I have a tech situation I am trying to work through at school.
First, let me say that my school and county are amazing and VERY supportive of teachers and technology! I am blessed in so many ways.
So here is my situation. So far, I own and control all my Apple devices, meaning I can upload and update apps as I need them. I love it and I feel like my students are using these devices to their fullest and we are following all the rules set in place. If I discover an app I love, we can play it the next day!
Soon, I will be getting two devices from the school. It is against the Board of Education’s policy to allow me to “control” these devices. All apps, updates and such have to go through the school’s account and I will not have the password. All apps must be on the approved list to be used. (I should note that I completely agree with all the rules set in place and understand why they have them. I know they are not there to prohibit me from using the devices.)
So… what do I do? Have 7 devices that I control and 2 others I do not in my room?
Also, how I can I use the iTunes portion for listening stations if I can’t sync them to the school’s iTunes account regularly? How does your school manage school-purchased devices? Who updates them? Who pays for the apps? How long does it take for you to get an app added to your devices?
I hate to decline devices, I just don’t know what is worth it to me and my students; finical cost and time cost. I am at a technology crossroads! HELP!
Okay… on to the app stuff!
I was contacted a bit ago by the makers of this app… Counting Together… to check out their NEW math app for little learners.
I had to update my devices to the 6.0 operating system, which I should have done a long time ago!
Then we tried this app out with my students.
This app is versatile…
There are multiple levels, a learning-to-play mode, and assigned student slots that collect data FOR YOU! I love that you can even just let them play without assigning slots as well!
This format is very different from all the apps I have seen so far because it is made for multiple players (1-4) to play ALL at the same time. The board should be laid flat and each student mans aside. They race each other and/or the clock to count and match the number quickly!
IT IS SO MUCH FUN!
Here is what the board (screen) looks like.
I love that I have given one device to 4 students and know they are all playing and learning together.
I gave this game to each table in my room, which has 4 students sitting. I leveled my students according to their ability just to see how competitive it could and would get. Then, I stood back and watched! My students did not need a tutorial; they got it quickly. And the games got a little heated, in a good way. My students were trying hard to beat their classmates.
This app is perfect for the beginning of the year for sure. I also asked the creators to expand on this idea for shapes, addition, subtraction, etc. That way we can use this type of competition game all year long!
I recommend upgrading to the “Plus” version right away. This version allows you to have access to the levels and student vs student mode! The “Plus” version also goes up to number 20 instead of 10. Also, remember that you have to have the 6.0 OS to play this game and it is only for the iPad (no iPhones or iPods here peeps.)
Hope you LOVE this app as well!
Thanks for sharing! I am always on the hunt for new apps. I'm sorry I can't give any advice on your other issue-I own my own school and only have one other teacher besides myself so we have complete control.
-Mo
Let me know what you think of this app as well! I am in love with the format and hope they make more games like this one!
I love the control I have with my devices. But, I understand my county's position as well. Rock… meet hard place! haha
Hi Mo!
My name is Aubrey and I work for the company that created "Counting Together". We'd love to hear what you have to say about the game! We're working really hard to get the word out there about this app because we truly believe that learning to subitize can change a child's perspective on math. We think that the problem is there are not enough subitizing related tools out there for teachers to utilize – do you agree? Anyways, thank you again for your interest in our app and we'd love to hear your thoughts on it!Feel free to email me at aubss44@gmail.com
Aubrey
I LOVE how 4 students can play at one time!!! That's so awesome and I know they will love the competition! I am definitely going to check this out….hopefully there will be additional games/apps using different skills!!!
Debbie
K is for Kinderrific
Hi Debbie,
Just wanted to thank you for your support and interest in "Counting Together"! I work for the company who created it and we are so thrilled to hear teachers are embracing it and enjoying the design/format of it. We'd love to hear your thoughts on it and whether or not your students enjoyed it?! 🙂 Feel free to email me at aubss44@gmail.com Happy subitizing!
Aubrey
Thanks for sharing the info about these apps! I have 3 iPads, so I'm always on the look out for new ideas. My classroom iPads are school owned as well, although we can download free apps ourselves. Paid apps go through the "tech guy." I can still use itunes for my reading center just by sharing the music on my computer. The ipads do not have to be synced with a computer to that, as long as you know the apple i.d. I'm not sure if that helps you at all or not, but thought I'd share. ; )
Hi there! This comment is direct towards "Kinderdi," my name is Aubrey and I work for Barrett Productions, the company which created/produced "Counting Together". We'd be happy to send you a promo code so you can download the app for free and not have to go through the "tech guy" 🙂 Feel free to email me at aubss44@gmail.com and I'll send over the promo code – thank you for your interest in our app!
Aubrey
Thanks for the app recommendation! Don't turn down technology. If they are going to provide 2. Use them differently. Another station or something then you won't have to worry as they can serve seperate purposes. Just a thought.
Sheila
Thanks for sharing Interesting post. Thanks for taking this opportunity to discuss this, I appreciate with this and I like learning about this subject. If possible, as you gain information, please update this blog with more information. I have found it really useful.
Regards
Playschool Franchisee