Tips for iPads as Centers From Teq

Teq.com is a wonderful resource you need to explore. They offer trainings in the NY area mainly, but are expanding their reach to deliver more online Professional Development content.

Their blog is a great one to follow and their news letter comes in handy. In fact, this comes directly from their last newsletter that I received.

3 Tips for Using an iPad as a Center in Your Classroom
One of today’s best classroom technologies is the iPad, however many times schools don't have enough for each individual student. One great way to address this issue is to use your iPad as a center in your classroom. Check out our 3 favorite tips for using an iPad as a center in you classroom below!

1. Be clear and concise with the goal at each iPad center.
Provide written instructions at each iPad center that include the expectations of the student for each app the student should be using. If possible, provide a QR code that connects to a video or written instructions explaining the center’s activity. This is great because at any time the student can refer back to the directions without having to ask the teacher.

2. Organize apps in folders appropriate for each iPad station.
If you expect a student to use 3 specific apps for a center, put those 3 apps together in a folder. This is a great visual cue for the student to find that center’s appropriate apps as well as cut down time locating the apps on the iPad.

3. Use the Guided Access that is built into iOS on the iPad.
Guided Access allows you to “lock” a student into an app by disabling the home button. This is great to keep the students on task and stop them from exploring whatever else is on the iPad. Guided Access also lets you customize what parts of the iPad screen the student is able to interact with. If there is a part of an app that you do not want the student to be able to touch (like for in-app purchases), you have that ability.

Make sure to check out the Community resource page http://www.teq.com/blog/ . There you can follow their blog, download lessons and SMART resources from the Educator Resource Center, view previous webinars and tutorials in their Video Archive, and pick up some eBooks and How-tos in their Teq Resources.

Extra SMART Software

 I hear teachers all the time talk about students needing to practice their spelling and their math facts. SMART has two products that teachers can download from the SMART exchange and use with their students. These programs would be great as whole group practice or as a SMART board center.

1. SMART Speller 

SMART Speller allows student to improve their spelling skills. Teachers and use the word lists built into the program or import their own list as a .txt file
Check out the video from TEQ about SMART Speller

Download SMART Speller from the SMART Exchange (you must login to your free account to access the exchange and download the software)


2. SMART Number Cruncher

Number Cruncher allows students to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. Teachers can also use fractions and decimals and set the appropriate skill level for the students.
Check out the video from TEQ about SMART Number Cruncher

Download SMART Number Cruncher from the SMART Exchange (you must login to your free account to access the exchange and download the software)


If you don't use the links above just go to the SMART Exchange, login and search for SMART Speller or SMART Number Cruncher. Don't forget about the SMART Exchange button in notebook software. It will take you directly to the Exchange.

5 Ways to Get Feedback Using the SMART Lesson Activity Toolkit

5 Ways to Get Feedback Using the SMART Lesson Activity Toolkit




From the Teq blog comes a post about using the Lesson Activity Toolkit activities for feedback, to check for understanding, and for brain breaks.

Each of the templates they highlight have an Edit button for easy creation on the topic of your choice.

Make sure to check out Teq's blog for information on the vortex sort, keyword match, pairs, category sort, and multiple choice activities.