The Best IPad Apps for the Classroom

May people have asked which apps I use the most. I have decided to compile a list of the apps that I have found and use regularly. Of course, each subject is different so I have listed universal apps that can be used across the curriculum.

• Planbook- an easy to use lesson plan book that allows you to 'bump' and 'yank' lessons when adjusting the lessons.
• TeacherPal- an app that lets you take students' pictures and take attendance visually with their pictures. You can also print the picture seating chart for substitutes for easy student identification.
• TextPlus- texting application that allows you to text message parents and vice versa. I love the fact that you get an immediate response from those that text message and they can't call you!
• Dropbox- Save files from Planbook and other apps in a cloud to access from anywhere. Your first 2GB are free.
• Keynote- Create beautiful presentations and save in either MS PowerPoint or Keynote format.
• iTranslate- Very helpful with ELL students to translate words and phrases. This app also pronounces the words if you choose!
• iMovie- Create instructional videos that are engaging and entertaining!
• Neu.Annotate PDF- Send PDF versions of worksheets to your IPad and then write on them using this app. This app allows you to chose from customizable ink colors as well as highlighters to mark the text.
• Adobe Ideas- Write on picture images in JPEG format. Create a new idea and write messages/ announcements to project for the class.
• PresenTimer- Bell timer with pre-set countdown timers.
• Dictionary- Convenient app for looking up vocabulary words.
• USA Today- Students can read the national news and keep up to date with current events.
• ABC Action News- Students can read local news stories.
• StoryKit- Students create their very own children's book. The can illustrate their pictures or use photos that have been downloaded or taken with a camera.
• FirstClass- If your district uses FirstClass, this is a must have for sending and receiving emails.
• SmartNote Free- Students create notebooks for each class and take handwritten or typed notes. Customizable with the ability to choose graph paper, legal paper, ruled paper, etc...

So that is my list! I am sure that I will add to it, but for now these keep me busy. If you have a favorite classroom app, please share it here!

Sell It While It's Hot

Many people have asked me how I can afford the latest smartphones and gadgets on the market. The simple answer is to sell it while there is still a market for it. If you hold on to your device for too long, you will be in worse shape than if you had kept it for 6-9 months and then sold it. People want technology that is current. Smartphones have become extremely popular and people are willing to pay a premimum price even if it is several months old.

I purchased my Galaxy Tab in November for $399. After hearing the announcement that the IPAD 2 was coming out, I quickly posted my Tab on Craigslist for $425. It sold within a week for $375. Why? Because the price point is set by the carriers when they offer the price with a contract. People want to buy the technology at that price without signing a contract. The downside to this is that you will have to pay an early termination fee depending on how long you have had your device. Check you local Craigslist and search your phone to see what the going rate is. Craigslist is free and local. I have had many bad experiences with selling electronics on Ebay to foreign scammers. Craigslist is local and face-to-face. I do recommend, though, that you meet in a public place such as McDonald's and never go alone. I have never had a problem following these rules.

While we were waiting in line fro the IPAD 2, many were asking about Best Buy's Buy Back program. In my opinion, it is a waste of money. Basically, Best Buy is setting the minimum price point for resales in a year. So next year, when you want to sell your IPAD 2, know that you will at least get 1/2 of what you paid originally. I purchased my first IPAD for $829 and sold it on Craigslist for $750. The contract for data was month-to-month so there was no early termination fee. From my experience, Apple holds their value well. Don't waste your money on the buy back program... you are just filling their pockets. I could think of a lot more things to do with that money!

So, enjoy your technology and remember... sell it while it's hot!

IPAD 2

So my husband waited in line at Best Buy for 3 hours before I could get there to buy the next generation IPAD. The lines were long, but we got on our hands on this beautifully crafted gadget. Stay tuned for a full review!