iPads

The staff spent time in the holidays experimenting (playing really) with the iPads as a followup to a session we attended at the end of last term. Now they are in hot demand, (the iPads, not the teachers) with everyone wanting to put in to practice what they have learnt. Over the last few days the junior classes have been taking photos and writing about them in an app called 'Story Kit', Some seniors have been making a promotional movie trailer about the school to go on the web and Piwakawaka are using them to put together presentations.
As I write this I see through the window a discussion between some students about the best place to take a photo with one of the iPads. There is an excited energy as they gather round and decide if the photo is up to scratch and if it fits the draft text they have written. It needs to be just right, as it's part of a presentation to the BOT!  It's this sort of enthusiasm that is a delight to behold and it comes not just from the technology itself but from the programmes the teachers have put in place to use the technology effectively.
This term will be an opportunity to implement what we know, learn more and continue to develop our skills with the iPads. It will form the basis of our ideas for where to next with technology in the school.
We hope to have the guidelines for BYOT (Bring your own technology) out towards the end of next week.
As with everything, if you have any ideas, feedback or concerns over the iPads and their use, please don't hesitate to be in touch.
I will put up some screen shots of the applications we have on them soon for those of you who are interested.