Building Learning Communities

Small things make a big difference.
~First become very familiar with the teacher site.
~Make sure you have rules and expectations in place for using iPads in your classroom. It works best if it is not "unique" to work with iPads.
~It will save you lots of time if you go through a sample problem (or two) with the entire class first to introduce how to use the app but also to explain the four steps and your expectations of each one.
~Students tend to rush through the first step and the last step so setting expectations and explaining to them why those two steps are important will help them in the long run. Many times student who do not get the correct answer do so because they didn't understand the problem and rushed through step 1.
~ It worked well for me to slowly work towards" individual" time. The first problem we did was with groups of 4, the next problem students worked in pairs then the third problem was by themselves. However, I always allow them time to discuss the problem with a group before they begin to work. Some like to "talk" through step one together.
~I have students check in with me before they begin their explanation to make sure they have the correct answer. If they don't we talk out their ideas and I help them correct their mistakes. This time with each student proves to be very valuable.
~Encourage creativity
~having ear buds with a microphone is very valuable. (these are now on my supply list)
~At the end of each session I pick two or three explanations to share with the class. Hopefully these are different ways to solve the same problem. Analyzing different ways to think about a problem is very powerful especially for the students who struggle.
~Using CueThink on a regular basis builds different skills for different students. Some skills are purely iPad skills, some students need practice explaining their thinking, some students struggle with math computation, others have trouble collaborating but each session helps the next session. Don't be surprised if the first sessions are a little bumpy and long but if you stick to it you will see progress and the many benefits.
~Once the class builds confidence with the process and app, you can begin to individualize more.
~Don't be afraid to dive in and make adjustments as you go.