stockapps

=In light of the fact that we have very limited (read: no) funds, we need to work on figuring out how to make best use the the iPads' stock (built-in) apps. Unfortunately, a review of the stock apps is pretty depressing. All of them are incredible apps when used by one device owner. Because our iPads are being shared - not Apple's intent - the apps become very limited.=

==Newsstand: This application allows the user to read magazines on the tablet. Many of them are "free," but the "free" issue is simply a teaser to get you to buy a subscription. Value for students: none ==

iMessage: Apple's messaging program for iPads and iPods. Can only be used by the account holder to other account holders. Value for students: none
== Mail: Can be configured with any email account (Apple, gmail, etc. - not school email). Since the county does not want us using email, this is useless. It would have been an excellent way for us to have the kids mail screenshots, writings and creations to the teachers. Value for students: none ==

== Safari: Apple's browser. Are students allowed to use a browser that resides outside of the school's secure server? If not this application is useless. If we are allowed, then students can surf the web, research, etc. However, teachers need to remember that flash sites like Raz-kids, First in Math and Glogster will not run on the iPads. Value for students: useful, but less so than using the netbooks for similar purposes. On the netbooks, students can save files to their shared drive and they can use flash sites. Additionally, on the netbooks, students are securely placed behind the firewall and other security features. ==

== iBooks: Apple's book reader. Books cost money. We can find some freebies, but they are typically low quality. Paid books are expensive and their utility is not high. We simply can't afford to replenish the iPads with books after kids tire of the current selections. iPad books are more expensive than Kindle or Nook books, not that any of these books are cheap. Value for students: without constantly upgrading our iBook supply, the value is low and the continuing cost is high. ==

Facetime: Apple's device to device videochat which is tied to the accountholder's information. Value for students: none
==Photobooth: Apple's photo manipulation software. Students can take pictures of themselves or each other. Can't send anywhere. They can write stories about their manipulations - ON PAPER. Aggravating. NOT the best use of the iPad. Value for students: extremely low ==

Reminders: Teachers can set reminders for events. If the iPad is in the room, they will get a reminder notification. Can't see a use for this for students. Value for students: none
==Photos: The built-in camera and video capability make this presentation tool useful, however, the creations cannot be sent elsewhere without using email or a cloud storage. Value for students: High (creating with images and sound), but extremely low for utility without a sharing capability. ==

==Find My iPad: Because students will not be taking the iPads outside of their classrooms, this app is useless. IF teachers remove the tablets from the campus, then there is minor utility in case of reported theft. Since teachers are not encouraged to take netbooks out of the building and in light of the fact that we do not have insurance on the iPads, there seems to be no reason to allow the iPads to be taken off campus. Teachers who plan on using the iPads and who have had ample training or experience could use an iPad at school to plan activities and lessons. Value for students: none ==

==Maps: Students could explore maps on the iPads, but this app is designed as a tool to aid with directions, not intended to replace the robust Google Earth. Value for students: medium to high with instruction and appropriate lesson planning ==