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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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Blogs on 1:1 Implementation

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Free iPad Apps to Teach Current Events

Monica BurnsMay 17, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Current Events, Open Education Resources, Technology Integration, All Grades

My students use their iPads as creators every day, whether they are recording their thoughts, using virtual tools or publishing authentic assessments. Content can be both created and consumed using an iPad, and my students take on both roles. There are abundant resources for content consumption, and these apps can be used to teach current events. Many schools are increasing their use of informational and multimedia texts in order to align their instruction to the Common Core Learning Standards. It's important to acknowledge that current events are more than just articles in a newspaper. There are a variety of free iPad apps that students and teachers can use to access high-interest texts and video clips that will connect your classroom to the world.

Free Apps to Support Vocabulary Acquisition by ELLs

Monica BurnsMay 8, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, English-Language Learners, Primary (K-2), Upper Elementary (3-5), English Language Arts

One of my favorite aspects of integrating technology into instruction is the availability of resources to support students with different learning needs. Students who are struggling can benefit from the excitement and engagement offered by a tool like the iPad. Teachers of English-Language Learners (ELLs) can use technology to promote growth in their students. Developing a strong vocabulary is an important area of focus for ELLs who are building their reading comprehension. Educators use a variety of strategies to grow readers in their classroom, and there are many free iPad apps that support vocabulary acquisition.

Introducing Mobile Technology Into Your Classroom: Structures and Routines

Monica BurnsApril 10, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Best Practices, Classroom Management, Mobile Learning, Technology Integration

It can be intimidating to try something new in your classroom. This is especially true with technology. I believe that technology should make the work of teachers easier while creating an environment that excites and engages students. Even though I'm coming from an iPad classroom, these structures and routines are great for introducing all one-to-one devices.

School Leaders: Guiding Teachers into the Digital Age

Anne OBrienMarch 26, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Professional Development, All Grades

We all know that leadership is important in education. Without strong leadership, education initiatives tend to crash and burn. Consider professional learning. Leadership is one of Learning Forward's seven Standards for Professional Learning -- evidence-based standards that outline the characteristics of professional learning that lead to effective teaching practices and improved student learning.

Top Five iPad Apps for Teaching Across All Content Areas

Andrew MarcinekFebruary 26, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Free School Supplies, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Ever since I was a kid, I loathed back to school commercials. They always showed parents gleefully skipping through aisles of pencils and notebooks as the kids, sullen and dejected, sluggishly followed along. It's a scene we are all too familiar with, and one that creates a negative stigma around school. But what if that scene were flipped? What if the kids were happy and eager to get to school? Is that possible after roughly 90 days of sun and fun? It is, and at Burlington Public Schools, we have seen it over the past two years during our iPad launches at the high school and middle school.

Create Engaging Presentations with Free iPad Apps

Monica BurnsFebruary 12, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Classroom Technology, Open Education Resources, Technology Integration, All Grades

If you are tired of PowerPoint and Keynote, it's easy to change up your normal routine. As much as I love these presentation tools, it's important to keep my audience engaged, and often a quick deviation from the usual is the perfect trick.

There are so many fantastic free iPad apps that are great for the classroom. Whether you have access to a single iPad that you use to create presentations for your students, or your students are creating their own presentations in a 1:1 classroom, you'll want to add these to your must-have list!

Edward ChenFebruary 6, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Parental Involvement, , Technology Integration, Middle (6-8)

Part of a building successful 1:1 program is building partnerships with the entire school community, especially parents. At The Nueva School (and possibly at your school, too), we have found that some parents may have inadvertently relinquished their parental authority when it comes to all things digital. Here's a reflection from one of our parents:

Five Reasons I Love Using QR Codes in My Classroom

Monica BurnsJanuary 23, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Classroom Technology, Media Literacy, Mobile Learning, Technology Integration

There are so many tools that educators can use to get students interested and engaged in their work. Like most teachers today, I integrate technology into my instruction everyday. I'm lucky to work in a school with one-to-one technology and use iPads with my students throughout every school day. That makes it easy to use QR codes in my classroom -- and there are many reasons I love using QR codes!

Four Free Assessment Apps for 1:1 Classrooms

Monica BurnsJanuary 4, 2013

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Classroom Technology, Open Education Resources, Teacher Development

One-to-one technology can transform a classroom. When implemented correctly, students are engaged and excited to learn, and teachers can assess their progress in real-time. The amount of technology resources available for educators can be overwhelming.

Whether your students regularly visit a computer lab, borrow a cart of laptops, or have access to a class set of iPads, there are a variety of assessment tools that are free and customizable. These online resources can be used before, during, and after a daily lesson or semester-long unit.

Using Technology to Reach Unreachable Students

Ben JohnsonDecember 10, 2012

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Mobile Learning, All Grades

The iPad made a transformation in John's learning demeanor. Where once his attitude blared, "I dare you to teach me!" now it screams, " Teach me more!" Wouldn't that be a great story to be able to tell? It would be solid proof that technology transforms learning and teaching (this is the motto of our school this year). Unfortunately, these types of examples are rare. What we have typically seen up to now with the computer revolution, is a temporary interest piqued by an engaging program or computer game, but then followed by a general disinterest.