**Please make sure you’re updated to the latest iOS. The majority of the functionality shown in this video is only available with the latest update. If you try what I’m doing here and it’s not working at all, head to your Settings–>General–>Software Update to check and see if you need the latest version of iOS.**
Multitasking, slide over and split screen can make working with multiple apps much easier. You can switch back and forth, or use two or even three apps at the same time and on the same screen.
With more and more teachers trying to get away from so many paper-pencil assignments, the issue of grading and feedback sometimes presents itself. How can teachers effectively provide feedback on a STEAM project or a sculpture, for example? I’ve personally worked in groups when we’ve tried to develop new ways of assessing student learning, but inevitably one of us would say “But it’d be too hard to give good feedback on that.” No more. 🙂 By snapping a photo using your iPad or iPhone (iPad would work much better because of the surface area of the screen), you can provide feedback that is specific and aesthetically pleasing.
The Notification Center has jumped around a little as a result of several iOS updates. Now, we have a day-at-a-glance screen to the left of the Home Screen, but many people don’t even know it’s there–let alone realize they can customize it.
We know the importance of teaching students grit and resilience. Through research by Angela Duckworth, among others, we’ve learned just how important it is for students to persevere, try again and appreciate process over final product. What becomes difficult, though, is communicating their journey when everything is said and done. One of the most important parts of the learning process is reflection, yet as humans, we often want to wrap things up and move on as soon as we can.
Imagine that your students are assigned a STEAM project where they have 2 hours to design a boat that will float and withstand 20 mph winds. When everything’s complete, they have 5 prototypes they’ve tested, 8 failed attempts and 1 success. Asking students to reflect on their process is helpful, but imagine how much more information they could comment on and how proud they would be of their perseverance if they could see the whole thing compressed to mere seconds.
In this video, we’ll talk about how to use time-lapse photography to document a process, and increase students’ resilience and pride in their work.
If you are signed in to multiple devices using the same Apple ID or if you use Family Sharing, you may notice that the apps you download on one automatically appear on all devices. In this video, we’ll talk about where you can go to change that.
If you’ve ever been on one site looking for a suitcase and given up only to be peppered with ads for luggage on every site you visit afterward, you’re not alone. Advertisers spend billions in consumer research every year in an attempt to find out what you’re willing to buy. Sometimes, that can actually be helpful and some may appreciate ads being tailored for them. I mean, it doesn’t help me at all to see ads for a new football helmet or baby food at this point in my life. The important thing is to be informed of what information you’re sharing and how to exert at least a modicum of control over how it’s shared.
There’s more to battery settings than just checking the percentage. From here, you can also get tips for extending your battery life as well as a quick way to check and see which apps have been used most frequently, when and for how long.
So many people still write their to-do or shopping list on paper. If that works for you, go for it. If you’re looking for a different solution, I’d like to suggest the Reminders app in iOS. You can add reminders traditionally (with the keyboard) or by using Siri.
Speak Selection and Speak Screen can be incredibly helpful for students who would benefit from following along with the text. In this video, I’ll show you the difference between the two options and discuss which students might benefit from this.
You may think you don’t need any display accommodations, but in this video, you’ll also learn how you can make displaying your iPad in the classroom a little friendlier for you and your students. Imagine you’re teaching and displaying small math problems on your iPad. By using the “Zoom” feature, you can quickly see parts of the screen magnified, so you don’t have to keep zooming in and out. We’ll also talk in this video about some changes you can make to colors that could help those with many types of visual needs like colorblindness.
The ShareSquare (a.k.a. Squarrow) is maybe one of the most underutilized features of iOS, in my opinion. From sending files, to bookmarking, saving offline and sending to other apps, this little button could make your life a lot easier if you know how to use it.
How many times have you told someone you’d text them a series of photos? That can take a reeeeeeaaaaaly long time, and you’re limited in the number of photos you can send at once. If you’re close by, AirDrop is a much easier way of sending them. In fact, you can use AirDrop to send website URLs, Notes, documents and more.
If you’re not familiar with the effects of blue light, you might want to read about it. We’ve heard for the past few years that it’s a good idea to not watch TV or use any other electronic devices starting an hour before you plan to go to bed. That’s because many electronic devices emit blue light which limits the production of the hormone, melatonin, which is essential to sleep. Shutting off electronics, is more difficult for some than others. Night Shift is a feature that allows you to set a time (or turn it on and off manually) that your device will emit warmer lights and limit the use of blue light, theoretically allowing for more restful sleep.
As our kids grow up, we may (hopefully) try and give them more freedom and privileges. Sometimes though, it seems difficult to institute a “dimmer switch” when it comes to technology. By setting up restrictions on an iOS device, it’s much easier to limit certain apps and features so you as a parent or teacher can decide which apps are appropriate for your little ones.
Who doesn’t love trying to snap a photo only to receive a notification saying your storage is full? Me neither. In this video, we’ll talk about how you can quickly see which app(s) are taking up the most space. We’ll also discover a parenting tip–checking to see when apps have been used–even if they’ve been mysteriously closed out.
Maybe you’re sick of taking 17 pictures because someone in your group keeps blinking, or you may keep missing that action shot at Junior’s peewee football game. At any rate, I’m sure we can all find a use for this tip–editing a live photo.
You may have noticed that your photos are actually 3-second videos. That’s why they move around when you hold your finger on them. Watch the video to learn how you can actually use any part of those 3 seconds to have a much better chance of finding the perfect still image.
Special thanks to my office neighbor, Scott, who volunteered to star in this video.
It’s probably the most underrated native app we have on our iPhones and iPads. When it was first introduced, the Notes app was for typing. After several updates, however, we’re able to now add photos, videos, sketches and tables. Additionally, we have functionality that allows for document scanning, editing and marking up documents and photos. This one’s a little longer, too at 07:02.
We’ve all been there, probably. In the excitement of downloading a new app that you hope will change your life for the better, we end up allowing all kinds of notifications. Then, what started as a cool new addition to our technological life quickly becomes a huge annoyance as the app reminds us 75 times a day to track our water intake.
Maybe you need a notification preference reboot, or maybe you’ve just never known where to go if you want to make changes.
7-9 hours for everyone. Even if you’re one of those people who say you don’t need at least 7 hours, research says otherwise (maybe you’re suffering from sleep debt). A few years ago, Apple introduced Bedtime, which operates within their clock app. After answering a series of questions, you can be in more control of your sleep schedule. I use this because I usually get into some sort of evening project, whether it’s reading, writing or exercising, after my kid goes to bed. It’s easy for me to lose track of time, but this little feature politely reminds me when my bedtime is approaching so I can take care of a few things before turning in.
