When faced with the use of iPads or Chromebooks in a workbook-completion setting, the teacher might feel defeated or even disheartened, but this does not have to be. With a little ingenuity and some tech savvy, teachers can utilize the workbook activity on the 1:1 device using a PDF annotator.
Michael Marsico of West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet is determined to accomplish this goal for multiple reasons: to solve issues he has with missing workbooks and to build his students’ tech skills. Students who apparently losetheir workbook on purpose to avoid doing work do not have an excuse anymore. Students who legitimately lose their workbook and don't have the money to replace it don't have to worry about the financial burden on their families. Now, the PDF version of the workbook is posted on the classroom Edmodo site for easy download. In addition to completing the activity, the students are more comfortable using a PDF annotator, a task which will become more prevalent and important in their personal and professional lives.
The PDF annotator in use is TinyPDF, a free app for download to iPads. While it is called “tiny,” it functions as a powerhouse. Students have the ability to use a pencil to free write, type text, and strike through, underline, and highlight text! They can even upload their in-process or completed file to their Edmodo backpack or their Google Drive. Many other popular PDF annotators do not boast this feature.
Just as workbooks and worksheets need to be collected, these PDF files can be handed in to be checked. One very easy way to check these on an iPad or Chromebook is to have students take a screenshot of the specific page or pages and upload them to Edmodo, Google Classroom, or Google Drive. While this is simply at the substitution level of SAMR, it is so much more than filling out a worksheet. Try TinyPDF if you are looking for a no-cost solution to annotating.
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