In an attempt to reduce paper consumption and to increase the use of technology, I have decided to get rid of my traditional Day Book binder and replace it with an app on my iPad and Mac Book Pro!
Thank goodness for the summer, when I am able to spend quality time with my tech devices and discover new apps that will help me succeed during the upcoming school year. Upon discovering Planbook, I have found it to be an outstanding tool for all educators!!!
This app gives you the ability to create courses/classes and specify the days and time periods when they will be taught. Once set, you are also able to specify the teacher's instruction [i.e. the lesson plan for the subject] and also any other pieces of relevant information necessary to implement your lesson [e.g., homework to be assigned, public information to share, and also links to files as attachments - only available on the Mac version].
This app allows you to view your lessons in sequential order. You can select a subject and plan your lessons, one right after the other. You have the option of viewing your lessons by day, week, or month.
All of your saved files upload to Dropbox, and if you are juggling between using the Mac version and the iPad version [like myself] you will have no problem syncing your lessons between your devices. You may also e-mail saved lessons and print off hard copies, whenever you feel it's necessary.
I am sure I have yet to discover Planbook's FULL potential, but the more I use this app, the more I feel confident that I will never go back to the traditional ways of day planning.
As far as "other documents" that an educator may keep in their Day Book, I have been uploading PDF versions of various documents [i.e., staff list, class list, safety procedures, school year calendar, etc] and have created folders in iBook for the iPad. I have easy access to all of this information electronically. iBooks also syncs documents between all devices using iCloud. Whether I am at home, on my phone or using the iPad in class, these documents are always within reach.
So ask yourself this question...
How can I dive into the 21st century and modify my day book to better suit my needs as an educator?
I am pumped to begin the new school year with new tools for success!!!
Check out the following links:
Planbook for Mac
Planbook for iPad
Developer's Website
iBooks for iPad
Mate! Great stuff! My name is Brad, I have also completely done away with all forms of written planning and document management through this very same solution!... Cheers for the follow on twitter! I am in the process of launching my new website and I'd love to link back to this post if you dont mind? I think it's great that you have made the switch and I really want to encourage others to do the same! Planbook seriously rocks! Also, if you know of any shortcomings of the Combo solution with iBooks and Planbook, I would love to know... I'm always looking for a gap in the market to fill somehow? who knows... great to meet you Mr D!
ReplyDeleteMr. Evans! Thanks for the comment. It is do great to expand my PLN with educators globally!! I will definitely be in touch with you in regards to the sharing of files. You may link this blog on your website! But you have to send me the link too!!! Hahaha!!! See you on twitter :-D
DeleteHey mate, no worries! I just wrote an article if you want to take a look at it.. http://teacherwebcoach.com/paper-diaries-digial-diaries/ So what classes do you teach? What country do you teach in? Im an Aussie.. I teach IT to grades 8-12.. great fun!
DeleteAwesome blog! Thanks for the props :D I am a Grade 6 teacher [previously taught grade 3 and 4]. So excited for next year, especially with what technology has to offer in education. I'm hoping to revolutionize the way things are done! I'll need a lot of patience for that, and I'll have to remind myself that when things don't work out the way I want them to, I need to keep persevering. So much of this tech stuff is still new. But I'm willing to give it a go!!! :D
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