Built into your student's iPads and iPhones is a helpful text reader! Students can make a selection of text on a website and have it read to them while highlighting the word being read. This can be helpful with early readers and readers who just need a little bit of assistance. To turn this feature on first open Settings -> Accessibility -> Spoken Content -> and turn on Speak Selection. You can also touch  Highlight Content to have words highlighted as they are spoken. Please note, if you are using an older version of iOS, Accessibility might be in a different location.

Watch the video to see how Speak Selection works and how to turn it on for your iOS device.

​Do you need help explaining long time periods to a child, middle schooler, or even an adult? How Many Saturdays is a fun way to explore the concept of time and learn some pretty interesting facts along the way. For example you can learn how many times you have broken wind in your lifetime. Currently I am at about 184,105. The video above will walk you through how the app works on a iPad or iPhone.

You can download the app here: How Many Saturdays?

With QuizButton HD you can turn your classroom iPad into a buzzer system for up-to eight students! This free app features buttons, buzzers, and even timers.

You can also adjust the buttons to a certain amount also. You can have anywhere from 2 to 8 buttons for all your question/quiz needs. If you want, you can also purchase the full version for $.99. In the full version you can have it also keep score. Watch the demo below to see how easy the free version can be to use in the classroom.

Have you ever received an email and at the bottom of the email it said "Sent from my iPad" or "Sent from my iPhone?" Well, if you are using the iOS Mail App it is very likely your emails say the same thing. 

Watch the short tutorial below to see how easy it is to customize your signature into a professional looking one instead of a gimmicky stock statement.

Who doesn't love some free math apps! Check out the three awesome free for a limited time apps.

A long term favorite use of SMARTBoards is the ability to create a random name selector. This fun little feature can now be done on a iPad or iPhone using PickaPerson.

In fact, you can create a generator for any type of random selector. Want to have a generator that randomly selects a book? It can do that. Want to have a generator that randomly selects who picks a snack? It can do that. Want to have a generator that randomly selects who washes dishes tonight? It can totally do that. 

Watch the tutorial below to see PickaPerson in action.

Here are some FREE educational and creative apps to start the New Year off right!