Learning with iPads

This week, we finally got to start using the iPads.  We have been studying the Addition Properties, which have been pretty tricky to remember.  Since the best way to be sure you understand a concept is to be able to explain it, students have been practicing teaching each other about the Identity Property, the Commutative Property and the Associative Property.  On Wednesday, students used the iPad cameras to take videos of each other explaining the properties.  Some students were naturals, some were a bit intimidated at first, but they will get plenty of practice.  We will be doing videos all year.

Today, we learned about three apps.  Students spent about 15 minutes practicing their addition and subtraction facts using the My Math App.  This is a free flashcard app.  Next, students investigated the free Geoboard app.  We will use this a little later in the year.  For today, students learned how to manipulate the virtual rubber bands and make designs.  Third, students investigated the free Virtual Manipulatives app, which we will use when we start our study of fractions.  I used to teach students how to use apps myself, but have discovered that if I just let them explore, they will teach me about the apps.  I learned something new about Virtual Manipulatives today and this is my third year using it!