iPad as the Teacher's Pet
Hey, teacher! Got an iPad? Then you've got a toolbox that you can fill to help you be an even better teacher! Spend some time with this infographic to discover how your iPad can be your handy assistant. It's filled with apps and services that you'll wonder how you ever lived without.
Two Podcasts for Mobile-Minded Educators
Interested in mobile learning? Want to hear what other educators are saying about new digital tools? Ready to discover the latest and greatest iPad apps for teaching and learning? If so, I've got two audio programs for you!
Share Apps, Books, Podcasts with iTunes Widget Builder
Apple offers a Widget Builder where you can make lists of apps, books, or podcasts from iTunes. Widget Builder will give you HTML code to place on your site that displays the icon or artwork for each item you've included. I've been using a few widgets on my iOS page and Podcasting page.
Mirror iPad, iPhone, iPod to Your Screen for Free
The simplest way to see exactly what's on your Apple device's screen is buy Apple's VGA (Dock Connector or Lightning) or HDMI (Dock Connector or Lightning) adapters. Those adapters plug into the connector at the bottom of your device and send out a video signal to the projector or TV at the other end. There's no software to install–it just works when you plug it in. Those adapters sell for between $27 and $45. I want to tell you about iTools because it's a free mirroring solution.
Instantly Craft Collaborative Books with Bindle for iOS
At the time of publishing this post, Bindle - PDF Maker, a universal app for iPad and iPhone, is free. Bindle's price is down from $1.99.
To use Bindle - PDF Maker, launch it and select up to 24 images, which can be from your Photo Library. Then Bindle - PDF Maker combines them into a multipage PDF file. You can share the PDF in a variety of ways.
What's Missing From These Quotes? QR Codes Hide the Answers!
I made a series of posters that I often hang around the room when I facilitate workshops. It's fun for participants to get up and scan them at break time. Each poster features a quote about education or technology. Part of the quote or its author is missing and has been replaced with a QR code.
Buy or Make Touchscreen Styluses for Cheap
Touchscreen devices aren't supposed to require a stylus. But there are times when you might want to use one. You probably draw better with a stylus. Your handwriting is more legible with a stylus. You don't leave fingerprints with a stylus. Using a stylus doesn't block your view of the screen.
Because modern touchscreens are capacitive sensing, they take the conductivity of the human body as input. It doesn't matter how much pressure you apply. It's the electricity flowing through your fingers that cause a change in the screen's electrical field. That change is interpreted by the device as input.
The Single Most Important Factor for iPad Success in Schools
When you think of iPads in schools, you probably think of a cart that's wheeled into a classroom. Youngsters cheer at the arrival of the cart. Devices are passed out, used for a lesson, and then returned to the cart. The cart is then whisked away to another classroom where the same thing happens.
What I Bought in 2012
Now You Can Upload Photos and Videos to Websites from Your iPad
iOS 6 adds a much-needed feature—the ability to use Upload, Select File, or Choose File buttons and links found on websites for submitting files. Previously, when browsing websites that have a button for uploading files, nothing would happen when you tapped it on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Now with iOS 6, tapping that button on webpages brings up your Media Library where you can select an image or video to upload.
Limit an iOS Device to Running a Single App
Apple has introduced Guided Access in iOS 6. It keeps your device in a single app and allows you to control which features are available.
Locking a mobile device into a single app has been a request of parents and educators for some time. Using Guided Access to limit an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch to one app can be handy when you want a child to remain on task and focused. It is also nice for youngsters who might accidentally click the Home button.
![How to Become a Mobile App Developer [Infographic]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50eca855e4b0939ae8bb12d9/1357847466376-4BPXWZEHKGWH3AWKHK1T/Screen+Shot+2013-01-10+at+12.50.50+PM.png)
How to Become a Mobile App Developer [Infographic]
It's still no easy task to develop your own apps. Yes, some talented teachers have programmed their own. I know many adults and youth are interested in developing apps. I was pleased to see Schools.com produce this infographic about how to become a mobile app developer.
Build Positive Behavior with ClassDojo Website or App
I've been a fan of ClassDojo since I learned about it in the spring. Class Dojo is a free website and a way to track student behavior digitally.
Bring Your Own
In the spirit of bringing more opportunities into learning environments, more and more schools are inviting students to bring their own technology. Shortened as BYOT or BYOD for Bring Your Own Device, the concept is catching on.
Project-Based Learning Teaser
Click or Scan for a Random Educational iOS App
In the spirit of serendipity, I've developed a way to discover educational apps. Simple click the button, scan the QR code, or go to learninginhand.com/random to be taken to an app's details page in the App Store.
7th Graders Publish Their Own Textbook
Creatures, Plants and More is an interactive field guide of Northwest Florida. The stories and photos are a collection of what students from Woodlawn Beach Middle School have compiled for everyone to enjoy.
iPad Document Camera Stand
Justin Franks contacted me this week with a link to a YouTube video where he proudly shows off his new creation. It's a stand designed to turn your iPad into a document camera. Justin's iPad stand goes by the name Justand.
8 Useful and/or Fun Twitter Tools
I've been on Twitter since February 19, 2007 and to celebrate my 10,000th follower, I'd like to share some interesting Twitter tools.
Let's Use the Hashtag #iosedapp for Tweets with Educational iPad/iPhone/iPod Apps
I propose using the hashtag #iosedapp when mentioning apps or lists of apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. This is the keyword I will include somewhere in my tweets when I share a newly discovered educational app or when an interesting educational app goes on sale. I hope you'll do the same.