SS_Jim


 * iPad Reflections (4th Quarter) - Jim Thomas**

The iPads as with all new technology was a double edged sword. The students needed to be monitored carefully to make sure engagement was on task and relavent to the assignment. The solution was to generally make sure that the time allotted for completion was accurate. The overall engagement was excellent. Students were generally excited anytime we were going to have an iPad based activity.
 * Student Engagement**:

The biggest problem with getting started was logistics. Getting students to quickly get their iPads and prepare themselves for the activity was challenging. The challenging part was to make sure they did not immediately go to sites not related to the activity. When this happened it took time to reel them back in and get them on task.
 * Getting started:**

The students never ceased to amaze me with their work related to the iPads. Students often went above and beyond the assignment by using the technology in new ways The best project was related to a collaborative research project for Psychology. Students were asked to research and and create presentations related to three famous figures from Psychology. Each student was required to collect several points of information on an assigned figure. Groups were allowed to use any application that they saw fit. The default method used by most groups was to film each person in the group presenting their research findings. In the end the groups created short videos that could be referred to again and again as they completed all of their research. Another good project was the 3D Brain app and virtual flash card set that was used by a number of AP Psychology students as part of their pre exam preparations. I also used the iPads as a research tool used by students for the written component of their final exam.
 * Evidence of student engagement:**
 * Best projects and apps that you used and the students used:**

I really don't know where to start but in my opinion the collaborative aspects of the iPad adds a whol new spin to group projects. I have found that many students who are hesitant to speak in class have no problem doing it in a small group while being filmed. Many of the same students then became more comfortable speaking in class. This is a valid and exciting tool for the classroom. Students are very excited about the proposition that iPads may become more commonplace in school in the near future. I would strongly recommend moving more iPads into the schools. The technology and base of teacher knowledge is only going to improve. Along with this best practices for the technology will grow by leaps and bounds ove rhte next several years.
 * Best strategy/ies for iPad use.**
 * Wrap-up:**
 * And finally, if APS were going in the direction of iPads 1:1, what are your recommendations for PD?**