Google Doc uh... Drive is such an eye opening idea it has made purchasing software seem silly.  Many or our teachers are already using G-Docs and having students use it too.  But what about Google Forms?

First of all What the Heck is Google Drive? It used to be called Google Docs.  Create an account at Google and you can also create Docs (Documents) which are similar in all look and feel and can even be downloaded as Microsoft Word. PowerPoint and Excel files.  The two BIGGEST reason to use this tool...

1. It is stored in the cloud.  No saving to jump/thumb drives.  No e-mailing it home... Etc.  Just log on to your Google from any device and edit your document!  Yes, even a smart phone.
2. Share it and have others work on your paper.  It is called collaboration.  Share the link with the teacher when you are finished to to turn it it.  No printing and wasting paper and ink...
3. Oh, and It's free

Docs is pretty simple and I'd be happy to teach you and your students the details.  What are the details?  The "fun" part of my job is that so many of these sites change where there links are and what you can do that by the time I type up instructions it may have changed!  It is much easier to show you and have you play than to type it out.

Padlet is... just cool
What is it?  Social post it notes on steroids.  A teacher can pose a question.  Students answer by using the provided link and notes appear on the page.  Everyone can see all notes.  Pictures and text can be added.  

How it works. 
Teacher makes "a board" or wall with instructions or a question and gives students the link or a QR code.  Students then go to link and click and type. Easy.  Boards (or walls) can be copied or duplicated for use with a different periods - without prior content.

Ideas.  

• Introductions of students.  Add a picture and a few things about yourself.
• What do you think about the main Character.
• Who will win the next...

Bottom line is that it is a discussion board so be creative and enjoy.

Website - https://padlet.com/
Yes there is an app but the webpage works just fine.
Apple
Chrome App

That title is kinda harsh since maybe we would all live a little better if we weren't tied to technology so much!

Here is my list of must haves (ones that are usually open on miThings). Some of these apps have their own pages in other spots since they are so good!  I would say the "Both" column is the most accurate for required apps.

Of course there are others depending on location and mood but these (below) are the basics.  Here are some other ones tho - iSamJackson, MLS, Cinnemark, Shatner Poetry....

The only order they are in is .... alphabetical!

What is a document camera?
It's a camera on a stick or tripod and attached to your computer or projector.  Many come with software for writing and recording the lesson on the computer but I am not sure how many teachers actually use those features.  the recording part is great. The lesson can be saved for students who were absent. Or play the video when some one wakes up and asks what they missed :)  Doc Cams are NOT just for doc(ument)s.  ANYTHING you want to show you can show on the 8 foot screen.  As long as you can point the camera at it!  It is a camera after all!  This includes a student doing an oral report or presentation, insects, simple machines, pottery... Document Cameras (many of the ones we have at our school anyway) cost $400 - $600. Yes they have come a lot in price. We also have a few $75 ones.   We "Have" this Document camera, and this one.

Why are they so expensive?
They are great cameras and can zoom in close with a macro.  They show crystals in rocks very well - BUT do you need that?  The software is also very powerful for recording and editing your presentation.  Have you ever used it?

No one really needs a $500 document camera anymore when you have a $500 iPad and some free or cheap apps!  You do however need a stand and cable.  Here is the set-up.  As with many things... there are options.  None of it free but your Media Center or tech person can (might be able to) help fund it and set it up.

Required (Let me know what you want - I have a few of them)

• Dongle for your device (Example but make sure you get the correct one)
  
• VGA Cord (How long do you need?) Audio is another option.
  
• Stand (DIY PVC) (DIY Wood) (Belkin) (Stand)
  
• Help to set it up for the first time.
  

Option 4 - Go Wireless
Use an Apple TV or the Reflector application (via AirPlay) to display your iPad on the screen.  While this seems like the best option since you can also move about the room it is totally relying on the wireless and has some lag time.  See my other page about this.

After it is set up all you need is an app.  While you could use ANY app to show on the screen remember this is about Document Cameras!  So here are a few to use.  As always - YES, there are others.  What makes it a document camera app is the camera and then then the ability to draw on the iPad and record the lesson.  Sure you could just use the camera on Video and record what you do under the camera but these apps have added features.  There are free versions of both apps but these are worth the price!  I have codes for them if you would like one.  Just ask...

Board Cam -
Made by some dude who needed it.  (Not a name brand)  I have suggested this one for a few years now because it was the only one I could find!  It works well.

Stage -
Made by Belkin and has the backing of the backing of name branding.  Also I think this app is a little more intuitive and easier to use.

Sure there is some getting used to this but in the long run... after a few times using it... I do believe you will like the feeling of using your iPad more productively.

A few people asked me if we have a scanner here at school  If you think about it all is scanner really does is take a picture of something. Most people just scan a picture or a document and save it as a .PDF or .jpg file.  Granted it is pretty good resolution or quality - depending on your settings and cleanliness of the glass.  This photo or document gets saved to the computer for uploading or otherwise sharing or saving digitally.

Hmm... Most of our teachers already have something that will work just fine.  Their iPad.
While there are a lot of apps out there that will take a picture for you here are 2 "scanner apps" that I have used.