Content Creation on the iPad: Portable Solutions that Work!

One of the complaints often stated about the iPad is the difficulty or inability to create content. Fortunately, the thinking is evolving as new apps appear which address content creation.

Why is that important for education? Two reasons.

First, students who struggle with output due to, for example, handwriting issues, generating ideas, organizing written ideas, or slow processing, need choices so they can demonstrate knowledge in a manner that helps them see themselves as successful learners. Have you ever worked with students who shut down? Were they were so demoralized by their struggles to get their thoughts expressed in a paper-based format? For some students, school is a daily reminder of everything that is difficult for them. It's in their face; they can't escape it.

Therefore, it's imperative we offer alternatives to tap into students' strengths. Some kids may prefer paper-based expression. Others may prefer a computer based solution using word processing software or online resources such as VoiceThread. Still others may benefit from the simplicity of the iPad and content creation apps.

Secondly, research proves the value of video modeling and social story creation for changing behavior with students on the Autism Spectrum. iOS Devices provide a portable method for improving behaviors and fostering social skill development. 

Given that more teachers are applying for grants to purchase iPads (http://donorschoose.org) the need to promote appropriate apps to reach their learners increases.  Here are some
specific content creation apps you may want to consider:

1. Idea Sketch (free) Map out your ideas here, converts diagrams to outlines (similar to Inspiration)
2. StoryRobe (free) tutorials available here
3. StoryKit (free)
4. SonicPics (free light version, $2.99 full version) Video Tutorial
5. Stories2Learn ($13.99) Video Tutorial The video tutorial also explains how to transfer pictures from your computer to your iOS device. Watch this video to see how one mother created a social story for her son using Stories2Learn
6. Pictello ($14.99) 

If you have an iOS device, these are apps you will definitely want to explore in your classroom to address the needs of your students. Let me know what you think or if you have additional suggestions.

Additional Resources 
Digital StoryTelling with the iPad
Digital StoryTelling - Ten computer based tools

Fun and Games

Think about your recent learning. What was the setting? Were you alone or in a group? Was it a self selected topic or a session or workshop that you were mandated to attend? Did you share the experience with others? Did you feel stressed or joyful? Did you have "aha" moments that you wanted to discuss with others? 

Brain research tells us that when the fun stops, learning often stops too. - Judy Willis

Support Good Teaching Practices with Neuroscience

Most children can't wait to start kindergarten and approach the beginning of school with awe and anticipation. Kindergartners and 1st graders often talk passionately about what they learn and do in school. Unfortunately, the current emphasis on standardized testing and rote learning encroaches upon many students' joy. In their zeal to raise test scores, too many policymakers wrongly assume that students who are laughing, interacting in groups, or being creative with art, music, or dance are not doing real academic work. The result is that some teachers feel pressure to preside over more sedate classrooms with students on the same page in the same book, sitting in straight rows, facing straight ahead.

Read what Dr. Judy Willis, neurologist turned middle school teacher, has to say in her book, The Neuroscience of Joyful Learning. And who knows? You just might inspire this type of reaction in your classroom:

Additional brain research which reveals the necessity of joyful experiences as prerequisites to learning can be found here and here.