This past week, we have been using the ipads a great deal in our classroom. We have used them to film each other during read to someone time. After one partner films the other reading, they review the clip. They then identify one thing the reader did well and one thing the reader could improve the next time. I have been blown away at the clarity and insight students are providing to each other from these brief clips. Additionally, we have physical evidence of how much the reader has improved!
Another way we have used the ipads is to practice math vocabulary, specifically with three dimensional shapes. Students choose five 3-D shapes and then record themselves or a partner identifying the shapes and then they create a sculpture with the shapes and photograph their final project.
We have also used the ipads to research different birds for our bird project. Using the IBird app, we are able to look at pictures, facts and even hear the different bird calls! This app has been a big hit, although there are points during the day when the classroom sounds more like a forest full of noisy birds than a first grade classroom!
I am attaching a brief clip of our ipads in action. Students were able to choose to either: film during read to someone and provide feedback or film 3-D sculptures or work on bird research. As you can see from the clip, everyone is actively involved in their chosen activity. Hope you enjoy the brief glimpse of our day!