Our district is fortunate to have over 300 iPads in service among the various campuses. The operating system that powers iPads, iPods, and iPhones is known as iOS. Apple released its latest update for iOS earlier this month. It is numbered 7.1.1, and if you have not yet installed this update, please take time to do this. Having the latest software will guarantee that your device works as it should and is not vulnerable to identified bugs and security issues.
To get the update, simply choose Settings from the iPad home screen
Select General > Software Update
Then select Download and Install. The iPad will need to be charged and connected to WiFi for this update to download and install. The unit will restart during this process.
Finding the Right App
Because Apple’s App Store contains over 1 millions apps, it is often difficult to find the most appropriate app for your needs and for the needs of your students. The non-profit organization Common Sense Media is a great place to find advice on using technology with children and their Graphite site offers a tool for finding the best apps to complement lessons, activities, and to address specific skills.
Common Sense Media also offers a tool called Common Core Standards Explorer, which allows you to find an app based on the state standard that you need to address with your teaching.
According to Graphite, the best iPad apps for ages 2-6:
Peek-a-Zoo by Duck Duck Moose
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Play at Home With Daniel
Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad
Reading Rainbow
Starfall Learn to Read
DragonBox Algebra 5+
Toca Hair Salon 2
Barefoot World Atlas
Toontastic
Where’s My Water?
Ages 7-12
Google Earth
Minecraft- Pocket Edition
Stack the States
World of Goo
The Free Dictionary by Farlex
SkyView- Explore the Universe
GarageBand
Notability
Scribblenauts Remix
Ages 13-17
Algebra Touch
Evernote
Procreate
ArtStudio – Draw, Paint, and Edit Photo
HISD Tech Notes 