Category: iPad

ashley brown kayaking
Assessment, Checkout Equipment, Innovative Instruction, iPad, Pedagogy, Tech Happens! Un-Grant, TLT, Video

Guest Post: Using Video In-Class Assessment Under Water!

Mendi Benigni

Our guest blogger is Ashley Brown from Health and Human Performance.  In January Ashley was awarded an Ungrant for an iPod touch.  Her goal was to film her kayaking students while they learn to paddle to help critique their performance and allow them to improve.  Not only is this an interesting experiment into real-time assessment but also into exploring the waterproofing options for tablets and phones.  There are many departments, such as the sciences and education, that can benefit from her trials with using the waterproof cases in the field.  

I won an iPod Touch from the Ungrant through TLT!!

The Goal

My main objective is to video students paddling during their Coastal Kayaking class and give them feedback on their strokes and maneuvers using the Coach my Video app. 

The Challenge

My first challenge was the hardware.  The iPod does not like to work when it is wet.  I have it in a waterproof case and a life jacket to keep it floating, but when I swiped my wet hands over the wet surface the machine just ignored me.  Believe it or not I took it out two times before it occurred to me that the machine doesn’t work when wet, it won’t work when the waterproof case is wet, it won’t work when my hands are wet…so I’m still trying to figure out how to stay dry when I’m wet.   I haven’t tried filming under water, but plan to when it warms up – by then I hope to have solved the ‘dry when wet’ problem

Then, after washing my face one might, I had a revelation; if a towel could dry my face…although I still haven’t figured out how to keep the towel dry.

The iPod is still not a big fan of wet hands, and it is hard to get them completely dry.

The Outcome

I had luck videoing the students and using the Coach my Video app to show them their work. However, I didn’t want to waste class time discussing each video individually, and still haven’t found an easily accessible way to project the video for the whole class to watch.  So my next challenge is to send them their own assessed video. 

I’m enjoying the new technology, and the challenge of using it in an environment where one of the first things I say to students  is, “Lock your electronics in your car if you don’t want to lose them or ruin them!” is ongoing…maybe a really big ziplock bag…I mean really big.

Side note from TLT

We’ll keep following Ashley’s progress as she works through some of these issues.  Check back to see the resolutions and more on student outcomes!  TLT has longterm iPad minis and two waterproof cases available in our Checkout Equipment if you are interested in trying something like this in your classes.

screenshot of iPhone on a Mac
iPad, Mobile, Share, TLT, Video

Record a Screencast of your iPad/iPhone from your Mac for Free!

Mendi Benigni

This is for all my Mac users running Yosemite (OS 10.10).  Here’s a handy tip that you may not know that allows you to record what you are doing on your iPad or iPhone to a movie that you can share with your students or others.   In the past we’ve been able to do this by purchasing additional software such as AirServe or Reflector but these cost money (not a lot $14-$19) and they didn’t work on our CofC secured network.  Now if you are running the newest Mac OS 10.10 you can do this using only the USB cable you use to charge your phone and the built-in Quicktime Player.

Here’s a quick rundown:

1)  Connect your iPad or iPhone to your computer using the USB to lightning cable.

2)  On your computer launch QuickTime and select File > New Movie Recording from the menu bar.

3)  Choose your iPad or iPhone from the dropdown menu next to the record button.

4)  Press the record button to record.

5)  Press it again to stop recording.

6)  Choose File > Save to save the video recording.

Here’s a better way to understand what to do:

Now remember, this will only work with Macs running Yosemite and iOS devices that use the lightning connection. I hope this helps the Mac folks. For all you Windows users, if you have this need then contact your Instructional Technologist for assistance.

Score Keeper Screenshot
Assessment, iPad, Mobile, Tech Generation

Track Your Teams with Score Keeper by Learning Dojo

Amy Ostrom

Score Keeper – What is it and how can I use it?

Platform – iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad
Price – free in the App Store (NOTE: this is listed as an iPhone app)
Download – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/score-keeper-by-learning-dojo/id954956153?mt=8 

Overview

Using Team Based Learning or Gaming in your classroom?  Having a hard time easily keeping or resetting the score? Score Keeper will not only help you to add up or detract points from 2 teams, but it also allows  you to reset the score with one touch.  When a team gains or loses a point the app will comment with encouragement or gentle teasing. (Yes, you have the option to silence the app if you’d like!).  Simple to use and ready to go, Score Keeper will help you keep track of those points!  Game on!

Score Keeper Screenshot

 

plickers, clickers simplified
Assessment, Collaboration, Google Apps, iPad, Pedagogy, TLT

Paper + Clickers = Plickers: an easy way to add interaction to your classes

Mendi Benigni

Clickers (or audience response systems) are a great way to check for understanding, poll students’ opinions, and even give quizzes.  Normally it requires the students to have a purchased clicker such as iClicker or Turning Point or a phone, tablet or computer for use with software like Poll Everywhere.  Either way, there is an investment of some type and this may make those of you new to polling a bit nervous.  Well now there is an easy and investment-free way to get started with clickers in your class.  It’s called Plickers (Paper Clickers).  Thanks to Tamara Kirshtein in Teacher Education for sharing this with TLT.

Plickers requires only the professor to have a phone or tablet with a camera and the students to have, you guessed it, paper clickers.   Here’s how it works:

example of a picker card

 

  1. Professor goes to Plicker.com and sets up a class (free).
  2. Professor prints out the free Plicker cards and distributes one to each student (up to 63 students).
  3. Professor asks a question in class.
  4. Students hold up their cards with the right answer at the top.
  5. Professors uses the Plicker app (Android and Apple) to take pictures of the class.
  6. Plicker records all the answers and displays a graph.

 

With Plicker you can:plicker class view

  • Poll your class
  • Check for understanding
  • Tie a specific card to a student’s name and give quizzes
  • Display results in a live view in real time
  • Save data to review later

With Plicker you can’t:

  • Use it with a class larger than 63
  • Export the data for use in OAKS or other applications
  • Ask open-ended questions

 

It’s fast and easy to use.  It’s not as robust as some of the other applications like iClickers or Poll Everywhere but it’s a great way to get some of the benefits quickly and easily with very little investment.  Print out your cards and get started today.

Class Using Plicker

 

Resource: http://plickers.com

three people talking about iPads and Airsketch
1-1-1, Collaboration, Faculty Technology Institute, iPad, Mobile, Presentation, TLT

Guest Post: Using the iPad and AirSketch for In-class Activities and to Facilitate Discussions

Mendi Benigni

Our guest blogger is Faye Hicks-Townes, a faculty member in Teacher Education.

I was a participant in the Summer 2013 Summer FIT.  Initially I was overwhelmed with the sheer number of available apps. Although I must admit I was impressed with AirSketch when I first saw it.  I wasn’t certain how I would use it in class, but I was attracted to the freedom it provided.  I could present, discuss, and highlight material without being tethered to the computer. I have used AirSketch in two types of assignments, a primary source analysis paper and in-class assignments requiring visual representations.

I am teaching a class that requires the use of primary documents for a writing assignment. Students are required to read and interpret primary source materials to respond to questions on the history of education in Charleston and the Lowcountry.  To help introduce my students to this type of material and I wanted to work with them as a group to facilitate discussion.  AirSketch fit this role perfectly.  The primary documents the students are using are located at the Avery Center and available on line in digital format.  I was able to download some of the material to use in class.  The material includes diaries, interviews, and minutes.  Many are handwritten. After downloaded examples, I was able to take pictures of the documents to share with students by using AirSketch.  To use AirSketch, I just had to open the app and type in the displayed URL into the computer in the classroom.  It was very easy and quick.  I then chose the document that I wanted to use.  Once I had the document up on the screen, I could walk through it with my students.  It was also easy to select a writing tool to highlight or circle specific information for discussion.  As the students asked questions or responded, I was able to give them my tablet so that they could also highlight or circle information.  The students did not have to get up from their seats and go to the front of the class.  They could respond, ask questions, or discuss while highlighting or even writing on the material on the screen.  I liked being able to focus on sections of documents by highlighting and circling.  The students and I had clarity throughout the discussion and were able to easily address areas of concern.

Using the iPad’s camera and mini scan was easier than making copies for students and it was very useful in facilitating discussion.  The students were more involved and I found it easier to interact with them.

I plan to continue to use the app for classroom presentations.  It is very easy to use and that’s definitely a plus for me.

This spring I have also begun to use AirSketch for classroom activities.  When we discuss philosophies, theories, and perspectives, I often ask students to create a visual representation of their views or their interpretation of others’ views.  For instance, I may ask them to create a visual of behaviorism or progressivism. In the past I have used ELMO to display these visuals.  It was a hit or miss.  Sometimes it worked well, other times, not so well. Now I have begun to use AirSketch.  I can take a picture of the student’s visual and display it.  The student can, from his/her seat, discuss the visual, and even make changes as the discussion continues.  The students do not have to present from a finished product.  They can create as they explain their thoughts.  I have found that some students are more comfortable sharing when they do not have to stand before the class.

I am pleased with AirSketch because it is easy to use and an effective tool for discussion and presentation.  I’m certain I will continue to find uses for it in my classes.  The only drawbacks I have experienced now are not being able to zoom in on sections of the pictures.  At least I haven’t found out how to.  I would also like to be able to use the keyboard instead of the pen.  Overall, AirSketch has been a useful addition to my class.

Checkout Equipment, iPad, TLT

Product review: iPad Stylus

Laura Plotts

In my search for the perfect stylus I have tried  everything from a Dollar Store stylus to the $75.00 Jot Script.  Here is a list of Pros and Cons for 7 different stylus.  I used each of these on my iPad mini with a note taking app.  Click on the stylus name for an image and more information.

Boxwave  $8.00

PROS:

  • Perforated tip makes writing easy and no drag

  • Tip is replaceable

  • Length similar to a pen

  • Barrel of the stylus is hollow, which makes the stylus slightly lighter than some other  such as the Bamboo Stylus

CONS:

  • None

roocase $10.00

PROS:

  • Price

CONS:

  • Large sponge tip caused drag when writing

  • Short body. Similar to golf pencil

pogo sketch $15.00

PROS:

  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • Because body is so thin, my fingers tended to slide around

  • Short body. Similar to golf pencil

adonit Jot Classics $16.00

PROS:

  • Very different tip from other stylus. Not foam, but instead is a plastic tip which made for very easy writing with no drag

CONS:

  • Sound of plastic tip hitting the iPad glass was distracting
  • Having to always have to remove the cap to use the stylus.

pogo sketch pro $25.00 *Top pick

PROS:

  • Tapered body (not a standard pen or stylus body type)

  • Ergonomic grip kept fingers from sliding off stylus

  • Special (replaceable) tip makes it very easy to write with and no drag

CONS:

  • Price

Bamboo Stylus by Wacom  $28.00

PROS:

  • Tip is a good size for writing.  Feel like you  can write more precisely than with other  styluses.

CONS:

  • Attached pen clip – some may like this, but I thought it got in the way

  • Price

  • Length. Not quite as long as a pen.  More like a golf pencil in length.


Jot Script  $75.00

PROS:

  • Pixelpoint tip. Most like a pen than any other stylus I have tried so far

  • Works with Penultimate which is a note taking app I use along with Evernote

CONS:

  • Price

  • Relying on batteries

  • Much thicker than most stylus

  • Without constant use must turn it on before using

If you would like to test out a stylus yourself first before purchasing,  TLT does have all those tested above that you can checkout for 10 days except for the Jot Script.   To checkout, visit https://blogs.charleston.edu/tlt/technology/checkout-equipment/ 

Honorable Mention:

Walgreens stylus – At $5.00 I found it comparable with the $15.00 pogo sketch.  Pros:  price and because of how light it is there is no drag when writing.  Cons:  Short.  I prefer a stylus that is the same length of a pen.

Smith & Wesson Tactical Stylus – My favorite pen/stylus combo at $25.00.  Pros:  Length. I prefer a stylus that is the same length of a pen.  I like a pen/stylus combo.  Cons: a bit heavy and large tip causes it to drag on the screen a little more than others I had tested.

What is next for me? http://www.fiftythree.com/pencil

Do you have a stylus you recommend or not?  Let us know!

Screenshot of Playback app
Distance Ed, instructional technology, iPad, Mobile, Presentation, TLT

iPad Screencasting Apps to Create Demonstrations and Lectures

Mendi Benigni

With more people flipping their classrooms and teaching online screencasting has become a popular way to deliver content.  Screencasting is a video recording of what occurs on a computer screen.  Normally, computer screencasting apps will allow you to record anything that you do on the computer.  Screencasting on an iPad is slightly different.  Currently there is no app that records everything that you do on the iPad but there are apps that let you record many of the things that you would use in a lecture or a lesson.  Over the past few days I tested ten different screencasting apps (some paid, some free).  While they all allow for voice recording over a whiteboard many of them offered extra features that set them apart from each other.  I was looking for the ability to add presentations, images and files, a whiteboard, and overall flexibility.  The iPad Screencasting App Matrix is a full matrix of each app’s features, price and restrictions.  Below are the apps that I evaluated and my thoughts of each.  Keep in mind that this is my opinion.  I encourage you to choose a couple and try them yourself.

Playback – Screencast Creator for Dropbox (free)

Screenshot of Playback app
Image 1

Playback is a free screencasting app.  It’s primary focus is as a whiteboard app.  You can create a Playback session from an image or a PDF but you have to do it at the beginning, before you begin the recording.  You can’t add images or PDFs on the fly.  What I don’t like is that you have to open these PDFs and images from Dropbox or your iPad and then send them to Playback.  Playback also has the ability to record the camera on the iPad (see image 1).  It allows you to have the small camera image in the upper corner or you can have it display larger in the middle of the screen, which is a unique feature.  However, on playback, the video in the corner, shot from the camera, was way behind the audio and it was very distracting.

 

Explain Everything ($2.99)

Explain Everything screenshotThis is my personal favorite. It allows the most flexibility of any of the apps I looked at. You can import most any file type (doc(x), ppt(x), xls(x), pdf, jpg) which gives you so much freedom.  You can also insert a web browser that allows you some basic web navigating to allow you to show websites and discuss them.  You can also insert video and audio files.  All of these can be added on fly while recording the session.  Because it has so many features it is not as easy to use as some of the others and zooming and scrolling requires a special tool instead of just allowing you to pinch and stretch like other apps.  It does allow you to add a video recorded with the iPad camera but it’s not a constant recording like in Playback.  Overall, I think it’s worth the time to learn to use it.

ShowMe (free)

ShowMe ScreenshotShowMe is a simple to use app and is good for those who are wanting a whiteboard app for uses such as explaining math problems or diagramming.  You can only use the whiteboard feature and import images from the Camera Roll.  When it comes time to export and share you upload it to ShowMe’s public website.  This makes it easy to share with your students via a web link but it’s also available to anyone who goes to the public site.  I don’t like that you can’t import other formats or from anywhere else but the Camera Roll.  For me, I like an easy upload but I also like to have the option to save it to my Camera Roll so I can edit it if necessary.  One feature that I didn’t like was that the recording paused when I added an image.  I’m assuming this was to save recording time but the problem I encountered was remembering to turn the recording back on after I added the image.  I ended up annotating and speaking over the better part of a slide that didn’t record due to this feature.

Knowmia Teach (free)

Knowmia Teach ScreenshotKnowmia offers many of the same features in Explain Everything but with the iPad camera recording like in Playback.  There are several things I really like about this app.  First it is set up in Stages and you can record each stage or slide individually instead of recording straight through like in other apps.  There is also a area at the bottom where you can add additional items that you can bring into the session on the fly.  It’s feature rich and fairly easy to use.  My two complaints are as follows:  First, while free to both instructors and students, videos created with the student account are only kept on their server for 30 days then they disappear.  They are not downloadable so they can’t be kept.   Second, it kept freezing up on my.  I estimate it froze 10 times while trying to create a 5 slide session.

These are just a few of the apps that I tested out.  For a full listing of the features compared check out the iPad Screencasting App Matrix.  If you are interested in incorporating any of these apps into your course contact your Instructional Technologist.  We’re happy to help.

Dr. Reid Adams
1-1-1, Faculty Showcase, Faculty Technology Institute, instructional technology, iPad, TLT

Guest Post: Evernote and Remind101 for Teaching and Scholarship

Mendi Benigni

Our guest blogger is Reid Adams, an Assistant Professor in the Teacher Education Department.

During the 2013 FTI, we were introduced to a number of iPad applications and given tutorials on how they might be implemented into our courses and in a few case, our research. The applications all seemed interesting, convenient, and relatively easy to use. Some of the apps were specific to video editing (Splice, ScreenChomp), some to document editing (GoogleDrive,  and others to aid in the delivery of lessons (AirSketch, SyncPad) and apps used for organization and communicating with students (Remind101, EverNote, Dropbox). The next step was deciding which ones made the most sense to incorporate into existing courses I taught or current research projects.

I chose two apps to use based on a couple of existing needs. First, I was looking for a better way to organize the work I was doing on a couple of manuscripts being developed and an ongoing research project. Evernote seemed the obvious choice and I began using it as soon as the FTI ended. It allowed me merge a number of existing digital texts (notes from other iPad apps, articles for lit reviews, links to articles online, videos) into one central location. Better yet, I could take this collection anywhere with the iPad and also run the same application on my home and office computer while keeping all three synced. So far, this app (Evernote) has allowed me to streamline how I work on manuscripts and also allowed me a new tool to help keep texts organized for courses I teach. In short, the app allows for easy organizing.

The second app I chose was based on my effort to communicate more efficiently with my students and provide another level of access to them. I often teach field-based courses that don’t allow as much face time with students that one gets in traditional courses so I am always looking for new ways to interact with them. I decided to try Remind101. The app is fairly straight forward.  It allows you to send text messages to students. Most of us are aware that students spend a good bit of time texting and that many of them find texting more efficient than emailing. I used Remind101, along with email, to send students reminders about assignments in all courses but the app was really helpful in getting “last minute” messages to students when scheduling was disrupted or changed in field- based courses. These were instances when they may have not had access to email or they weren’t checking email regularly. With Remind101, they would receive a text (IM) from me and be alerted to it on their phones immediately. Students do have to register for the app to work but it is free and fairly easy to initialize. I informally surveyed all three courses and most students agreed that getting texts from me was much easier than having to check emails. I saw a slight bump in student evaluations regarding access and I feel like this additional tool probably helped.

Overall, the apps discussed in this post were very helpful. It was nice to find ones that applied to teaching as well as scholarship and I plan to continue using both. Since both apps are straightforward in their use and setup, I would encourage other faculty to give them a try.

Assessment, Collaboration, Faculty Showcase, Google Apps, Innovative Instruction, iPad, Mobile, Pedagogy, Research, Round Table Discussion, TLT, Web 2.0

Winter Roundtable Discussion Recap

Chris Meshanko

TLT’s latest roundtable session, on December 3, 2013, encouraged participants to explore five stations which focused on tools and best practices relating to research, assessment, and student learning.  TLT would like to recognize and thank Andrea DeMaria, Merissa Ferrara, Michael Hemphill, Mark Hurd, and Jessica Smith for presenting and sharing their experiences.

Below is a summary of the content delivered at each station:

 3 
Station 1 – Merissa Ferrara, Ph.D. | Department of Communication

Dr. Ferrara described how she used the app, “Scavenger Hunt With Friends Lite”, on the first day of class to establish a culture of collaboration, creativity, and acceptance.

Presentation Handout: Scavenger Hunt With Friends

2

Station 2 – Michael Hemphill, Ph.D. | Department of Health and Human Performance

Dr. Hemphill described how he uses the app, “Go Observe”, to evaluate students in both teaching methods and field experience courses. He also explained how his students use the “Observation, Analysis, and Recording System” (OARS) app to provide feedback to peers during student teaching.

Presentation Handout: Go Observe/OARS

1

Station 3 – Andrea DeMaria, Ph.D. | Department of Health and Human Performance

Dr. DeMaria described how she and her students use the app, “SoundNote”, to record notes that sync with the audio from a qualitative interview or focus group. Her students also use the app when taking notes during lecture.

Presentation Handout: SoundNote

4

Station 4 – Mark Hurd, Ph.D. | Department of Psychology

Dr. Hurd described how he uses the Web 2.0 tool, “Remind 101”, to alert students of upcoming assignments and exams via free text messages. He also shared how his students use the app, “Splice”, to create video documentaries on the various drug classes for Behavioral Pharmacology.

Presentation Handouts: Remind 101 | Splice | PSYC 386 Group Video Project

5

Station 5 – Jessica Smith, Ph.D. | Department of Communication 

Dr. Smith described how her students use Google Apps–specifically Google Drive and Google Docs. Students use Google Drive to store and evaluate their work (over time) as a digital portfolio. They use Google Docs to collaborate on group assignments, as well as to provide peer editing. Dr. Smith also uses the commenting feature in Google Docs to provide student feedback.

Google Apps are available to all CofC faculty and students.

Presentation Handout: Google Education Suite

For more information on these tools, please contact your instructional technologist and check the TLT Training Calendar for upcoming professional development opportunities.

 

Faculty Showcase, Google Apps, iPad, Pedagogy, Research, Round Table Discussion, Web 2.0

Winter Roundtable Discussion

Chris Meshanko

Please join your colleagues in the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance’s Alumni Center (88 Wentworth) on Tuesday, December 3, at 12:00 PM, for short presentations on technology tools for assessment, research and student learning.  Faculty presenters, Andrea DeMaria, Merissa Ferrara, Michael Hemphill, Mark Hurd, and Jessica Smith, will share their experiences and answer your questions.  As always this event is sponsored by Academic Affairs and Teaching, Learning and Technology (TLT).  Hope to see you there!