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Friday, May 17, 2013

New Beginnings and iPad Apps

The semester ended last week and the Todd school year is wrapping up as well.  This time of year is always filled with many school activities: concerts, awards programs, honors and recognitions, and, inevitably, many transitions.  My oldest son will leave his school of nine (!) years to go to high school.  Some longtime teachers are retiring and other teachers have accepted new positions.  I am seeking opportunities as well and am exploring all the options open and available.

Today I was asked to identify my favorite iPad apps and have been reflecting and identifying my top picks.  Here is a start to my Top iPad Apps; some are for students to create digital products while others are library/reading related. 

 
 
LibSciGal's Top iPad Apps
 

Animoto - brings out the moviemaker in everyone, add images, music, and text to quickly make a presentation
Prezi - dynamic alternative to PowerPoint
Pixlr - similar to Photoshop, only free
Quizlet - create quizzes, flash cards, and games
Follett Shelf - Digital Reader for eBooks tied to school library OPAC
Tales2Go - audio books for iPod and iPad
Accelerated Reader - students take AR quizzes on their devices




I would add, though it is not an app, MakeBeliefsComix.com.  This site allows students to create a comic strip.  This applies across the curriculum and ties in with the popularity of graphic novels.

This year my work in the Todd library and my Pine Street internship helped me see the importance of promoting and participating in the South Carolina Book Award program.  In preparation for the 2013-14 school year and my Dorman internship, I have set a personal goal to read as many of the nominated titles as possible.  Adding even more incentive is the fact that the 7 Reads books for middle school students include many 2013-14 SC Junior Book Award nominees.

Read in the last week:

Wonder by R.J. Palcio
EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo

Link to SCASL South Carolina Book Award website