Using+Inspiration+and+Dictionary+to+find+synonyms

====Yesterday I demonstrated an iPad opportunity with a group of children at [|Hingaia Peninsula Schoo]l. They had read the book 'Squid Monster ' by [|Jill Eggleton]====

** iPad Apps **

 * ====Inspiration Maps ([|Free] or half price at the moment NZ [|$9.99]) for iPads only====
 * ====Dictionary ([|Free] for iPod Touch and [|Free] for iPad)====

** Laptop Apps ** (wireless mirroring to a laptop connected to a projector) ====We talked about the different emotions that the characters felt in the story and looked at the highlighted words in the book. Using the mirroring software I was able to introduce the '[|Inspiration]' app==== ======== ==== ==== ====   ====
 * ====[|Reflection] (Mac only NZ$14.99 single user or $49.99 for 5 licenses) this was the one I used but PC users could use the one below====
 * ====[|Airserver] (Mac & PC $14.99 for 5 licenses)====
 * ====Find the Inspiration app on the Writing page or Press the Home button once and once again to get to the Search Window, start typing [|Inspiration] tap on the app to open it====
 * 1) ====Tap on the Templates window====
 * 2) ====Tap on New Diagram====
 * 3) ====Type the name of the first character we are looking at====

Find the Dictionary app by going to the Page it is on or by pressing the Home button to get to the Search Screen as seen below. Start typing Dictionary and then tap on the app when it appears
==== ==== ==== Type in the word to be found in this example it is 'anxious'. ==== ====At this point there was a lot of discussion about the word 'anxious' and what it meant in the context of the story. The students looked carefully at the Synonyms and talked about which of the words there would be correct to use in the context of the story.====

Double tap the Home button and tap on Inspiration.
==== ====

Then click on the arrow to get a new symbol.
==== ====

All of the students caught onto the moving between apps very quickly.
==== When I saw one particular student had become very proficient quickly then I showed her how she could organise her information by colour and shape. She is now the 'Inspiration Expert' in the class. She will be able to share her knowledge by teaching other students. ==== ==== ====

In 15 minutes these students were able to

 * ====find apps using a search function====
 * ====flip between two apps====
 * ====find Dictionary meanings and synonyms in the time it took them to type the word====
 * ====add information to an Inspiration mindmap and organise it====
 * ====how to save their diagram====
 * ====discuss the words and the meanings they were finding and through that discourse make informed choices====

Other ideas that came from the teachers observing were that the students could use the note feature for further activities.
==== ==== ====They were using an iPad each, and their book Squid Monster. They could have used a paper Thesaurus or Dictionary, but the speed it took them to the information they needed I think they would rather use the iPad.==== ====To begin with this has been about the apps, but students and teachers alike need to know how the apps work before they can make good use of them. Already teachers are thinking about how they can use Inspiration in their reading in a variety of ways.====