The Deuce and a Half iPad: An Educator's Guide for Bringing Discovery, Engagement, Understanding, and Creativity into Education - Hardcover

As a teacher, I found the content to be highly practical for in-class use. It's nice to have one place to find detailed information on specific apps. The science apps were just what I needed to teach and to allow my students to explore science in a way that has been limited previously. I endorse this book highly and feel all teachers should have this as a critical reference guide in an app crazy world. Busy classroom teachers have so many demands on them today! Keeping up with technology gets pushed down on the list of to-dos. This book provides valuable information for all levels of technology expertise. -- Eric McCullough, M.Ed., instructor, Columbia State Community College, Murfreesboro, Tennessee Dr. Thornthwaite has taken on the monumental task of defining iPad and tablet integration in primary, middle, and high school. The result of this effort is nothing short of amazing. I would recommend this book, as well as Dr. Thornthwaite's first book, Not a Toy, But a Tool, to anyone who is planning an iPad or tablet integration from a single class to an entire district. Whether you are a school superintendent, a technology director or integrator, a classroom teacher, or a parent who want to harness the power of an iPad or tablet for your children, look no farther. -- Grey Carter, director of technology, Battle Ground Academy, Franklin, Tennessee Dr. Thornthwaite's book is an outstanding resource for teachers, replete with reviews of extremely beneficial, low-cost apps. The mathematics chapter contains apps suitable for grades K-12 and reviews the applicable Common Core standards. This mathematics material has been used in five of our professional development institutes by mathematics teachers of grades 5-12. Most of these teachers were not using the iPad in the classroom previously because they did not have time to find suitable apps. Dr. Thornthwaithe has done this research! One teacher commented, "Awesome. I can't wait to explore." -- Dr. Carroll Wells, professor and chair, Department of Mathematics, Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee As an educator who has spent my entire career in special education, I have been very excited to see the opportunity iPads bring to students with special needs. This book provides valuable reviews of apps designed to support individualized instruction, learning, and exploration within the numerous categories of special needs. The descriptions of each app are extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness and ease of use. Most of the apps included are free or at a very low cost, which makes them attainable for educators and parents alike. I highly recommend this book for anyone trying to find apps that are beneficial for individuals with special needs. -- Robbie Hampton, Ed.D., principal, Harris-Hillman Special Education School, Nashville, Tennessee I agree whole-heartedly with the author that this trend of cutting art and music in our schools is tragic. Fortunately, I am at a school that holds these areas to a high standard. I am constantly introducing my students to various artists, trying to instill an appreciation for the arts. It is impossible to teach this without visuals. There are no museums in our town that I could even transport my 700+ students I see per week, but the museum apps are amazing! I could take students through some of my favorites in Europe, Egypt, and even here in the U.S. through my iPad and projector, and the author provides instruction that anyone could follow. These apps are the only feasible way to bring the art to my classroom, and this book makes it so easy! -- Andrea Myers, art teacher, Medina Middle School, Medina, Tennessee This book is tremendous, and the chapter on science apps is awesome! Those apps range from leaf identification, physics, chemistry, weather, and biology. Descriptions offer great detail, even down to explaining look and function of the different buttons in the app. 46 apps are listed with some allowing you to zoom out and see the solar system or zoom in to see the organelles of the cell. Some apps have built-in flashcards, teaching videos, picture taking capabilities, quizzing features, and even a listening and reading option to reach many types of learners. The apps featured in the chapter would thrill even Einstein. -- Adam Taylor, science and Chinese teacher, Metro Nashville Schools, Tennessee, and coordinator, TeachMeet Nashville Technology Conferences As more and more schools integrate iPads into their classroom learning environments, books such as Dr. Thornthwaite's will be necessary to help guide teachers and administrators towards best practice ideas. This particular book covers several subject areas often neglected in school technology materials, which makes it a unique resource for educators in those areas. Music educators will find concise, easy-to-understand descriptions of apps appropriate for students in grades 3-12. Personally, I find it difficult to decide on which app to purchase when so many appear to be good, but thanks to Dr. Thornthwaite, now I know which ones I need to buy next! I also appreciate the author including websites, when available, so that educators can further investigate an app without having to open a search engine and spend lots of time trying to find the correct site. -- Katie Frazier, music teacher, Middle Tennessee Christian School, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

iPads are powerful tools for engaging students, encouraging creativity, stimulating critical thinking, and making significant strides in learning. This book is part of a two-book set that allows educators to realize the full potential of the iPad. Over 200 highly rated apps are covered with specific ideas for classroom activities and teaching strategies. Descriptions include ideas for using iPads in classrooms where each student owns an iPad, as well as where there is just a small number of iPads or even just a single device. The first chapter of this book specifically discusses how to promote discovery learning, engagement, understanding, and creativity in ways that enhance the learning experience of all students. Each subsequent chapter is dedicated to apps that have value to the following subject areas: mathematics, science, art, music, health and PE, ELL, and ESL. In consideration of education budgets, all the apps are free or low cost. The information in this book is appropriate for K12 teachers, university professors, media specialists, K12 administrators, parents, and students.