Unit 1:What is an iPad? What are apps?
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Learning Objective
· Educators will be able to understand basic functions of an iPad.
· Educators will understand applications.
· Educators will locate and explore the app store.
Unit Overview and Expectations
In this unit, you are going to learn about the basic functions of an iPad. There will be readings, as well as videos that will help you understand how to use an iPad. This unit is also going to discuss applications. You are going to learn what an application is and how to get to the app store to learn about applications.
I expect everyone to be paying attention. This information is important to help you be successful throughout the mini-course. This information is important when it comes to bringing iPads into your classroom. You are the holder of knowledge. You will need to know how to teach children how to use the iPads and different applications we are going to learn about.
At the end of this unit, we will break up into small groups. As small groups, we will explore the iPad and the app store. After having time in small groups, we will come back into a large group discussion. The large group discussion will consist of applications that you found that could be beneficial to our students learning in physical education, and what are some benefits you see iPads having in our classrooms. You will also have time to ask questions in regards to what we have learned so far.
Unit Content
What is an iPad?
"Well, to some, it means a device that combines the best features of a notebook or netbook computer and an iPod touch, wrapped up in a gorgeous, ultrathin, light-as-a-feather package. Apple claims it's the best way to experience the Web, e-mail, photos, and video.
And, with its 9.7-inch, LCD-backlit Multi-Touch screen; up to 10 hours of battery life; and the availability of Apple's iPad-optimized versions of Apple's iWork productivity suite of apps (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote), it looks like you'll be able to do real work without lugging around 10 pounds of laptop computer, charger, spare batteries, and such.
The iPad uses an on-screen soft-keyboard like the iPhone or iPod touch; but there's an optional, full-size keyboard available. And because the iPad has built-in Bluetooth 2.1, it works with the Apple Wireless Keyboard, as well."(Dummies.com)
How to use an iPad
What is an application (App)?
"Apps is an abbreviation for application. An app is a piece of software. It can run on the Internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device. The word "app" is a more modern usage, but this is really the same thing as a program" (Karch, n.d.).
How to Use the App Store
"To get to your App Store simply tap your home button and search through your home screen until you find the “App Store” icon. The “App Store” icon is a blue letter “A”; a graphic made from two pencils and a ruler.Once you’re in the App Store you’ll find a main menu at the bottom that breaks down applications into buttons, such as: Featured; Categories; Top 25; Search; and Updates; making your application search easier" (Learnitanytime.com).
Learning Activities
Activity 1
- In smaller groups (2 or 3 members), I want you to explore the iPad.
- Get use to the controls of the iPad.
- Locate, and explore the app market (especially the education category).
- Look for apps that could be beneficial to your classroom.
Activity 2
In a large group, we are going to have a discussion that includes:
- How the iPad can be useful in your lessons.
- Benefits you see from using the iPad.
- How the iPad can benefit students.
- Interesting applications your group found.
- Questions?
Unit References
Baig, E., & LeVitus, B. (n.d.). IPad For Dummies. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/ipad-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html
Karch, M. (n.d.). What Are Apps? - Definition and Examples. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://google.about.com/od/a/g/apps_def.htm
IPad Tutorial: A Beginners Guide. (2013, January 1). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.learnitanytime.com/1738/tutorial-beginners-guide-to-the-ipad/
What Is an iPad? (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-is-an-ipad.html
[Untitled app store image]. Retrieved 7 April 2015 from 
[Untitled app store image]. Retrieved 7 April 2015 from http://thirdiron.com/download/
[Untitled clipart image]. Retrieved 7 April 2015 from 