iPadpalooza.
Yeah ... the title of this conference bugs me a little, too. The IT department in my school district signed all of the Technology teachers up for this conference. A two-day workshop aimed at equipping us to use iPads in the classroom.
My expectations: not very high. My students already have a 1-1 ratio with desktop computers and internet access. Plus, we have Robot Kits that we work with almost every day. I'm not sure where to fit iPads into that ... my feeling is that I would simply be doing it just to do it.
We'll see.
Update: Post-Conference
The conference was much what I expected ... very little application for ME in MY classroom. Again, with an already 1-1 ratio of students to computers, and Robot-Kits available, there just isn't much room to 'fit in' activities with the iPad.
A handful of the classes at this workshop focused merely on telling you what Apps are out there and available. Many of the apps talked about are for simple entertainment. Others are primarily or solely for Elementary-age students.
I did learn a little bit about file-sharing ... like: it's still limited.
If you are a teacher, and have little or no access to computer work-stations, then access to an iPad cart can be a wonderful addition to your classroom. Be ready to put in a lot of work and time spent pre-planning.
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