TeachthruTech

I have discussed in previous posts how iPads can and should be used for projects and to create products.  They are not just a drill and kill tool.  A very simple project to start with would be to create summary postcards.  The project is quick and easy, and you can accomplish it with the use of 2 free apps!  Both of these apps have a lite version for you to experiment with.  If you find you like them you can update to the pro version on each to receive more options and resources.

I would start out the postcard project by using the camera on your device to take pictures that go along with your project.  The camera has been one thing they have worked hard to improve and the pictures taken now are quite good quality.  Depending on your project you may also be able to surf the web for royalty free images and save them to the camera roll.  Either method is effective.  In fact, use a combination of both!

The first app I want to introduce is TurboCollage.  This is a fun, easy app to use that helps you create collages with existing images that can be sent out through email or social media or just saved to your camera roll.  For example, if you are creating a summary of an experiment you did in Science class, take multiple pictures and then combine them all into a collage that can be used as the front of your postcard.  The lite version works quite well.  The Pro version will give you more options as to canvas size and arrangements of the photos.  Once you have created your collage, save it to the camera roll so it is available during the next step.

The next step is to choose a postcard app.  Bill Atkinson Photocard is one that I use and have been happy with.  It has a bunch of nature photos included in the app that you can use for your front image if you don’t have one to import.  In this case I will bring in my Turbocollage image I saved to my camera roll.  The image covers the entire front of the card…then it is time to work on the back side.

When you go to the back side of the postcard you can address it and choose a stamp to use.  If you just plan on saving it to the camera roll you do not have to place an address in the field.  If you are going to email it you can add the email address in the address field and then it will be ready to send when you access the action button.  You can also send it out via Twitter if that is your choice.

The left-hand side is wide open for text.  This is where your summary, experiment, whatever your project is, would be written.  I like the fact that the student would be limited to the area on the postcard.  When you are writing summaries you will want a smaller area to confine the students to.  Get to the meat…short and sweet!

Once they have filled in both sides, they are ready to email it to you or save to the camera roll where you can access it later.  It will give them a chance to show what they know.  You can post the final products to a website or blog, email them to recipients, or even print out to hang on the wall.

This is a great project to get reluctant students and teachers alike started with iPads.  Check out my handiwork below.  Quick, easy, and a work of art!