Digital Learning Consultant
One of the features that educators have been most looking forward to in iOS 11 is screen recording. There are lots of ways to record your iPad screen, and I’ve written about some of those in the past, but native iOS screen recording is likely going to be the most convenient option for most people. However, it’s somewhat hidden in Settings, so here’s a quick guide on how to set it up and start recording your own iPad screencasts.
Apple describes iOS 11 as “a giant leap for iPhones but a monumental leap for iPads.” Whether you agree or not, there are a number of fantastic new features available for iOS devices when iOS 11 is released. What’s more, many of these additions are only available on iPads and that is great news for those using iOS devices in the classroom. In this post I wanted to run through a few of my favorite new iPad features for efficiency, power and ease of use. Here’s what you need to know. Continue reading “11 iOS 11 Features for iPad Educators”
When Apple launches iOS 11 this Fall, they are ending support for 32-bit apps. This means that there could be some apps on your iPhone or iPad that won’t work unless they are updated to run as a 64-bit application. Some of these apps will be updated by developers, others will not, but you can plan ahead by seeing which ones are compatible and which ones are not. So, here’s a quick way for you to find apps that won’t work when you decide to upgrade to iOS 11.
Apple’s coding curriculum for schools has been expanded and updated recently to include a full spectrum of offerings for students in K-12 classrooms. It even includes the ability to code smart toys like Spheros and drones. So, if you have access to Apple devices in your school, you should definitely take a look at what this program can offer teachers and students. Here’s what you can expect.
Continue reading “Everyone Can Code With Apple’s K-12 Coding Initiative”
Osmo has released a new game for its popular and award-winning iPad game system called Coding Jam. Like other Osmo games, there is a strong focus on combining learning and play to create an educational experience that is somewhat unique at home or in today’s classrooms. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from Osmo Coding Jam.
Recently, I had the need to create a screencast of an iPad app for a teacher I work with. Normally, I would just AirPlay my iPad to my Mac, and then record (and edit) my video with Camtasia. However, this time I felt like doing something different. I wanted to explore the options for doing this using an iPad, because I am increasingly of the opinion that there are very few things you can’t do with just an iPad any more. As it happens, there are a number of apps that will let you do this, so in this post I am going to demonstrate one of those apps, tell you about the process I used, and as suggest some others that you might want to take a look at if you decide to try this yourself. Here’s what you need to know.
With an increasing number of iPads to choose from, and a selection of new ones released on a regular basis, it can be hard to decide which iPads you really need for your classroom. Is one iPad really any different from another? This quick guide aims to resolve that problem and help you pick between Apple’s current lineup of tablet devices – the iPad Mini 4, the new iPad, and the iPad Pro. (Prices are listed in US Dollars).
Education Pricing: starts at $299 each, or $2,940 for a 10-pack.
There is little doubt that Apple’s latest 9.7-inch iPad is aimed squarely at schools and colleges. It was released in March 2017, and was built to meet a price point that would help it compete with the recent deluge of cheap Chromebook laptops. Essentially, that meant a few compromises along the way, but the new iPad is better than the device it replaced, (the iPad Air 2), in almost all meaningful ways. It’s faster, cheaper, and runs the latest version of iOS. It has Touch ID, a 10-hour battery life, a great rear camera, and it weighs just one pound. What more could you want?
Recommendation: If iPads are the device you are looking for, then this is the one to get.
Education Pricing: $379 each, or $3,740 for a 10-pack.
Apple’s smallest iPad has a 7.9-inch screen and sounds like it might be a great choice for younger students. However, the latest version is not as good a deal as it used to be. It’s priced at $379, which is a full $80 more than the new iPad, (see above). Some of that price difference is explained by the larger storage capacity, but this is a device that was introduced in September 2015 and has seen no hardware upgrades since it was launched. It’s not a bad device, it will work very well in any modern classroom, but it is hard to justify the additional expense unless portability and storage capacity are very high on your shopping list.
Recommendation: The new iPad is faster and cheaper. Get that instead.
Education Pricing: TBA
Apple’s Pro line of iPads are often pitched as the devices that can replace your laptop. They include a raft of high-end features that set them apart from lower priced iPads. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro was released in June 2017. It shoots 4K video and does 120fps slow-motion at up to 1080p. It has a True Tone display that automatically adjusts to the ambient light and wide color display technology for more faithful color reproduction. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has four speakers, supports the Apple Pencil, and has a Smart Connector for accessories like the Apple Smart Keyboard. In short, it is designed for a pro user with pro needs. It could very well meet the requirements of your teachers and students, or maybe it only meets a smaller quantity in targeted classrooms like Art. However, many schools will likely feel that the higher price tag is hard to justify, especially when the new iPad will still perform well in almost all other scenarios.
Recommendation: The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has just been updated, so if you need the pro features, and you have the money to pay for them, then this is a great device for anyone.
Education Pricing: TBA
This is the largest iPad that Apple has ever made. The latest version of this model was released in June 2017. If you’ve never seen one before, the size is the first thing you notice. This is a big iPad. The retina screen is about the same dimensions as the screen you would find on a 13-inch MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air. It includes all of the features found on the 10.5-inch iPad Pro. So, if you like the specs on the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, but would prefer a larger screen, then this is the iPad for you.
Recommendation: The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a very capable device, and the latest updates in iOS 11 make it a much more productive machine. Add a keyboard and this model may just replace your laptop.
Well, here’s the thing. There will always be a new model around the next corner. That’s how Apple, and other companies, make their money. If you see a good deal, or have to spend money by a certain date, then buy the one that makes most sense based on the information above. If you have the luxury of being able to wait a little longer, then do what I do, and consult the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide. They have a pretty good feel for what’s going on in the Apple universe and give you a handy Buy or Don’t Buy for each product in the lineup.
Apple has released a new version of the iPad that could be working its way into schools near you soon. It replaces the iPad Air 2 and is simply called iPad. It features an A9 processor and is available in either 32GB or 128Gb versions. The new iPad has a retina display, Touch ID, and a 8MP rear camera capable of 1080 video at 30fps. It weighs 1lb and comes in Silver, Gold, or Space Gray.
Continue reading “Apple’s New iPad for Education: What You Need to Know”
There are a number of decent annotation apps for the iPhone & iPad. I know, because I have used a lot of them. However, I almost never use a dedicated app any more. The tools that I need are actually built-in to iOS, and they cover almost all of my image annotation needs. I’m talking specifically about the Photos app. It has some great options for marking up images and screenshots, but not everyone knows where those tools are. So, here’s what you need to know.
Continue reading “Annotate Photos & Screenshots Using the iOS Photos App”
While watching the Oscars tonight, I was intrigued to see a promotion that Walmart was running to celebrate the craft of film making. I don’t normally pay a lot of attention to commercials, but these ads managed to catch my attention, and I think that they have some interesting potential for teachers who are looking to add some creativity to video projects in their classroom.
Walmart contacted four award-winning directors, Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg (Superbad, Neighbors), Antoine Fuqua (Southpaw, The Magnificent Seven), and Marc Forster (Monster’s Ball, The Kite Runner). They sent each of them a receipt with the same six items and challenged them to make a one minute movie that was centered around the six items on the receipt. You can learn more here, but take a look at the videos below to see what these talented directors came up with…
Continue reading “Getting Creative With Video in the Classroom”
