Staff writer
Donning chefs’ hats and long-sleeved white T-shirts, a group of eight fourth- and fifth-graders at Centre Elementary School are gaining experience in demonstrating how they use iPads to create content and build skills on a daily basis.
They made their debut a year ago at the 2012 Technology Excellence in Education Network conference. They are known as the iPad Chefs.
According to Centre USD 397 Superintendent Jerri Kemble, the team has presented to more than 500 administrators, teachers, professors, and community members, the latest being the 2013 TEEN conference. They also have presented at the University of Kansas Learning Conference and Learning Forward Conferences in Salina and Topeka.
They individually demonstrate the use of various education apps on their iPads. The drawings or words are projected onto a large screen for the audience to see.
Fifth-grader Emma David said she likes using the iPad. She demonstrates an app called Screen Chomp, in which she can record herself drawing something, doing a math problem, or doing other things. She also demonstrates Story Wheel, an app that lets her create and record a story. The recordings can be posted on Facebook. Emma said she uses her iPad in math, social studies, science, and almost every other subject.
Fifth-grader Braxton Smith said using an iPad to learn is fun. He demonstrates the use of an app called Pocket Zoo that allows him to look at and learn about animals from around the world. He said he can watch them on webcams and videos. Braxton said the iPad can be used in music as well as other subjects.
The tablet-sized touch-screen computers were introduced to CES third- and fourth-grade students in October 2011 and are in use in fifth and sixth grades, as well.
At the Jan. 14 board meeting, teacher Tana Riffel showed a video in which students praised the iPads and were asking to take them home.
“I think our kids are ready for it,” she said.