classroom.

Tip: With younger students, log student iPads into a class or teacher ShowMe account so that student creations will be published directly to that account at ShowMe.com. 		3 Easy
ScreenChomp AppScreenChomp
 Free From TechSmith, the creators of the computer based screencasting tool, Jing, comes ScreenChomp. The most visually appropriate interface for younger iPad users, simply import pictures as the background and begin recording. Screencasts can be uploaed to the ScreenChomp website without an account and can be shared with a link, email or tweet.

Tip: With younger students, log student iPads into a class or teacher ScreenChomp account so that student creations will be published directly to that account at ScreenChomp.com.		 3 Easy
EduCreations AppEduCreations
 Free This easy and intuitive screencasting app provides every basic feature needed to create iPad screencasts. Insert pictures from a live shot, camera roll or a DropBox account. When the screen is full, simply insert additional slides. Recordings can then include moving through multiple slides. Completed projects are uploaded to an online EduCreations account. From there, they can be further shared.

Tip: Screencasts are managed from the Educreations website and can also be created directly on the site.

Tip: Log classroom iPads into a class or teacher account before beginning a project.When students publish their work, it will instantly be available in that account online.

Tip: Teachers can create classes from their account. When signing up, students can join a particular class to view any screencasts that are private to that particular class.

Tip: Screencasts can be made public or private and only public screencasts can be embedded in a blog or website outside of Educreations.		 4 Easy
ExplainEverything AppExplainEverything
 $2.99An extremely intuitive screencasting app with advanced features that make the price worth the investment. Along with every standard feature, this app includes three key upgrades: the ability to insert typed text, a red arrow “pointer”, and an the ability to export to YouTube, Dropbox as well as Evernote.

Tip: When exporting to YouTube, the screencast has to render and can take up to 10 minutes to export. Consider saving screencasts within the app and then exporting to YouTube after a class or school day. 		5 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to create presentations on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
ShowMe AppKeynote
 $9.99 Based on Apple’s presentation program for the Mac, the iPad version does not offer as many options but still includes every feature necessary to create presentations. Features include:
  • Insert media, tables, chats and shapes.
  • Custom animations
  • Share as Keynote, PDF or PowerPoint file
  • Insert speaker notes
  • Present directly from the iPad
 4 Medium
CloudOn AppCloudOn
 Free CloudOn allows the user to create Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint files on the iPad. Documents can then be uploaded to a users DropBox account. The interface is a bit clunky, as it is not formatted for iPad or mobile use. However, the ability to create a Powerpoint on the iPad, upload to Dropbox, and complete the project on another device or computer is extremely helpful. 4 Medium
Google Docs AppGoogle Docs
 Free From the Google iPad app, users can view existing Google Presentations but can’t edit existing presentations or create new ones. This app is useful if interested in simply using the iPad to project a Google presentation from the iPad for presenting.

Tip: When speaker notes are added to a google presentation from a computer, they can be viewed in a unique view on the iPad that shows the speaker notes, a timer, and a miniature images of the slide.		 2 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to create digital stories on the iPad.

For more lessons, tools, and ideas, check out our Digital Storytelling in the Classroom page.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
VoiceThread AppVoiceThread
 Free Based on the wildly popular web based tool, the mobile app allows users to create entire Voicethreads complete with spoken, typed or video comments, directly on the iPad. Once created on the iPad, the Voicethread will appear online in the user's account. Along with creating, the app allows users to find a Voicethread to comment on.

Tip: With younger students, a teacher can create multiple identities within one account, allowing students to comment without creating one for themselves.

** Video tutorial available below		 4 Hard
Animoto AppAnimoto
 Free Technically an iPhone app, Animoto will work on the iPad to create image and text based video presentations. Let Animoto do all of the heavy lifting as the user only selects, organizes and chooses background music for the images that Animoto will transform into a video presentation. An Animoto account is required to create presentations on the iPad.

Tip: The basic account allows for 30 second presentations, but educators can upgrade to full length presentations. Sign up first on a computer and then upgrade using this link: http://animoto.com/education.

** Video tutorial available below		 5 Easy
Sonicpics AppSonicpics
 $2.99 A very simple digital storytelling app with a basic interface and limited functionality, Sonicpics adds images into individual slides along with a short title and description. Image slides can then be narrated on one continuous recording. When the project is complete, the digital story can be exported to a computer over a shared wifi connection, emailed, or posted directly to YouTube. 3 Easy


^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to be able to study with the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Quizlet AppQuizlet
 Free Not technically an iPad app, the Quizlet site is accessible from the Safari browser on the iPad. Within a free Quizlet account on the iPad, users can create new flashcard sets, study from existing sets, and search for flashcard sets.

Tip: Teachers can create groups within Quizlet that students can join and then automatically see any new flashcard sets added to the group.

Tip: The “scatter” option is a great way to check for understanding within a flashcard set and can be played on the iPad. 		3 Medium
StudyBlue AppStudyBlue
 Free StudyBlue refers to itself as a digital backpack - keeping all learning resources together. Combine text, photos, and audio to create flashcards. Though currently, StudyBlue works as both a web tool and an iPhone app, a larger iPad app is in the works. Flash cards can be sorted by difficulty or in random order for review. Cards can also be shared with other StudyBlue users.

Tip: Use the app in offline mode if working in an area without Internet. 		3 Easy
A+ FlashCards AppA+ FlashCards
 Free A great app based option to use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, a web based Quizlet account. Users can create new flashcard sets directly in the app and then study them. The study feature allows a user to sort cards into various piles based on their understanding. Flashcards can contain text, images, or audio, as well as drawings and the ability to integrate with Microsoft translate.

Tip: Flashcard sets can also be imported from an existing Quizlet account. 		4 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want to use the iPad as a student response system.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Poll Everywhere AppPoll Everywhere
 Free While not technically an iPad application, students can vote on classroom polls by going to poll4.com or by going to a teacher specific Polleverywhere URL. Multiple Choice and Open Response polls can be created and grouped within the teacher account. Each poll can receive 40 votes.

Tip: Add a shortcut to the iPad homescreen to either poll4.com or the unique teacher URL to quickly vote on polls.

** Video tutorial available below		 4 Hard
Socrative Student Clicker AppSocrative Student Clicker
Socrative Teacher Clicker AppSocrative Teacher Clicker
 Free Socrative allows a teacher to quickly assess student understanding through quizzes or"exit-tickets", and students can respond directly from the iPad. Working on a “room” system, students ender a teacher's room number and then begin to take the assessment pushed out by the teacher. Accessible either via the specific Socrative apps or by pointing a web browser to the teacher portal (t.socrative.com) or student portal (m.socrative.com), assessments can be created and taken from the iPad or a computer. Each room allows for 50 students per quiz. Once the quiz is complete, Socrative provides a spreadsheet of responses that can be emailed directly to a teacher's account. Unlike Polleverywhere, these can be either anonymous responses or linked directly to students.

Tip: Quizzes can be either student or teacher paced. 		5 Medium


^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to create written content on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Pages AppPages
 $9.99 Based on Apple’s Mac-based Pages program, Pages for the iPad offers a similar word processing experience. Choose from 16 templates, customize text, and insert images directly into the document. When complete, the Pages document can be saved as a Pages, Microsoft Word, or PDF file, and then can be exported from the iPad via email. 4 Medium
Google Docs AppGoogle Docs
 Free From the Google iPad app, users with existing Google accounts can log into their Google Docs account to access their documents from the iPad. The biggest limitation to using Google docs on the iPad is that only documents and spreadsheets can be created and edited form the iPad, and the sharing and live collaboration that avid Google Docs users are used to is not possible. 3 Medium
CloudOn AppCloudOn
 Free The CloudOn app allows for the creation of Microsoft Word documents on the iPad. Documents can be uploaded to a user's DropBox account for editing on a computer. The interface is a bit clunky, as it is not formatted for iPad or mobile use. However, the ability to create an actual Word document on the iPad, upload to Dropbox and complete the project on another device or computer is extremely helpful.

Tip: Create a Dropbox account ahead of time and then link CloudOn to Dropbox within the CloudOn app to save the documents that are created on the iPad. 		4 Medium
Evernote AppEvernote
 Free While typically considered an app to create a digital notebook, Evernote can also assume the role of a word processor. The Evernote app has a helpful built-in toolbar when creating a new note that includes basic editing and rich text functions (Bold, italics, underline, strike through, bullets, hyperlinks, etc). As an added benefit, within each note, audio and images can be inserted. All notes are synced with the users web based Evernote account and can be accessed on any device. Also, individual notes or notebooks can be made public or shared with specific Evernote users. 5 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to blog on the iPad.

Read Getting Started with Blogging for more information and tutorials about integrating blogs in the classroom.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Google Docs AppBlogger
 Free Students can begin blogging from the iPad using Google’s blogging service, Blogger. With an existing Google account from the Google iPad app students can access the dashboard of their blogger account, create new posts, edit posts and create new blogs.

Tip: Hyperlinks, images, tags and comment settings can be included into a blog post while writing within the Google app on the iPad.		 4 Medium
Posterous AppPosterous
 Free Technically an iPhone app, the Posterous app can be downloaded to an iPad to allow students to quickly blog from this dynamic blogging platform. From the app, users can create new “spaces” or blogs, create and edit posts.

Tip: Posterous offers the ability write a blog post via email. This capability allows students to easily post to their blog either from the iPad or from their own email account without having to log into Posterous to post. View this presentation from FreeTech4Teachers to learn how to get started with Posterous as a blogging platform. 		4 Medium
WordPress AppWordPress
 Free From the WordPress app, it is possible to start a new blog or post to either a wordpress.com blog or a self-hosted blog. In addition to adding posts and pages, comments can be moderated and full stats viewed. The post/page editor does not include a WYSIWG (it inserts HTML code to show bold or italics rather than just allowing you to see it), but it is possible to insert images from either Photos or the Cameral Roll.

Tip: Posts created on the iPad app do not appear online until they are published, so it is not possible to draft a post on the app and then finish it via the web login.

Tip: Though Edublogs works on a WordPress platform, blogs created with Edublogs cannot be edited with the WordPress app. 		3 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to create ePubs / iBooks to read on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
2EPUB2EPUB
 Free 2EPUB is a website that allows most document types to be converted to ePub documents that can then be read within the iBooks app on the iPad. File types that can be converted online include:
  • doc
  • docx
  • PDF
  • rtf
  • txt
Tip: The conversion process does not always translate the specific formatting of the original document, and pictures may be lost in the conversion process. Simple text documents convert the best.

Tip: Once a document is converted to an ePub format, upload the file to a file storage site like Dropbox or Box to allow students to download and open the ePub within the iBooks app on the iPad. 		4 Easy
dotEPUBdotEPUB
 Free DotEPUB is a website that allows most websites, articles and blogs to be converted to ePub documents that can then be read within the iBooks app on the iPad. To convert any web based content to an ePub, the dotEPUB bookmarklet must be installed in a browser. There are directions and a help video to install the bookmarklet at dotepub.com.

Tip: When installing the bookmarklet to convert web based content to ePubs, choose “immersive mode” to remove links and images from the web content being converted.

Tip: Once web based content is converted to an ePub format, upload the file to a file storage site like Dropbox or Box to allow students to download and open the ePub within the iBooks app on the iPad. 		4 Hard
Book Creator AppBook Creator
 $4.99 This is by far the best app to create ePubs on the iPad. Content that be published in the book includes:
  • Customizable text
  • Images from the iPad Camera Roll
  • Recorded Voice Audio
  • Music Audio from the iTunes library
Once the ePub is created within the app, it can be exported from the BookCreator app to DropBox, Evernote and iBooks on the iPad. The final ePub can also be sent from the app via email or to a computer when the iPad is synched. The app is extremely intuitive, easy to navigate, and creates a professional quality finished eBook. 		5 Easy
iBookcreator
 $3.99 A quality app to create ePubs on the iPad. Insert customizable text and images from the iPad camera roll to create a full publication. Once complete, the ePub can be exported from the app via email or sent to iBooks on the iPad, Dropbox, or Evernote. 4 Easy
Pages 09 - iWorkPages '09 - iWork
 Purchased as part of iWork '09 for Mac Another option for creating ePubs to read within iBooks on the iPad is to use Pages on a Mac. Pages is a basic word processing program, purchased as part of the iWork suite, that includes an option to save the final document as an ePub file. Along with creating individual documents, Apple has created a template that can be downloaded and opened within Pages to create an ePub that has a table of contents which allows the reader to jump ahead to any chapter, heading or sub-heading. Once the ePub is complete, the file can be uploaded to a cloud storage site such as Dropbox or Box to make the ePub available online.

Tip: Read Creating ePub files with Pages for more information on this process. 		4 Hard
iBooks AuthoriBooks Author
 Free Apple’s newest, free download that allows any Mac user with OSX 10.7 (Lion) to create an iBook that can be read on the iPad. The interface of iBooks Author is extremely easy to use and very closely mirrors the interface of iWork. The content of the iBook can be customized to include:
  • text
  • images
  • video
    • Once the iBook is complete, it can be exported from iBooks Author as a PDF, iBook or Text document. iBooks created in iBook Author can also be published to the iTunes stored from directly within the program.

    Tip: For quick distribution to a class set of iPads, export the iBook and then upload it to a file sharing service such as Dropbox or Box to allow students to quickly access and open the iBook within the iBooks app on the iPad.
5 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to create and edit images on the iPad.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
SkitchSkitch
 Free The easiest image creating and editing app on the iPad. Skitch allows for the editing of images from the camera roll, web pages, maps and blank pages. The interface is simple, yet includes everything necessary for basic editing: line drawing, text boxes, arrows and cropping of images. Choose from eight colors for drawing and easily adjust the width of the lines. Once complete, images can be exported via Twitter, email, or sent to the camera roll of the iPad.

Tip: Skitch can also export directly to an Evernote account that is already logged into on the iPad, allowing images to be shared with notes. 		5 Easy
Adobe Photoshop TouchAdobe Photoshop Touch
 $9.99 If you are familiar with the desktop version of Photoshop, many of the features of the mobile version will look familiar, providing an extremely robust app to create and edit images on the iPad. Without Photoshop experience, this app may be a bit overwhelming for classroom use. However, it is extremely powerful and offers a unique feature of layering two images together. This feature would allow students to “mash up” images and then add text to create a unique creation. This app is likely geared towards the advanced image editor at the high school level. Once complete, images can be shared via Facebook, email, or sent to the camera roll on the iPad. 5 Hard
ArtStudio AppArtStudio
 $2.99 At a fraction of the cost, Art Studio offers many of the advanced features of Photoshop Touch. Select from a number of different drawing styles, colors, sizes and opacity. Up to six layers can also be added within one image. This image editing app is likely geared towards the advanced, high school user. Exporting features include email, camera roll, and copy to the clipboard. 4 Medium
Visualize AppVisualize
 $0.99-$4.99With Visualize, create custom images and infographics on the iPad. This app includes every possible element necessary for the creation of thorough infographics: text, background images, cutout images, etc. A unique feature is that the app allows images to be “cutout” from the original image, imported, resized, and rotated within a project. This app can easily be integrated across disciplines and grade levels as the control features are extremely intuitive. Once complete, exporting options including camera roll, email, Facebook, Picasa, and Dropbox. 5 Easy
ExplainEverything AppExplainEverything
 $2.99Explain Everything is technically an iPad screencasting app, but it includes a feature that allows each page to be exported from the app as an image. By leveraging the ability to import images, draw, and insert shapes as well as text, users can essentially create, edit and export customized images directly from Explain Everything. Export options include:
  • Camera roll
  • Email
  • Image to Dropbox, Evernote
  • PDF to Dropbox, Evernote
  • PDF to other PDF notation apps
5 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want to use the iPad in order to create a language lab environment for my students.


Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Garageband AppGarageband
 $4.99 Much like the computer program, the Garage Band app has great audio recording, editing, and sharing features. Students can record multiple tracks to create a dialog and also include music or other sounds. Sharing options now include sending to iMovie to incorporate with a larger project, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as the ability to send to iTunes.

Tip: Be sure to turn off the metronome & make the length unlimited when creating podcasts.

Tip: Students can use the jam session feature to collaborate on a single project. This could be great for dialogs.

Tip: It is possible to import audio from iTunes, so pre-recorded tracks can be incorporated for listening comprehension. 		5 Medium
iTunesU AppiTunesU
 FreeThe iTunesU app brings hundreds of courses directly to the iPad. In particular, there are lots of options for foreign language courses which include both text in the form of iBooks as well as audio for listening comprehension and pronunciation assistance. The challenge with iTunesU is directing students to the appropriate content. However, when used well, it is a great tool for both remediation as well as enrichment.w 5 Medium
SoundCloud AppSoundCloud
 Free The free SoundCloud app allows students to record and upload audio directly to a web-based SoundCloud account (www.soundcloud.com). There are no editing features included in this simple, one-button-to-record interface. Once uploaded, audio projects are posted on the users' SoundCloud account and can be shared with a link or embedded in a website/blog. The free app allows for 120 minutes of recording to be posted online.

Tip: SoundCloud can be used with Garage Band as students can upload their audio from the Garage Band app to a SoundCloud account.

Tip: From the online SoundCloud account, it is possible to leave comments throughout the audio track. This is a great assessment tool as either teachers or students can provide feedback directly in line with the voice track.		 5 Easy
AudioBoo AppAudioBoo
 Free Students can record up to 5 minutes of audio with each Boo and then post them to an AudioBoo account. Each Boo can include an image as well as a place location (if the device can determine where it is). Once a Boo is published, it is possible to leave a text as well as an audio comment. This could be a great way to work on listening comprehension and pronunciation, as well as an alternative approach to vocabulary review.

Tip: Boos can also be Tweeted out or posted to a class blog or wiki via link or embed code.

Tip: Students can do their recordings either via the iPad app or from the AudioBoo website.		 5 Easy
Evernote AppEvernote
 FreeThe ability to record audio into a note and then share is a great feature. Either the teacher can record a passage for students to hear and then respond to, or they could record themselves into the note. Images can also be incorporated into the lesson either to support vocabulary. If both the students as well as the teacher have Evernote accounts, then it is very easy to share notes. They can otherwise be emailed. 5 Medium
iTalk AppiTalk
 Free or $1.99This is an incredibly basic voice recorder. There aren't any editing features, but recordings can be saved and there are three different recording quality options. This could be a good option in a shared environment where the teacher wants to have students do a pronunciation or listening comprehension activity independently. It is possible to continue a recording, so either a peer or the teacher could provide oral feedback as well. Recordings can be emailed to get them off of the device. 3 Easy
Google Translate AppGoogle Translate
 FreeWhile many teachers view translators as a negative, they can have positive implications. Students can receive both text as well as audio translations from this app, helping with both listening comprehension as well as vocabulary. To work on pronunciation, students can speak into the app to see if it recognizes and can translate their speech. Students can also “star” translations that they use regularly or found helpful for future reference.

Tip: The iPad has to be online in order to access Google for the app to work.		 5 Easy
OnlineRadio AppOnlineRadio
 Free or $3.99Students can work on their listening comprehension with free, live, international radio. Online Radio includes access to streams from 191 countries and thousands of stations.

Tip: The free version does not play in the background, meaning that it is not possible to switch between apps when listening.		 3 Easy

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want my students to use the iPad to stay organized.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Reminders AppReminders Free This built in app organizes tasks into lists and displays them either by topic or by due date. Each task can have a reminder as well as additional notes. It is also possible to enter recurring tasks such as weekly quizzes or monthly reports. Students could use this app as a planner for both daily assignments as well as larger projects. Teachers could consider this a plan book, and create lists for different subjects or classes. Reminders does work with iCloud and can be synced across multiple devices. 4 Easy
Calendar AppCalendar FreeThe power of this app comes from the ability to integrate and synch it with iCal via either USB or iCloud. As a stand alone app, it is a bit limited because it is not possible to create multiple calendars for organizational purposes or task lists associated with the calendars. However, events can include notes and reminders, and be scheduled as recurring events. Students could use this as a planner, and teachers could use this for curriculum mapping as well as daily planning. The year, month, week, and daily views provide a lot of information to help stay on task.

Tip: Students can build their class schedule into the calendar and then add assignments in the notes field for each event.

Tip: Teachers can also build their class schedule into the calendar and add daily plans into the notes fields. It is also helpful to rename events to include an overview of the session's plan.

Tip: Creating one calendar per class and then color coding them makes it even easier to keep track; however, this does require the use of iCal. Events can then be synced either through iCloud or USB.

Tip: Teachers can print or email plans for administrators and subs from iCal.		 5 Medium
WunderlistWunderlist Free This app includes all of the features of Reminders: multiple task lists, the ability to add notes to tasks, due dates, and reminders. However, it also has several additional features. First, it is possible to share lists with others who have Wunderlist accounts with Wunderlist, so teachers can create or monitor lists for their students, and students can share lists amongst themselves. Second, reminders can either be push alerts or emailed. Next, it is possible to email new tasks to the Wunderlist account associated with the email, which is handy if working on a different device that doesn't have the app, or a desktop computer. Finally, Wunderlist syncs not only across devices that have the app, but it also has a web login at wunderlist.com so that lists can also be used from a desktop or laptop.

Tip: For students who struggle with organization, teachers can monitor, edit, and update assignment lists to ensure that they are working off of accurate information.

Tip: Parents could also be included on shared lists - which could be extremely helpful for younger students.		 5 Easy
iStudiez AppiStudiez Free or $2.99 iStudiez combines the features of Calendar and Reminders to create the ultimate organizer for students. It can work on an iPad, iPhone, or Mac Book, and includes a full planner as well as an assignment pad. iStudiez is designed specifically for students and includes features such as a dedicated section for homework as well as the ability to track grades based on assignments.

Tip: The free version limits the number of semesters, instructors, and courses. However, it could be useful to test the features before deciding if it is the best option for students.

Tip: It is also possible to run iStudiez as an additional app on a Mac Book, but know that it costs an additional $9.99.		 5 Medium

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want to use the iPad to conduct video / virtual conferences in the classroom.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Skype AppSkype Free The most prominent video conferencing platform, Skype allows free video conferencing between two users. With an existing Skype account, all contacts that have been established will automatically appear when logging into Skype on an iPad.

Key Feature: A chat box is included in the iPad Skype call, allowing for links or messages to be shared within a video conference call.

Key Feature: Video conferencing can take place from iPad to iPad, iPad to Computer or Computer to iPad.

5 Easy
Google+ Hangouts AppGoogle+ Hangouts FreeTechnically an iPhone app that can run on the iPad, Google Hangouts requires a Google+ account to participate in video conferencing. Using a Google+ account, users add other users into Circles. When a "hangout" is initiated by one user, they can then invite specific circles into the hangout. Individuals in the same Google+ circles can then participate in a hangout from an iPad.

Important Note: Users can’t create a new Hangout from the iPad but can join one when invited through a Google+ circle. The Google+ Hangout needs to be initiated by someone on a computer, then a notification will appear on the iPad to join the video hangout.

4 Medium
Join.meJoin.me Free The free Join.me app allows a virtual meeting between a computer and iPad or iPads. A meeting must be started from a computer that has downloaded the free Join.me program (join.me). This platform does not allow for video conferencing, rather the computer that starts the meeting allows the iPads that join to see the screen of the computer using a unique meeting code that is entered into the iPad app.

Key Feature: Once in a meeting, participants can chat via text or voice with a built in communication feature in the iPad app.

5 Easy
Mighty Meeting AppMighty Meeting Free This free app allows iPads to join a virtual meeting where a slide show presentation can be shared between iPads. A slide based presentation are emailed to the Mighty Meeting user account or uploaded to the Mighty Meeting website from a computer. Once uploaded, the meeting can be initiated from one iPad, others can join on an iPad and the slide show can be viewed by all participants

Tip: Files can be imported directly from www.box.com into a Mighty Meeting account to then be shared in a virtual iPad to iPad meeting.

2 Hard

^ Back to Learning Objectives

I want to control my computer or Interactive White Board from my iPad.

Application Cost Description Usefulness Rating
(1-5)		 Ease-of-Use
Splashtop Remote DesktopSplashtop Remote Desktop $4.99 Splashtop Remote is the most robust and reliable iPad app to control a computer remotely. Along with the iPad app, a free download is required on a Mac or PC that allows the iPad to take control of a computer remotely (Splashtop Remote). The Splashtop Remote Desktop iPad app will automatically find a computer sharing the same wireless network. Once in control, there are a number of features and swiping gestures that can be used on the iPad to control a computer. The iPad becomes a mobile tablet, mouse and keyboard that can be used anywhere in the classroom.

Key Feature: The Splashtop Remote can be used to control and manipulate an IWB program such as Smartboard Notebook software anywhere in the classroom.

5 Easy
Team ViewerTeam Viewer Free The Team Viewer app allows the iPad to become a mobile tablet to control any computer that has established a connection between the two devices. Along with the free iPad app, a free download is needed on the computer (free for non-commercial use) to establish a connection between the iPad and computer. (TeamViewer)

Important Note: The computer based program will generate an ID and Password that is entered into the iPad app to take control of the computer remotely. 		4 Easy
DoceriDoceri iPad App: Free

Desktop Program: Free 30 day trial of full version. $30.00		 The Doceri iPad app is free, yet the desktop application (Windows PC or Mac) is available in a free 30-day trial download or for the full version. The desktop download will still function after the 30 day trial, but will no longer support the feature to save drawings created on the iPad. (Doceri Desktop Download). The free desktop download ("evaluation mode") allows for three pointer functions: mouse, drawing and pointer. The drawing feature turns the iPad into a writing tablet that can annotate directly on the computer screen, and the pointer feature create a large red arrow on the computer screen when the iPad screen is touched.

Important Note: Without purchasing the full version, a reminder will appear on the desktop that prompts a full purchase upgrade. Also, the writing mode can be used on the iPad, but a water mark will appear on the computer screen noting that the program is in "evaluation mode". After the 30 day trial, the ability to save drawings created in writing mode will be lost.

5 Easy
PocketCloud AppPocketCloud Free

Full Version: $11.99		 Another fantastic option to control your desktop remotely from an iPad. PocketCloud requires two installations, the free iPad app and the free desktop download for Mac or PC (PocketCloud Download). Once both are installed, PocketCloud establishes a connection between the devices with the users Google account. Once the iPad has control, the interface on the iPad is intuitive and includes a unique pointer tool for easy navigation and control on the iPad. The free version includes an in app ad on the setup page.

Unique Feature: Users can lookup and open files on the remote computer from the iPad. The file transfer option is only available on the full, paid version of the app. This feature allows teachers to find files on their computer, while on the go in their classroom, to open and display from their computer.

5 Medium
LogMeInLogMeIn Free The LogMeIn iPad app and desktop application (Mac or PC) allows for remote access and control of a desktop computer. After creating a LogMeIn account, users can download the free desktop application and begin to remotely control their computer. The free download allows for basic functionality and computer control from the iPad. (LogMeIn Download) The user interface on the iPad is extremely easy to use, and the mouse pointer is offset from where the user touches the iPad to allow precise control over a computer.

Unique Feature: On a MacBook, LogMeIn on the iPad will display the Application Doc, allowing remote iPad control to quickly open new applications on the MacBook. 		5 Easy
ReflectionReflection Trial Version: Free (10 minutes of mirroring)

Full Version: 15.00		 While not an iPad app, Reflection allows an iPad to be mirrored to a MacBook. Using AirPlay on the iPad, when a MacBook on the same wireless network is running Reflection, the iPad image can be wirelessly mirrored to the MacBook screen and then projected via an LCD projector in a classroom. This solution technically does not allow an iPad to control a computer remotely, but allows a teacher to be mobile in a classroom and have the iPad projected for the entire class.

Important Note: AirPlay is only available on an iPad2 or iPad3 but not on the iPad1. 		5 Easy
Apple TVApple TV $99 With Apple TV and an iPad, a computer is not needed to wirelessly mirror and project an iPad in a classroom. By connecting Apple TV to an LCD projector with an HDMI cable, and by having both the iPad and Apple TV on the same wireless network, the iPad can mirror to the AppleTV using the AirPlay feature on the iPad.

Important Note: Apple TV is accessible by any iPad using the same wireless network. In a classroom full of iPads, anyone can take over the mirrored image being projected through the Apple TV. However, a password can be set on the Apple TV that is required to mirror an iPad.

Important Note: Apple TV only has an HDMI output cable. Therefore, an LCD projector that only has a VGA input option will require an HDMI to VGA adaptor.

Important Note: Only the iPad2 and new iPad3 have AirPlay cability. The iPad1 cannot mirror out to Apple TV. 		5 Easy

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