Where to start…my first blog post…I have so many things running through my head to write about. But will start with the most recent changes to my use of tech in the classroom.

On Friday I purchased an iPad, since then I don’t think I have stopped thinking about all the things I could do / want to do / WILL DO! The possibilites are endless with such a nifty little gadget. I have not yet used my iPad in my IWB (only figured out how to do that today) but when I do I will be sure to post an update. One main thing I have been trying to do is organise myself….see I am not good with paper, I find keeping up  to date with paper work really hard and I can’t stand the mess, it is a constant battle for me. Keeping anecdotal notes has never been a strong point for me either (again I think it has something to do with the paper). I needed a way that I could eliminate this problem…and I think I have found it! If you find yourself with a similar problem or just want to try something new read on…

1- Download Evernote http://www.evernote.com/ A handy program that you can use on multiple devices, which also syncs between the devices. In Evernote I have created different notebooks, anecdotal notes for reading, writing, maths etc (see pic), each notebook has a note dedicated to each student that I can continue to edit whether at home, school or on my iPad or iPhone.

Now I don’t have to print off any paper, I can easily type in any observations, it has been great. Today however I took it a step further and also completed running records on my iPad…

2- Goodreader-  An app that allows you to annotate, highlight and add notes to PDF files. I scanned in my running record observation sheets and now have them stored in Goodreader. So using this app I was able to take a running record digitally….It was a bit tricky in the beginning but once I got used to using my finger instead of a pen it was great.

Putting it together- I saved my newly annotated PDF in Goodreader and ‘sent it to’ Evernote- so now not only do I have my anecdotal notes, I also have the running record that goes along with them, all in one place (See screen shot)….with no paper!!!!!

I have also used Evernote to record students reading in Guided Reading groups and Individual reading conferences, not only has this been helpful to go back and listen to students read but also a great self assessment tool!!!