Using the iPad in Maths

I find it extremely fascinating to watch Grade 6 students using their iPads in a maths lesson. At the start of the lesson students use the iPad for a quick quiz or a challenge activity to figure out a problem set by the teacher. They then download from Managebac the teachers Powerpoint in PDF and open it in Notability on their iPad.

They start taking notes simultaneously while the teacher is explaining the Math problem on the whiteboard. Once the problem is understood the students then start solving the questions in Notability and save the work in their Math folder for future reference.

If a student has finished solving a problem the teacher then asks them to reflect their solution through Airplay on the whiteboard and it is really good to see a discussion between students and the teacher. I have found this method of learning to encourage some of the quieter students to participate and reflect their answers on the whiteboard.

Another way students use their iPad in Math is by downloading graph paper from the Internet in a PDF format and open it in Notability. This saves time for the teacher and students in drawing the axis and numbering it. Based on the math question they then plot the points on the graph and draw a straight line in Notability at the bottom of the screen and then cut and place it correctly on the graph.

It is encouraging to see the iPad used differently in a Maths lesson and not just for its use as a calculator.

Use of basic Apple features on the iPad

Two weeks ago, I was asked by the Upper school EAL teacher to come in during one of her lessons and show her students how to use some basic features on the iPad. I spent an hour showing students how to use notes, timer, keyboards in different languages, annotating images, upload work to Google drive, how to use the reader function for their research in safari and enable the speak function in accessibility.

Today in conversation with the EAL teacher it was good to know that the students were actually using some of the features I had gone through with them in their classes. This got me thinking that if students were properly trained in the use of mobile devices even the basic apps on the iPad could make a difference in their learning. 

I am a strong believer that if students are given direction in the use of apps and how to fully utilise its potential in their learning, it not only builds their confidence, but in the long run both students and teachers benefit in a classroom environment.