It’s no secret that Apple held its World Wide Developers’ Conference in California today. Among the impressive lineup of hardware and software updates revealed was a relatively small feature added to iOS6 that will have teachers dancing in the streets.
All Apple mobile devices, when upgraded to iOS6, will sport a new Single App mode. It’s a very simple feature that, when activated, removes home button functionality. This essentially turns the iPhone or iPad into a single app device, hence the name.
The educational applications for Single App mode are widespread. Without having to hover, teachers can rest assured that students are actually using the math app and not surfing the Web via Safari. Ambitious classes can use the devices to administer tests and quizzes confidently because the temptation to use other apps or the Internet to cheat is removed. In younger grades, accidental touches of the home button will no longer interrupt usage, and teachers will not have to fear inadvertent trips to the App Store.
Single App mode is a pretty minor thing to come out of WWDC 2012, but it is one that will resonate with teachers.
In New York State, 6th grade social studies is world cultures. Here are the subjects that I taught during the school year. Wondering what is covered in 6th grade in other states. What do you teach in social studies at other grade levels?
Map skills
Prehistoric Man
Customs/customs of the world
Mesopotamian-First Historic people(also covered other groups in the region including the Phoenicians)
Ancient Egypt
Greeks
Romans
Middle Ages
Introduced...
Its bothered me that I havent been able to address the social/emotional needs of my gifted kids the way I would like.
Last school year, I worked with the schools psychologist to present my gifted fifth-graders with a workshop on perfectionism. However, due to time constraints, testing, and other challenges (excuses, excuses), I have not been able to focus on more than academic needs.
But all thats going to change! I recently came up with a projectwhich is in the experimental...
Your students may soon be following the competition that begins this February in Sochi,Russia. I especially like the skiing events. Learn about the history of the games, both past and present, which originated in Greece, with my informative webquest. There are 10 questions(each with lots of informative text) as well a number of fun facts. Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school...
1. Smile at every student every day; each one needs your positive encouragement!
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
That's Happy New Year in Chinese. 2014 is the Year of the horse. On the Chinese calendar, called Yuan Tan,this new year is 4712. Chinese New year is not always held on the same day each year. It depends on when the second new moon of the winter solstice occurs.This year, Chinese New Year begins on January 31st. It is the beginning of a 15 day...