You Don't Have to Be an Expert, But Know Where to Look - iPad Apps to Help (Part 1)

In the 21st century, it is difficult to be an absolute expert on every single topic in your curriculum. Especially with all of the information that is available at our fingertips. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we may not be an expert of everything. Instead we may be the "jack of all trades, but master of none." There is nothing wrong with this.

As we grow in our teaching career, we start to get more comfortable with our curriculum, but as we know in education, what we teach and how we do it often changes.  In this series, I would like to share some simple ideas to bring experts into your room without much time or effort.

iTunes U App

Several months ago, I was teaching a rather difficult unit to my Honors Business Management students. Since I am not a CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or a management guru, I decided to turn my attention to iTunes U. If you are not familiar with this section of iTunes, it is an unbelievable resource of lectures and materials from colleges and universities around the globe. I found a lecture by a college professor from Arizona State University, who taught an unbelievable lesson.

I used this as a teaching resource to help students learn a particular topic. It wasn't a substitute for my instruction, but it was a great way to enhance the topic, where I was weak.

Khan Academy App

Around the same time that I discovered a use for iTunes U, I was getting ready to take my GRE test (again!). It had been almost ten years since I originally took the test and I needed a refresher on basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. I turned to the ever-famous Khan Academy and was blown away by the number of free videos available on various Math, Science, and even Personal Finance topics!

This is a great supplemental resource that you could use for your students. Many of our students could benefit from hearing a topic discussed in another way. It could also help students need help on their homework, but don't have anyone able to help them. This is a great resource that many schools are already using! Some teachers are requiring their students to download the App onto their Smart Device. I love it!

Conclusion: 

In the 21st century, you don't have to be an expert. Instead, you just need to know where to look. What other video resources do you use? I would love to hear about them! Send me an email telling me about some of you favorites! Join me next time for another addition to the series "You Don't Have to Be an Expert, But Know Where to Look."

NOVEMBER IS CLICK FOR A CAUSE MONTH!

Join me for Click for a Cause. The nephew of one of my students was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and is at Hershey Medical Center receiving treatment. I was so touched by his story that I wanted to do something. 

For every time someone visits my blog during the month of November, I am going to donate a penny to his medical fund. Although it is not much, several other people have agreed to match this amount. Please help by just visiting my blog or learning more about how you can help. Although it is a little, every click means a lot. 

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