iPods in the Classroom...

Last year I decided to focus on numeracy apps because my school had professional development in Maths.  I really wanted children to practise their numeracy skills in many different ways.

This post is aimed more at a beginner level, as I know there are many of you out there already using these technologies in the classroom.

• It is really useful to sync all iPods to one school computer, so this makes it really easy to sync new apps and update the iOS (mobile operating system), on the iPods. 
• You could purchase different iPod skins and screen protectors (there's a variety on the market: Belkin Touch Screen Overlay, Cygnett Optic Clear...).  They're a bit like cover seal and protect the screens.  
• You could set up each iPod like this: iPod (school name) 1, iPod (school name) 2 and so on. 
• It's good to engrave each iPod, on the back, with the school name and iPod number.  

Suggestions for organising iPods for the class:
I searched the iTunes App store for a variety of maths apps that would suit a range of abilities.  I also talked to the children and parents, as many of them were using some good apps at home on their own iPods/iPads.

At this stage I avoided apps that required children to use an Apple ID to login to the Games Center or a Wireless connection.  Last year my wireless internet connection was unreliable and due to earthquake damage will likely be the same this year.

In most cases I purchased and downloaded the full app.  A lot of apps have a free version/lite version then a full version that you can purchase.  I avoided the free maths apps, as the children in my class discovered you could only access some of the levels in the game.

Be aware that many apps need updating, so you do need a wireless connection for this.  A red arrow will appear on your iPod screen, on the 'App Store' icon.

This is what the screen looks like in iTunes, click on the iPod under DEVICES and then click 'Apps.'  If you untick the box next to the app, i.e you don't want it on the iPod anymore and click the bottom right 'Apply,' the app will be removed from the iPod.  If you want the app back on the iPod, re-tick the box, then click apply.  I've got the bottom ticked 'Automatically sync new apps.'  You can also remove an iPod app by clicking the app on the iPod's screen, a black cross will show up, if you click this it will remove the app. 

A snapshot showing how I organised some of the maths games.  Any with a strong multiplication and division focus went into the 'Times & Div' folder, other games focusing on a combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division went into 'Maths Games.'

Inside the 'Math Games' folder.  There are two ways to make a folder, if you are new to this the easiest way:  When the iPod has loaded under DEVICES, in iTunes, click on the iPod, then along the top bar, next to Summary click on 'Apps.'  Drag one maths game and put this on top of another.  The screen, like the above, will open.  You can name your folder. If you don't want the app in the folder, just drag it out of the folder and this will remove it from the folder.