iTunes U

HOW:  I will be using iTunes U course builder for the ADDIE model project.  My students currently use the iPad.  Having the option of intergrating iTunes U into the classroom is just a natural fit.



WHAT:  Not sure how to answer this part of the question but I will take the opportunity to explain my plan for using ITunes U.  The course will be designed around the first unit that my student participate in. iTunes U allows me to create an environment where everything the student needs for the assignment is located.  The worksheets, directions, dues dates, quizzes, links and resources are all located in a central location that can be accessable through the students iPad. 



WHY:  I decided to use iTunes U course builder because I have used it before.  I am far from comfortable with it, but my experience has demonstrated the vast possiblities that iTunes U can provide.

Lifecard App

Review of iPad App.

As I mentioned in my previous post, my students will be using several iPad apps. to complete the ADDIE model project.  The app. I chose to review is the Lifecards app.  You can check out the app at http://goo.gl/EJfYe

Lifecards allows the user to create a digital postcard with their device.  The app is a great way to express your ideas, experiences and share photos.  The app cost 1.99 and though there are several free apps that have the same idea, non of them allow you to be as creative with such easy.  The term user-friendly is often thrown around in the world of technology but with Lifecards it is a perfect description.  The app has a large variety of themes to chose from so every postcard can be personalized to the occasion.

After picking the theme that fits your needs, you chose the layout of the digital postcard.

 After choosing the layout you simply click on the image area of the postcard and create or insert you image.

You can insert images from Facebook, your photo library, take a picture on the spot, surf the web or drawl your own.  The possibilities are endless.

The editing options seem endless.  Using standard iPad gestures you can minimize or enlarge photos, change the layout, alter the image and adjust the style of each aspect of the digital card.  Amazing!

Insert the text, adjust to your liking and share.  My students will be using the app to create a digital postcard from both the perspective of the Greeks and Persians during the Persian Wars.  Now instead of just writing about the conflicts, students can pretend they are there, sending home Lifecards to their loved ones, describing what they see, feel and hear as history unfolds around them.

Action Map

My action map is centered around the student creation of a digital story about the Persian Wars.  The story will be the culminating event of a unit on the Persian War.  The goal of the unit is to develop an understanding of the impact of war on its people.  Though the class will be learning about ancient history there are many parallels between the modern world and ancient world of the Greeks.  The steps involved sure up each activity and are implemented in a manner that will develop a sound foundation of the content while continuing to address the curricular standards.

Action Map