Blogging Tools for the iPad

If you like the idea of introducing your class to blogging but are not sure where to start or which tools to use then take a look at the following suggestions - all three blogging tools are FREE.

Traditionally Ive been a big fan of Blogger, which is what Im using right now. I was introduced to Wordpress on the iPad and found that to be equally useful, and tend to use one or the other when Im training KS3 and KS4 teachers and students.

However, Kidblog was drawn to my attention just the other day and this looks fantastic for primary pupils. What I particularly like is the ability to embed a host of multimedia resources such as video, images and audio - Wordpress is not so straightforward with handling video, but perhaps thats the way youd prefer it as a teacher?

Kidblog is designed for K-12 teachers who want to provide each student with an individual blog - but having looked at it Id be more than happy to use with College students too. 
Students publish posts and participate in academic discussions within a secure classroom blogging community. Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs and user accounts.

• create classroom discussions
• learn digital citizenship
• practice writing skills
• create an e-portfolio
• reflect on learning
• formatively assess writing

Kidblog makes it easy to publish rich multimedia content - embed slideshows, videos, podcasts, artwork, Google Docs etc. all in a single, secure e-portfolio that you’ll be proud to show parents and colleagues.
Teachers control all privacy settings, everything is moderated by you, so nothing gets published until you decide. 

If you feel youre ready to get those kids of yours writing for a real purpose and audience then maybe its time to download a FREE blogging app and get started.

Orbit Early Years App

The Orbit Early Years App is new technology that makes life easier for early years practitioners and allows sharing of information for the benefit of children^*.

Orbit Early Years makes it easy for practitioners to:

• Collect observations of each child
• Assess learning in line with the 2012 EYFS Framework
• Create a personalised album of each child's experiences
• Connect with each child's family

When used in conjunction with Orbit Family, Orbit Early Years makes communication with parents easier. It keeps families updated with their child's learning and achievements, whilst also giving practitioners the means to incorporate home learning activities into their own assessments.

Orbit software helps practitioners and providers protect children's information. The Orbit Safeguarding document provides you with information about the importance Orbit places on maintaining children's records securely, which you can share with colleagues, parents and other interested parties (such as OFSTED).

As well as this website, the Orbit Early Years App for iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPad® is now available on the App Store℠.  

Show Me App

Ive said it many times before and I'll say it again, its the tool based Apps that make the learning exciting and fun.
The ShowMe App is simple to use, uncomplicated (and they intend to keep it that way) and FREE.
As teachers we have all probably flogged PPT presentations, and to be honest the students do like it.  But ShowMe is different; for example, there is no way any pupil can achieve a quality presentation without putting the hard work in first - unlike PPT you can't just copy a bunch of text from the internet and paste it onto a slide.  All text is written with your finger, there is no option to use a mouse or keyboard and so it remains a simple presentation tool.
Pictures are either hand drawn or imported from your camera roll on the iPad, and timing is everything......

For best results:

• Do your research
• Write a script
• Decide on a collection of images or drawings
• Order your ideas
• How many slides will you have?
• Create a ShowMe and share with the rest of the world - or copy the embed code to add to your blog, website or learning platform.

This is an example presentation I created using ShowMe.


My one frustration with the App is that there is no undo button on the recording, so if you get it wrong you have to start all over again from the beginning.  Ive fed this back to the developers and they were aware of the issue, so I guess I'm not the only one to have mentioned this.

There are lots of great educational examples on ShowMe ready for you to use with your class for learning or to kick-start you making your own.

Once you get past your initial embarrassment of hearing your own voice it really is fun.  Personally, I think all teachers should experience what they are asking their students to do at least once, to see exactly how they feel!


For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com
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New Beebot Pyramid App released

Beebot Pyramid

Im pleased to be able to announce that TTS (@TTS_group) have now released their new Beebot Pyramid App - available from the App store.  At just 0.69p this brings you some fab problem solving opportunities.  
Whilst the original free Beebot App is suitable for Early Years and Key Stage 1 children, the Pyramid App will challenge many of your more able pupils at Key Stage 2.

Use a set of commands to control Bee-Bot through 12 levels of an ancient Egyptian pyramid.  You will need to collect keys to unlock doors, collect treasure along the way and avoid the terrifying Mummies which are intent on blocking your progress - not to mention beating the clock too!

This App encourages directional language, sequencing and problem solving and is ideal for supporting aspects of  Maths and continued learning at home. 

Have fun!

For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com
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2Simple - NEW EYFS app

2Simple have launched a NEW record keeping and assessment App for Early Years - a simple and powerful way to log children’s achievements against the EYFS profile in 4 simple steps.
Do you have access to an iPod, iPad, iPhone or Android device? If you email 2Simple with your school name and postcode, they will send you information on how to access a 30 day FREE trial of their new record keeping and assessment tool.

To download and start recording your children’s learning journey type EYFS in the ‘app store’ or ‘market store’.

For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com
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Reflection App - Share your iPad screen

The Reflection App is ideal for sharing whats on your iPad to a projector screen via your macbook, which makes it perfect for training, demonstrations and teaching, if other options are not available or compromised in your school. 

Simply install the App, select your Mac from AirPlay on an iPad 2, and the iPad's screen is instantly displayed in real-time on a Mac but still looks like an iPad frame. Reflection also supports mirroring which means full audio and orientation support. You can lock your orientation to landscape or portrait as appropriate.You may experience a degree of lag when browsing on Safari or viewing Youtube videos but this is acceptable, just work with it.

Currently, the Reflection App’s preferences are limited to selecting a resolution for your device and launching as a full-screen App. Recently the App updates have enabled the option to record your screen. Reflection is relatively inexpensive, and offers a simple option for screen sharing the iPad - a single-user license of Reflection sells for under £10.00 or 5 licenses for under £25.00  - click here. There is also the option of a free time limited trial before you make the purchase - try before you buy and let us know what you think.


For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com

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iPad Tripods

If you've recently introduced iPads into your school then you may already be thinking about how you can use them to make films, animation or making music in a band!
For best results the iPad will need to be still and made stable, not just to ensure a high standard of film-making but also to protect the iPad itself from damage!

There are a number of tripod-like gadgets out there which you might like to investigate further, Ive just listed three to get you started.....

Movie Mount

• Check out the Movie Mount for iPad2
• The Joy Factory AAB105 TOURNEZ2 iPad2 Tripod Mount
• The Standzfree hands-free iPad floor stand is lightweight and heavy duty, it swivels and angles and is great if you need to play an instrument and be hands-free.



Foldable Stand / Cradle

• For a smaller tripod ideal for animation activities try the Foldable Stand, Holder, Cradle for iPad, iPad 2 

For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com

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Coach's Eye app -Sports evaluation

Coach’s Eye iPad app £2.99  "is like having a coach that never misses a thing. Whether you’re working on a golf swing, football drill, soccer kick, or yoga posture…Coach’s Eye delivers those “ah-ha” moments that elevate athletes from good to great.
Virtually any sport or activity can be recorded and reviewed with Coach’s Eye. Simply record a video of the athlete in motion, slow it down to offer a verbal and visual feedback about form, technique, or anything else you might see. Share reviewed videos with your athlete or entire team to help them improve their skills. You can even share out when athletes have great form, so they can bask in their glory over and over again."


For more information contact me: barbaraainscough@mac.com

Follow @boobelle