Educators can learn to incorporate iPads into curriculum at UD conference

2:30 p.m., Sept. 17, 2013--Apple estimates there are nearly 10 million iPads in schools worldwide. As more schools purchase iPads, there is an increasing need for professional development to help teachers learn how to integrate iPads into the curriculum and teach students effectively.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Delaware will hold its first iPads in Education conference on Saturday, Oct. 19.

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Geared toward regional educators — prekindergarten through higher education — the day promises to be one of sharing and learning techniques to effectively use the iPad in the classroom.

Jon Landis, national development executive with Apple, will be the keynote speaker, discussing the risks and opportunities associated with mobile technologies.

Landis is a former professor in the Millersville (Pa.) University College of Education, where he was the graduate coordinator of the Leadership Program and the coordinator of the CyberSafe Institute.

Featured presenter Dave Marra will demonstrate the useful functionality of iLife in education and iBooks textbooks for the iPad. Marra, senior systems engineer at Apple, has conducted thousands of technology presentations, keynote addresses and workshops for schools, Mac and PC user groups, and other professional organizations. 

Educators who have pioneered iPad use in their classrooms will share their experiences on a variety of topics, including:

• Best education apps;
• Using creativity to align student projects with Common Core State Standards;
• Integrating SMART products with the iPad;
• Implementing an iPad program in individual schools;
• Using the iPad as a student collaboration and assessment tool;
• Creating tutorial videos for struggling students;
• Digital storytelling using iMovie; and
• Apps to support a flipped classroom.

Presentation proposals are still being accepted through Monday, Sept. 23.

Pat Martin, lower school technology coordinator at Sanford School in Hockessin, Del., is looking forward to the conference. “I'm attending to develop a better understanding on how to integrate iPads into our curriculum and enhance the teaching program at our school,” Martin said.

Registration fee is $50 and includes lunch and parking. Full-time UD students, staff, and faculty receive a discounted rate of $35. To register, visit this website.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPads to download and interact with demonstrated applications.

The conference is a joint effort by CEHD’s The College School, the Education Resource Center, and the Office of Educational Technology.

Article by Alison Burris

Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson