There's an App For That: Grab Your Technology and GO!

Technology is forever evolving! As the upcoming generations become more active, technology becomes more and more of an "on-the-go" source of connection. There has become a need to be able to connect to a wireless connection everywhere you go. 

One of the most widely evolved source of technology is the Apple Company. Founded April 1, 1976 in Cupertino, California by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. The first creation made by Apple was the Apple I personal computer kit. The wooden-like kits was primarily hand-built by Wozniak himself. The product was placed on shelves for sale in July of 1976 (only three months after the company was established). The standard market price was $666.66. 

That wooden computer was only the start of something amazing. By 1998, Apple had fully evolved, and the iPod and iPhone was developed. Over the course of the century, Apple has always stayed ahead of the game; creating some of the most advanced technology. From iPhones to iPads to MacBooks to now iPod Capsules and I Watches, the world of Apple has become an obsession of the universe. Below is a short video depicting Apple's announcement of their new product, iBooks.

When it comes down to technology, such as iBooks being added into the classroom, we will take a very pro stand. In my opinion, technology is one of the best methods to learning. While we do encourage traditional based learning to ensure students learn the proper way to communicate; we also put excellent emphasis on the involvement of technology in the workplace. Employment is centered around how technology friendly individuals are these days. It is important for teachers to inform and instruct students on how to properly use it. I make sure various forms of technology is included in my classroom. From Smart Boards to iPads to clickers to even virtual flashcards; I make sure every student's style of learning is tended to.

With the launch of the iBook app, I feel as if students will have no excuse on why they did not read or do their homework. Apps are becoming technology's newest companion to connecting smartphones to the world. App is an abbreviation for application, and normally has an extension of .app on the file. (Roblyer &Doering) While the Apple brand of products have apps ranging from healthy and beauty to workout; they also have educational apps. Students have access to apps such as:

• Mathematics and Science Apps - Typically math apps are in the form of flashcards for the younger learners. As they move up they start to process in to multiple choice and "type the answer". Same goes with science apps. iPads and other Apple products have great science article based apps for students of all ages to use in the classroom. With STEM becoming so heavily involved in the school systems, its important to encourage students to use the STEM apps properly as well. Most come along with virtual projects. The Mathematics Handbook app is very good for showing students the process to working out problems the correct way. 
• Social Studies Apps - Social Studies is never important within the school system. Everyone has heard the phrase, "If you don't know your past, how can you plan for your future." When teaching social studies there are a few useful apps out there. GED flashcards are a good app for older individuals, while younger students tend to use apps such as: World Book, US History Timeline, and The Presidency app when learning all the past and present presidents. People tend to suggest using the Praxis II app for college students when studying for that version of the tests.
• Music and Art Apps - It's no secret that traditional education is extremely important, but its also very essential that we include music and art into our lessons. Some examples of good music and art apps includes: the drawing pad, which typically is better on iPads or tablets, and Discover Musical Instruments where you can learn to play everything from the piano to the guitar. There are even apps that can take you on virtual field trips of museums, create movies, and editing music together.   
• English and Language Arts Apps - Proper grammar and punctuation is one of the important factors when teaching a child; partly because you use it the most in everyday life. You must know how to hold a proper conversation and write a paper. I found that the Spelling Word app and Words With Friends, are two good apps to help kids build vocabulary and their spelling abilities. Sentence Builder is very good for helping with grammar and punctuation. 

- Here is a video that shows the evolution of Apple. http://t.co/8MBW6pHsbK
— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 30, 2013