I am working with a group of students, having them research sound design principles that they will use to create a presentation to share their findings. While working in the computer lab, several students decided to use both their iPads and the computers. Some reviewed the provided Web sites on the iPads while recording the notes into a Google Doc on the computer. Others did the opposite. Some took bullet-form notes, while others had more free-flowing short paragraphs. Each student adapted the technology and information processing to meet their personal learning system best.

Second Grader Opening Scene of Screencast on Hanukkah

Much is in the blogosphere about how helpful screencasting apps are for helping students communicate their understanding. Our First and Second Graders use the ScreenChomp app on their iPads. I am in awe at how well they can use their drawing and verbal skills to make their thinking visible. While the final products provide valuable measurements for understanding, the student processing and constructing their learning while creating the video is necessary.

I previously posted about Suzy Tacktill, our art teacher at Alexandria Country Day School, and the field trips she leads for all our grade levels throughout the school year. Our most recent trip was to the National Gallery, where the students viewed landscapes. Suzy taught them how to analyze landscapes, leading to incredible discussions as I watched the students interact with the art. As before, Suzy set aside some time for the students to use their iPads in the museum to apply what they had seen on their tour. Here are some more examples by our Third Graders to go with the one at the start of this paragraph.