eMail has become an important part of managing files on the iPad, as well as sharing work with students, peers and teachers.

Yet email also opens up some issues parents, teachers and students need to be aware of.

As a part of our iPad 1:1 trial, many students have started using email. After some time experimenting with this tool, a group of Year 4 'consultants' were approached to create some protocols around its use. Within these protocols, there are also suggestions of what to do if someone does send them something they feel is inappropriate.

Attached are the protocols that were created and discussed with all of the students. They were also asked to download them from our Studywiz site into their iBook shelf so that they have them at all times on their iPad.

Rather than taking this tool away, we believe part of this program provides us with the opportunity to teach students how to use it appropriately. By creating guidelines with our students on how to use email, and strategies for managing any concerns, we hope that our students will develop a responsible attitude towards the use of technology for the rest of their lives.

It is most important that parents monitor its usage at home, as teachers will be doing at school, and that the students feel they can approach an adult with any concerns without the fear of being blamed. By breaking down these barriers, and praising them when they do seek our help, we can establish a supportive environment, and use these tools for the beneficial use in which they were designed.

The iPad holds so many creative opportunities for the classroom, but is there a place for utilising this tool for online systems such as the Ultranet or On-Demand Testing in Victorian schools?

Putting aside the arguments for and against the use of the iPad for this purpose, apps developed by the Department of Education could provide an efficient and informative way of gathering student data that can be so demanding on teacher time.

And with the National Curriculum just around the corner, what a perfect time to introduce an app that provides access to student data and the ability to gather student repsonses at the 'press' of a button.

Check out this link to PowerTeacher Mobile, a new app that has been developed for schools in the US (I believe) that are on what is called the 'PowerSchool' student information system.

I have argued for a while about the benefit of a mobile app for the Ultranet, and it seems this is a similar type of thing. While it may not have the complete functionality of the Ultranet, it does have many of the same features. Wouldn't it be great to have an Ultranet or OnDemand testing app similar to this - providing mobile access to students and teachers?

The app boasts;

PowerTeacher Mobile untethers teachers from their desktop or laptop and allows them to record scores and make observations while roaming the classroom, gymnasium, blacktop, science lab or even on a field trip**

- Post assignments and scores to parents and students in real-time
- Create new assignments
- Record scores for assignments
- View and update class and group metrics (mean, median, mode)
- Enter comments and score codes for assignments
- Review class rosters
- Access student demographics
- Access student alerts
- Send email to student contacts
- View student photos
- View scoresheet for student groups
- Review assignment categories
- Review grade scales
- Integrated help
- Secure login
- School Locator

I have seen how easy it is first hand utilising an app like 'MobileTeacher' which draws on the Mathletics database. While there are some improvements needed, the basic functionality allows the user to quickly and easily access student results and assign new tasks.

Maybe if we make enough noise, there may be some thought put to developing some Department of Education apps that can provide this type of functionality for what is becoming an impressive addition to the classroom.

So, the challenge is now official. Organise your kids and visit the site dedicated to this challenge - http://epicchallenge.posterous.com/

Here we will be sharing ideas, news, resources and final stories. There is already a great deal of interest from around the world. So why not get your class involved. It is all about the thrill of sharing your story with a global audience and finding new and creative ways to use the iPods, iPhones and iPads.

Visit the new site for more details.

I have just issued a challenge for our Year 4 & 5 students to attempt using their iPads during our school break. I was thinking, which is always dangerous, how would this go if we issued the challenge to a global audience? What could our students create, and imagine the benefits of sharing with students from another part of the world?

So, if you are interested, please read the challenge below, enthuse your students, and let us know how you are going. It would be great to share our final presentations.

THE CHALLENGE

Epic CItadel
Free
82.2 MB (**Large download. Please check with a parent before downloading).

A bit of a challenge for the holidays. Can you create a story or short movie using screen shots from the 'Epic CItadel' app?

Epic CItadel is a world you can explore. It is not really a game but more of a chance to explore an amazingly realistic world.

Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is create a story or short film using this app.

Launch the Epic Citadel app and then take pictures of particular scenes using the Home button and Power button on the iPad. Your snapshot is now available in the Photo library.

You could create a comic with Strip Designer, a short story in Keynote, add characters with the stamps in Doodle Buddy, a movie with audio using Reel Director - the only limit is your imagination!

We are going to send out this challenge to other schools all over the world using iPads in the classroom to see what they can come up with as well.

So, start creating, and have fun!