Headphone Jack Broken in iPad? We tested the GripStick, check out our Results.

It was undeniable: the stack of iPads that needed a broken headphone jack removed was 8 deep. Of the 175ish iPads we have that does not sound bad at all. When the estimate from the district came in it got bad. $92.00 per iPad for a total of over 800.00 (with tax and YES our district charged us tax)!

There was a hopeful rumor floating that a neighboring SHOA could remove the tips with just a look but it turned out the magical SHOA was a school secretary that retired last year and moved to Idaho. So that was that.

And YouTube showed us that no amount of dried superglue, toothpicks and Bic pens could solve our problem (talking to you, BigPapi92).

We came across this link and voila!!! truly genuinely the answer to our problems, the GripStick.

Check out this video demonstrating the application

The video sealed the deal for us. What did we have to lose? Even kinders at a STEM school can tell you that 24.99 beats 800.00.

Well, thank goodness for my husband!! When the GripStick arrived (super fast shipping, arrived in two days) I was so excited to be as quick and effective as the video. So apparently I am not the girl in the video BUT my husband was able to remove 4 jacks before our GripStick gave up the ghost. By the end of the fourth removal the GripStick came apart and it was bent and not functioning.

Bottom line: do I wish it withstood more removals? Absolutely. But after this I am hopping over to Nightek.com to order two more GripSticks. The 4 removal lifespan took our repair cost down to 6.00 per iPad and in two days this tool is going directly to my husband.

I especially love that this product was designed by students and was KickStarted. I look forward really to the kinders that don't jam the headphones!! Can anyone KickStart that?

the VERY BEST iPad Storage EVER

iPad instruction is one of the best parts of my job, Be good to yourself and do not get stuck in an elevator with me and bring up 1:1. Be wise and don't join a Tech Advisory committee with me - I go a lot crazy when we go there.

This week, getting back into the building, I have been reminded just how much EXTRA work goes into iPad instruction. Especially that August prep groundwork so your teachers can jump and go.

Our Third grade teacher took on 1:1 instruction mid year last year and I was IMPRESSED with her flexibility and the learning that happened in that class. This week she did it again for sure.

Anyone who works with more than three iPads in a class knows how unwieldy, and space consuming iPad storage is. Not to mention expensive.

My teacher pulled out one of the cardboard mailboxes that every building has piled up and put it to use! Holes were drilled in each compartment (through the back) and the wires were strung to the charging units.

Teachers are amazing. I saw another Teacher this afternoon walking down the hall with an old mailbox and I hope she is doing the same thing. This unit puts the iPads at kids' height, it puts the charging and maintenance responsibility literally at their level.

This did not cost a dime. This Teacher already had the strip cords. Last year she stored the iPads using dishracks which is not a bad idea but I LOVE the reimaged mailbox!!!!

What Should Happen in a 1:1 iPad Classroom

TPACK Deconstructed in 3 Minutes

This summer I had the opportunity to do some Tech work with a progressive school district. One of the assignments I was given was to create a 3 minute video presentation on TPACK geared toward school administrators.

Each year our teachers get busier and more is asked of them. Each year technology changes, improves and seeps more into our kids' lives. I have noticed that each year more teachers resist technology (understandably so). This presentation is aimed to help teachers understand TPACK and help us understand TPACK as tech support specialists. When we understand the best methodology to apply successful tech our teachers' success skyrockets.