Welcome!

Welcome to 13 things for iPad!  During this training you will participate by completing and blogging about 13 things that will make you more efficient in the use of iPads in an instructional setting.  At the completion of this course, you will receive 7 hours of professional development credit.

This course has been designed to increase the proficiency of all teachers and staff in the use of the iPad as an instructional tool.  You will practice using the iPad to communicate research, create, collaborate, and engage.

Throughout this series of 13 blog posts, you will read information, watch video demonstrations, find and create sample projects online, communicate with other learners, and immerse yourself in the world of iPads.  After each activity, you will reflect on what was learned and produced through your own original blog post. You will also discuss how you can use your new knowledge to transform your instructional environment. 

Watch this brief video to get a better understanding of how technology is changing the face of education.

(source: www.thecenterofthenet.com)

Now that we are all on the same page, let’s get started.  You will find an outline of the course below. 

Course Outline:

• Thing 1: Creating Your Blog
• Thing 2: Workflow - Get Off My iPad
• Thing 3: Productivity - iWork
• Thing 4: Photo Editing
• Thing 5: Digital Storytelling with iMovie
• Thing 6: Screencasting with Educreations
•  Thing 7: GarageBand for iPad
• Thing 8: Research & Inquiry
• Thing 9: Collaboration
• Thing 10: Copyright, Fair Use, and Creative Commons
• Thing 11: Planning and Designing iPad Lessons
• Thing 12: Evaluating iPad Lessons
• Thing 13: Reflection

**Please note that in order to successfully complete this course, you will need to have a basic understanding of iPads (powering on and off, closing apps, etc.).  If you are unfamiliar with the device, please consider the following options:

1. Complete the iPad Basics professional development course that is being offered by the Instructional Technology Department.
2. Commit to reveiwing resources (articles, videos, blogs, etc.) that will aid you as you complete this course.

Should you have any difficulties while you are completing this course you can contact your course facilitator using one of the following options:

• Email your facilitator directly using the contact information listed in the PD registration/confirmation email that you received.  
•  Leave a note in the “Help” page discussion within this course.  Please note that this section will be checked frequently, and it is the quickest way to get in touch with your course facilitator.

Have fun learning, and happy blogging!