The problem this created was that we never really settled into a routine and we spent more time learning the tools than I would have liked. The content should obviously be a priority, with the tools being a vehicle. We tried a couple different PDF annotating apps, a couple different apps for discussion forums, we used Edmodo once before I decided I didn't like it, we tried a couple different ways of submitting work, etc.
This desire to try everything worked in my favor for a few reasons:
- My students became very comfortable using their iPads for a variety of assignments and activities.
- I became very comfortable trying new things without knowing how they would turn out.
- My students never got bored because they never knew what to expect. We didn't have a specific schedule or specific assignments certain days of the week.
- My coworkers became more open to trying new things when I discussed my experiences with them.
- My administration became more comfortable with my go-with-the-flow style of planning. I refuse to plan a year (or even a month) in advance until I develop the ability to read my student's minds or see into the future.
The most important lesson I learned in my first year of 1:1 iPads is that I can't be afraid to try new things. If I had an idea, but wasn't quite sure how to make it work, I walked into first period (it helped that they were my honors class), and asked for their input. Many of the apps or strategies we ended up using long-term came from my students. When we become afraid to try new things for fear of failure or fear of giving up our sense of authority to our students, everyone in the class loses.
My goal for next year? Make some decisions about what really worked and what didn't. I have to be willing to leave some really cool ideas and apps behind if they don't work for my students.
