Module 2 - Making Connections

Now that it's the holidays I am ready to get back into this course. I had to take a hiatus during the term.

First things first, the link to the safari videowas not there. Perhaps because Apple is always updating their site and the Module is not up to date with the changes to the Apple site? Or because I am really not ready to start studying again and my eyes are unable to focus on anything that is not a snack food. If this is the case and you know where the link is please send it to me.

I have been using safari since early last year when I purchased my first Macbook Pro. Recently with all of the changes using Cloudshare I have been exploring chrome. Chrome is still a bit clunky with the ipad, so I would probably recommend using Safari with the kids to begin with. I think that it is important for them to be able to access bookmarks and to understand how to create them. This will make it easier for them to access web pages and links. It may lead to problems though if every student is creating bookmarks and folders. I think as a school community it is important to discuss how his will work at your particular school.

Having had an iphone for some time now I was familiar with many of these apps. I still have not used FaceTime. I usually use Skype. I will try to explore it this week. I think I am reluctant to use it because I have to add all of my contacts in manually. I am sure that there is a way to sync, but I have not added all of my email addresses to my contacts in my phone. I would have to do this first. I imagine that as a school we would also need to manually add the contacts with whom we wish to contact. I think it has some great applications in the classroom. The students could use it in HSIE, when surveying students from different areas. It could be used to interview experts who are unable to visit the school. There are many areas in which I could see this app used. It is dependent on the person at the other end using an Apple device. Therefore Skype may be a better application.

The kids absolutely love Photo Booth. This is a great application to use in Visual Arts. I allowed them some time to explore this in free time. I think if they are given this time they can get all of the silly, funny photos out of their system, and then I would give them a project where they have to use Photo Booth.

Module 1 Exploring the iPad

iBook Basics

The first couple of pages of this Module were things that I had already explored using iBooks. I have used iBooks and purchased books to read and I was aware of how to change fonts, add/remove bookmarks, use the dictionary and add notes. I did not know that you could add notes in different colours. As I am using iBooks during his unit for study, I have found this feature useful. I am using it to add notes as I read through the module and then I can go back and use the notes when I am writing my Blog.

I loved learning how to create new collections. I hate to admit it but I love to organise my own personal library into genre or author, so of course my digital library will get the same treatment.

After watching the 'Quick Tour of the iPad 2 Hardware" video, I was surprised at how many things I didn't know. I was unaware of the where the speakers were located! ooops. This would be a great tool to use with the students, when initiating them with the basics of the iPad. It is very important for them to  learn how to display open Apps and close them after use. This ensures that maximum battery life is retained over the day, and more students are able to use the iPads. It is also important to teach them how to turn the iPad off correctly four the exact same reason. 

I found the information on splitting the keyboard effective. This had been a little problem that I have encountered when using the iPads in class, so it is nice to have an easy solution to his problem.

Rearranging Apps and customising the home screen could be very useful when many students are using the iPads. You could have the Apps into Reading Group folders or Stage folders. This would make it easy for students to access the Apps. The only problem with this is if more than one group is using the App it can only be placed in one folder at a time, as you are not able to duplicate Apps. Unless I am mistaken, in which case I would love some information on this.

I rarely use the camera /video setting on my iPad, but it is s aspect that I think the students would use a great deal. I think if they are to get the best pictures, it is important to show them how to use the features of the camera and to play around with this so that they are comfortable with it.

I loved the idea of taking a screen shot and adding it into my blog. The only problem is that when using blogger on the iPad I can't find the option to upload the image from my photo library. 

When I click on upload/choose files- nothing happens 
I am not sure what a Picasa Web Album is ?
From your phone- this option needs google+. I guess this is a social media site, does that mean that any photos I put onto here can be publicly viewed?
From your webcam- needs Flash Player 10.1
From URL- not an option for a screen shot.


I would love some help with this please.