Hot School Tech Gadgets

So, all the buzz this school kick off season was not shoes, not backpacks,but tablets. And let's be honest here it's also been about Apple's iPad. Truth be known, I an posting for the first time right now from my very own iPad.

The million dollar question could be "Is the iPad going to be a game changer?" The easy answer is yes. I think that "yes" sells short the magic behind the iPad in the classroom. However elaborating on just what makes that magic is much harder...

The size - Easily my favorite aspect. I've lost my iPad on my desk underneath a single sheet of paper! It's lighter than each and every textbook that my student's are issued in my school.

Ed apps - Yup, this will be a game changer. Key word, WILL. While several great apps for learning exist, we have yet to see many topics even approached. Plus there is a flood of crap apps out there. Apps for Ed might not yet sell me on the $500 model just yet.

Sex appeal - Yes again. Kids want them, they require little to no IT time and a less expensive than most laptops purchased every day in very school in the US.

thoughts?

Oh yea, beats iGoogle hands down...

Rim Country Camp Video

All of us at Rim Country Camp are excited about summer 2012 where we will be kicking off our adventures designed especially for International School Students. Here is a little test Video that we made to show off the great locations that the camp will go to. Later this summer, we will debut some real videos with the team doing the adventures.

Summertime Reading

I've been M.I.A. for a great stretch of time now, but I'm ready for summer and a new approach in the fall. With new technology in hand and a clear focus for next school year, I'm always looking forward.

Things to read about this summer: 

 - Teaching Boys Who Struggle in School: Strategies That Turn Underachievers into Successful Learner
 

Cell Phone Use In Schools

NPR's All Things Considered story on Cell Phone Use among all teens. We're now above 75% daily users.

A. This begs many questions. Should we stop banning cell phones from Class?
B. How could we use cells in class?
C. How could they be used to be environmentally friendly?
D. Who has a strong argument against their class use?

I, for one, want to rid our schools of expensive, wasteful, useless paper planners. The cell phone can do the same thing and better.


Thoughts?