SS_Jeff


 * Goal**: Students will create a video that reflects upon their participation in the end-of-the-year Mock Congress Project using the apps iMovie and Explain Everything.


 * Getting started**: One class was spent training students in the use of 2 apps: Explain Everything and iMovie. The apps were demonstrated in real-time using the VGA connector to the Smartboard so students could observe how the apps worked and how to create their project from the apps.


 * Evidence of student engagement:** Students spent their entire time during the Mock Congress project either engaged in the core project, or working on their summary video. The fluid nature of the Mock Congress activity enabled students to set their own schedule to work on their video during "down times" in the mock Congress. Many students also came into class during Generals Period and before and after school to continue to work on their projects.


 * Evidence of distraction of the technology:** Students generally stayed on task. Some students became more comfortable with the use of the iPad and the apps, while others took longer to acquire the skills needed to edit videos and create animated slideshows.

https://vimeo.com/43985558
 * Example Project:**


 * Wrap-up:** The iPads are a great tool for the creation of creative pieces of student reflection. It's important to schedule enough time for students to both practice using the apps necessary and to create their actual project. Not having a 1:1 setting made this project more difficult since students sometimes competed for access to the iPad during Generals Period and before and after school.

If APS were to move to a 1:1 iPad computing solution, professional development should begin by focusing on a core set of apps. If fluency with this group of apps can be achieved by all APS teachers, then students will develop a set of skills that will be transferrable between classes. Suggested apps for training: Socrative, iMovie, ExplainEverything,