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.

Hands on equations lite

When I first downloaded this app and opened it I was a bit disappointed with it because it only had a video for each of the three levels.  All other functions were locked and you have to pay for an upgrade if you want access to all the functions.  After some thought, I decided it is not a bad thing.  I watched the the first video and liked the way it used a pawn and a balance scale to explain solving for the variable.  This gives students a new way to view the process and it is a way to differentiate my instruction.  In addition, I can have students rematch the video as many times as they need.  Hmmm I could use this app as part of a center.
I know they use centers in elementary school but not as much in high school.  I just realized I could use many of these apps as part of a centers set up.  I have a classroom set of iPads that I could set up into centers using the app.  I would have to arrange for instructions that would have students do more than just watch the video.  They might have to answer questions, do some of the problems out of the video.
If you have used mobile devices as part of centers, I would love to hear from you.

Thoughts on the volume app

I have given some thought to the best way to use the volume app I mentioned a few blogs ago.  The videos are well done but it has a mechanical voice which may make my students dislike the videos  I am going to create a set of questions to answer as they watch the videos  This way they have to actually pay attention to what is being watched.  I am also going to include some problems based on the material in the videos so they have to attempt to work some problems to see if they understand the process. When they are done, they can check a QR code to see if they get the answers correct.  I am going to use those QR codes more often beginning in the fall. 
I am now on holidays but will spend the summer actually writing lesson plans and units with more integration of the iPad.  As I come up with ideas and plans, I"ll share the information with my readers.  I will be starting Monday and hope to post something from then.

App for teaching volume

I found a nice little app called Geometry: Volume of solids lite.  It has short videos explaining volume for rectangular prism, cylinder, sphere, pyramid and cone, the most common shapes our students are required to learn.  I downloaded it last night and plan to check it out over the weekend so I can give a more accurate review.  I watched a bit of the pyramid one and it had a 3 dimensional representation of the shape that turned around so students get a full look at all sides of it.  The introduction takes time to show how they derive the volume formulas for the shapes.  The best thing of all is that this is a free app.  I plan to explore other apps by this person.
Last day to get the book free.

idea for teaching 30/60/90 triangles.

I am going on memory right now and will do some additional research this summer but I seem to recall something on iTunes university about math in nature. This series shows real life examples of math in nature.  Then they go on to show the mathematics behind it.  I recall watching the episode on nautilus and if I remember correctly, it used 30/60/90 triangles.  I am thinking I can show the episode on the nautilus and the math behind it.  I can then have them create their own nautalis on the geoboard app on my iPad.  This would happen toward the end of the triangle section.
I am adding to this as I was grading papers after having read a bit on fractions and realized I can use the Geoboard app to have students create representations for fractions such as what is 1/3 or 1/3 x 1/2.  I  can also use it to show the distributive property and multiplication of binomials.  This opens more uses of the app for me.

I should be letting you know on Monday when I am offering my e-book for free.