introduction of student iPads

The first grade Butterflies were sooooooo excited to "finally" (on our third day of school) get to use the student iPads.

Interactive Modeling (Responsive Classroom) was used to introduce procedures and routines for and when using the iPads.

procedures and routines...
-transporting the iPads (from the iPad cabinet, in general, and returning to the iPad cabinet)
-utilizing the iPad numbers (stickered on back) to identify individual iPads
-utilizing the iPad numbers and the numbers on the iPad cabinet drawers to locate and store iPads in the iPad cabinet
-"sharing" an iPad with a partner
-unlocking the iPad
-home button... uses and purposes
-"gestures"... swiping between screens, pinch closing of an app, swiping up to view open apps
-opening an app (individual app on screen and app within a "folder" on the screen)
-closing open apps at completion of iPad use

The introduction of the students to the iPads was supportive in their understanding of the procedures and routines for use of and care for our student iPads.

The students interest in and motivation to use the iPads allowed for the effective modeling of numerous procedures and routines.
With the exception of two of the student iPads' sound not working (ugh!), the introduction of the students to the iPads was successful!

The procedures and routines will continue to be encouraged and reinforced through interactive modeling and reinforcing language as the Butterflies develop independence with the iPad procedures and routines.

first graders practicing iPad "gestures" in our learning circle

charging student iPads

To charge my 13 student iPads simultaneously, without a "charging cart", I considered many options! 

I did not need a charging cart for the purpose of syncing the content on the student iPads.  I would utilize the "Cloud" to sync iPad content.

I did need...
-to charge 13 iPads simultaneously
-a simple organization for student accessibility to unplug the iPad charging port at arrival and to plug in the charging port prior to dismissal (independently and efficiently)
-for wires and cords (other than the iPad power adapter cord) to be contained and inaccessible to students
-enough "power" to successfully charge 13 iPads simultaneously
-a secure location to contain all 13 student iPads
-an organizational method for identifying each individual iPad within the "charging staion"
-an uncluttered and efficient organizational method for students to access "individualized" (identified) iPads with accuracy and in a timely manner (independently)
-a location within close proximity to a wall outlet

Creating an effective, efficient, secure, and organized "charging station" for 13 iPads

location...
-a two-door cabinet with six pull-out shelves (each shelf is approximately 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep) within six feet from a wall outlet

supplies... (not funded through the grant)
-2 three-prong 15' extension cords
-5 six-outlet 1875 watts grounded power strips (due to the size of each iPad USB power adapter plug, one six-outlet power strip was required for every three iPad adapters)
-1 box of Velcro
-7  packages of Command adhesive cord clips (4 clips per package)

organization...
power supply
   -the 2 three-prong 15' extension cords were utilized to increase the power supply from the wall outlet to the power strips
   -adhesive cord clips were utilized to secure the cords against the wall and the bottom edge of the cabinet
   -extension cord outlets were adhered, with a one foot distance between, to the inside left wall of the cabinet with velcro
   -adhesive cord clips were utilized to secure the cords against the inside left wall of the cabinet
  
   -three power strips were connected to the extension cord outlet nearest the bottom of the cabinet and two power strips were attached to the extension cord outlet nearest the top of the cabinet
   -at the rear of each shelf, a six-outlet power strip was secured with velcro
 
   -three iPad USB power adapters were connected to the six-outlet power strip at the rear of each shelf (alternating outlets were utilized on each power strip to accommodate the size of the USB power adapter plugs)
   -adhesive cord clips were utilized to secure the USB power adapter cords to the shelf
   -USB power adapter cords were adhered to the shelf  at increments of 6 inches, 18 inches, and 30 inches from the left edge of the shelf to accommodate three iPads per shelf




 view of the rear of one shelf with three iPads charging

 management...

   -number stickers were adhered to the base of each shelf at the front edge to identify the "individualized" iPad 



number stickers were utilized and adhered
to the top right corner of the iPad case 
to identify each "individual" iPad



view of shelf with number stickers
adhered to the base at the front edge
to identify each "individual" iPad

the final iPad "charging station" :)