Some IPAD research...

In preparation for the possible imminent arrival of ipads, Grade 6 I.T. students were asked to take the time to investigate the itunes App Store and then create an idea for an App that other students (or adults) would purchase.

The truly exciting and satisfying characteristic of 6th graders is their enthusiasm and creativity!

This activity really helped to add a level of ownership for the students, and indeed the possibility that even they could create ipad apps and make money!

Many information technology researchers believe that mobile computing is the way in which schools should focus their energy.

The apple itunes store, has thousands of iphone and ipod apps that will help anyone navigate through their day; graphing calculators, stress releasing games like mahjong and more. People have been made instant millionaires over night due to the success of their iphone / ipod touch apps.

This is your chance to research and create an idea that could morph into an iphone / itouch app.

The Task

1. Iphone / ipod touch app creators come from a wide variety of backgrounds - apple have produced an amazing video that showcases some of the apps, and the people that have created them.

http://developer.apple.com/profiles/

2. Next, navigate to the itunes store by selecting the itunes store option (on the left hand side of the itunes screen) this will take you directly to the store.

3. Iphone and ipod apps are sorted by many different categories - New and Noteworthy, Top Paid Apps, Top free apps, as well as Top Grossing Apps ( the apps that have made the most money) and Staff picks.

4. Next, take the time to browse through the app store - select 3 apps that you may be interested in. Read the information regarding the app.

On your blog, write down the three apps and provide reasons as to why you would consider purchasing or using the app.

5. Now, is the exciting time, it will be up to you to develop and app that would have a useful application in the classroom at ISKL.

Criteria

1. Provide a description (use apps explanations to help you)

2. Provide rationale as to what class (es) the app could be used in.

3. Briefly describe the app and what it does.

4. Develop a logo

5. Develop pricing - use existing apps as a guide.

All assignment information should be presented on your blog.

6th Graders with "App"titude = Motivation & Learning

Almost a year ago, Grade 6 Humanities classes piloted Google Apps in ISKL's middle school; our first small steps involved conversion of our email from the First Class platform to gmail, and google docs.

What seems like years ago, has evolved into Panther Apps ( over very own Google Apps domain). Middle School students have taken to Google Docs, Google Sites (for eportfolios and class assignments) , Blogger, Youtube and Picasa with zeal.

For colleagues and students Google Docs has now become our collaborative planning tool of choice.Google Docs as a collaborative tool exceeded both student and faculty expectations. Students could share ideas with their partner, edit documents, upload and create documents. The autosave and sharing function allowed for continual feedback, students and teachers could track progress. From curriculum planning, K-12 Technology Teams and our PTA, google apps has changed the way in which we collaborate.