update on subtext

The other day I got an update for my subtext and it states it now does pdf files.  This is a huge jump for me in that it allows me to scan a copy of work into a pdf file to use in the classroom.  I have several books on activities that can be done in a center and this application will allow me to use these activities so I do not use as much paper as I normally do.  I see it as a way of cutting down on students loosing their work and its there if a student is absent.  I can also assign them a worksheet via this program so they work a few problems and turn it in.
I am still working on getting some activities using subtext ready for the next school year.  I have a web page with questions and a video attached to the reading.  I am thinking of having a few problems associated with the reading so students can practice what they just learned.  In the mean time I have a couple programs I am going to test to make a podcast type presentation to go with the material.  I hope to start with those on Monday so I can report back. 
Once school begins, I can let you know who it all works out.  We all know that what we hope happens does not always happen.

More on centers

I have been giving some serious thought to using iPads with centers.  I have a book with printed instructions for using centers in Algebra I and ll, geometry and pre-algebra.  I can scan the various activities into PDF form.  If I have an app on the iPad that allows the students to read and write the answers on the file, they can then send it off to me so that I can grade it.  By using centers, I can increase their group activities and hopefully decrease their dependence on me. I look forward to trying this.  If I store the pdf files in the school wiki, I can use a QR code to send them to the proper page, provide instructions and any additional information.  I am trying to change the main focus from teacher oriented to student oriented.

Flipped classroom

I just read an infographic on ways to flip your classroom and many of the suggestions do not require that my students watch a video on the internet.  This opens more opportunities for me to be able to flip my classroom.  Many of my students do not have internet at home and have a limited data plan so they cannot watch videos on their mobile devices.  I feel stupid for not knowing I could have them interview a parent to see where math fits into their job, or read a blog, or write something or even visit the library to find information.  I am glad to have options because my students would get bored watching a video all the time.  If it involved reading up on a topic, maybe I ask students to install certain apps on their mobile devices so they can take the work home to do on the device and then put the answer in a QR code to return to me.  Ohhh the possibilities.  Homework could become more mobile......LOL

Three apps

I have three apps I just downloaded from the apps store and I will be working with them to decided if I can use them in my classes and if I can plan ahead by making presentations, etc to use with them.  I am mostly thinking of the best way to use them.
The nearpad application which allows the teacher to share a presentation, quiz, etc with the students and actually be synchronized with student iPads so you swipe and it changes the page on their iPad.  One concern is giving a quiz during the time.  I think I would place that towards the end so each student has the chance to work at their own pace.  What impressed me simply is that you can try nearpad using your pc or mac instead of another iPad or iPod.  It worked quite well.
The ask3 app states that you can turn the ipad into an interactive white board with sound recording etc.  When I investigated it, it appears I can only set it up for one class and cannot carry the material over to the next semester.  The company stated they are working on that feature.
Subtext is a lovely app that allows you to pull in a worksheet, reading or book, add questions, notes, etc so that it becomes an interactive experience and helps the student improve their reading.  I can see using it for word problems and for material out of the book.  At this point in time, it does not do pdfs but they hope to have the app use pdfs come fall.  You have to convert the pdf to epubs first.
Now that I know about these apps, I can figure out how to incorporate them into my lesson plans but first I have to convince the tech dept that I need my iPad on the wireless system so I can use them. 

Neat app for word problems.

Found a new app called Subtext.  It allows you to take a book or web page or document and layer things like questions, quizzes, assignments, etc to make it more educational than just reading.  Right now they do not do PDF's but they are working on it and hope to have that facet available by next school year.  I've heard great things about it and it seems to be mostly used for literature or reading.  I tried to think of where I could use this actual application in my math classroom and at first thought about worksheets.  Once they get the PDF feature up and running that would be a possibility but this morning, it hit me.  Word Problems.  Most of my students take the numbers provided in the word problem and guess the operation, hoping for the correct answer.  If I used word problems with this application I could incorporate the KWC  (What do I want to know, what do I need to find and what considerations or special conditions do I need to keep track of).  This is something I could easily layer into the material.   Honestly I do not do enough on word problems and this could give me a tool to help them practice doing word problems.