Q: How can I work on/create documents on the iPads?

You want to start to move to use Pages and Keynote on both the iPad and your laptop. In order to work on these documents and slideshows simultaneously, you will want to setup iCloud. 

Check this page to see how to setup iCloud on your devices: http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup/

Q: As a math teacher who uses worksheets and textbooks, will I ever be able to replace these with iPad use?

Yes. With improvements over time to the writing functionality, as well as improvements to stylus pens, students can absolutely use the iPad to work and complete all of the worksheets and textbooks on the iPad.

Q: How do I create a textbook/workbook  for my students so that they can see instruction and examples and work on problems directly in the book?

You might need to look for a few solutions. You can use iBooks Author to create the textbook, but you might want to look at annotation apps, like Notability or a PDF reader, which allows students to annotate PDF files and share with you, the annotations/completed work.

Q: How do I create a textbook and update the textbook throughout the year in a way that my students have access to it?

Think about segmenting the textbook, so rather than publish the entire textbook, publish chapter by chapter. Once you have a segmented book, you can share the material via Dropbox or iTunesU.

Q: Is there a future with word processing on/with an iPad?

Pages is a very reasonable word processor. Rumor has it that Word will be soon be coming as an app. CloudOn is another app to work on documents. We don't quite know the direction of the iPad, with regards to the keyboard or the functionality. Word processing will change but the key concepts of writing will always stay the same.

Q: How do you print from the iPad?

Not easily. he best option is to setup Dropbox so that you sync documents back to your laptop and print from this device. You might need a printer that can handle iPad documents. You can also look to some Apps that might be able to print, such as Printer Pro.

Here is some information from Apple about printing: http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/assistant/airprint/

Q: What are some creative ways of using an iPad in an English curriculum?

There are some interesting apps that can be useful to the English classroom: IF Poems; Macbeth (animated version); and The Wasteland. VoiceThread is a terrific app for English teachers because students can use VoiceThread to be analytical about the writing process. Also, students can blog using the Tumblr app as a reading journal.

Q: How will increased use of iPads affect students of limited means? (Computers are available in libraries and at school, but apps are not as widely available and the need for wireless connectivity is essential).

Unfortunately, this is not an easy question. Schools need to investigate all of their options and certainly each school is in a very different situation. Schools need to provide financial aid. Some school use Kindles because internet access isn't an issue. It's the sad reality of our times. Cities are trying to figure out how to create more free wireless access points. In fact, Verizon is trying to create free wireless in New York City. Additionally, schools can provide 3G iPads to students who do not have wireless access.

Q: Is using an iPad more of an advantage in the classroom or as an added device for students to use on their own?

These are not mutually exclusive. Both have significant benefits.

Q: How should you set up a classroom set of iPads, in terms of sharing the iPads and loading Apps onto the iPad?

Talk to you Tech Department. You need a point person to monitor/manage the Apps. It also depends on the age ...

Q: Is there a way to have students work and practice note taking skills and writing on the iPad?

Practice, practice, practice. Give them assignments that highlight the skills of the iPad for annotating and note-taking. Supply them with documents to read in iBooks; do demonstrations in class; and have the students submit and share their notes that they take with you on a weekly basis.

Q: I have had a lot of trouble figuring out how to use certain apps and the tutorials don't address my questions. What to do? Does it mean the app is "not worth it"?

Yes and no. Most apps are inexpensive. If it doesn't work for you, don't sweat it. But for others, a little bit of work will pay of.

Q: Can iPads replace textbooks?

Yes.

Q: When do you think the price of the iPad will come down significantly?

There are rumors of a mini iPad, but I would not expect the price of the models of iPads to go down.

Q: How can a teacher maximize the creative potential of the iPad while minimizing time spent exploring hundreds of Apps?

Read reviews on the iTunes store, follow iPad blogs, and do Google searches on top iPads for your subject. And talk to colleagues.

Q: I'm troubled by students not being able to view more than one page (screen) at a time. Do you have any suggestions?

There are some apps that allow you to view multiple webpages at one time. The truth is that students just need to improve their skills and create habits of using the swipe function and the multi-task bar.

Q: How often do I have to use the iPad in class? Is a daily basis too much?

There are no regulations. Use the iPad as you see fit. Start by not thinking about the iPad as technology. Think about the iPad as a reader, as an extension of your curriculum. But more importantly, it's about the students. Push them to organize, read, and create.

Q: How do I translate lessons I already have to my ipad?

It really depends on the lesson. You can use a soon-to-be released Notebook App, use and access PDFs in different Apps, and view slideshows in apps like Keynote.

Q: What apps might be most helpful for a humanities course?

National Archives DocsTeach, 7 Billion, Art Authority, National Geographic Today, Smithsonian Channel for iPad, Civic Quotes, History Calendar.

Q: How will iPads change the idea of "going to school"?

Long answer, it will allow for more differentiated learning. The advent of screencasting Apps like Explain Everything, ShowMe, and Educreations, allows for an emphasis on student created content and a greater ability for students to do more problem-solving within the class, in place of lecture and discussion. There will be more self-pacing tutorials, more intriguing drill and practice (Mathboard, Spellingboard). Also, students bags will be significantly lighter.

Q: Should students be able to bring school owned iPads home? What would be the policy if lost or stolen?

Depends on the school policies and the program that you are running. I wouldn't want to allow students to bring home iPads from a classroom set. However, if you have a 1:1 program set up, then students bringing iPads back and forth is essential. Regarding lost or stolen iPads, this is a difficult issue and often varies by school. At Horace Mann, we ask for a note and signature from a parent or guardian regarding any lost iPad.

Q: The connection between the students and the rest of the class is really important to me. All of the eyes down frustrates me. Any thoughts?

Partly, this is no different than traditional notetaking. It's about classroom management.

Q: Can I not jump on the bandwagon of the technology but use iPads thoughtfully as ways to enhance and strengthen teaching methodologies?

Yes, couldn't have phrased it any better.

Q: Does a personal screen device reduce (time) or diminish (quality) human interaction in a school setting? Can it increase or improve instead? How?

It's all about the creativity of the teacher. The iPad, if used well, can increase the collaboration between students. Think about the iPad as a collaborative device and not an individual creation device. And it's all about productivity time and not additional screen time. Reading is reading and work is work, regardless of the medium.

Q: Is it "bad" to use the iPad not as an iPad but as a laptop by adding the keyboard?

Not at all. There is no problem with adding a keyboard. Hopefully we won't have to do this for long.

Q: What is the best way to guide students to positively use iPads?

Create content and use the iPad in an interactive and engaging. It starts with the teacher. The teacher has be to willing to think outside the box and be vigilant in what the students are doing. And talk. Talk with the students about how they can take advantage of the full potential of the iPad.

Q: How can we be sure that students are using iPads for school/academic/valuable reasons and not just more than mind-numbing games?

The truth is that you can't. Students will always doodle. Engage them in projects in class and when you catch a student, reprimand and put away if necessary. At the end of the day, the students who don't work will struggle and get behind. It's a privilege to have the iPad and use it, and students should understand this privilege.