I just started using a new app that I couldn't resist bragging sharing. It's called Scanner Pro. It's been on my phone for a while now, but I didn't invest the time to see how it works until two days ago. And I'm hooked ya'll. I am not from the south, but "ya'll" fits really nicely there. I didn't realize how much I could have been utilizing it in my everyday and school life. Use this app to scan and store anything. You can print, fax, upload (Google drive, Evernote, Dropbox), etc. your documents. Here are ten ways you can use Scanner Pro in your classroom/school building. And if you're interested, I have step-by-step directions on how to use the app below!
Disclaimer: Only available for IOS & it's a one time fee of $6.99. (I think I got it on a promotional day, because I downloaded it for free). Initially I wouldn't have spent $7 on this app, but it truly has made a difference in just the past few days I've been using it. I predict this app will have a profound affect on my organizational skills next school year.
1. Copy and store old worksheets that are not saved on a computer.
We all have those stories that were typed on a typewriter that we don't want to throw out, but we don't want to take up room in our already cluttered filing cabinets. Scan the heck out of those boys, e-mail it to yourself and save in a file on your computer.
2. Don't take the paper copy, make a virtual copy.
- During collaboration periods or department meetings, there is always someone willing to share their work. I find that my co-workers have shared things with me, but once I get back to my room, I have a class to teach and end up losing the paper or it just ends up in a pile on my desk that I never look through. Now I am going to stop accepting the paper copies, and just scan it into my phone. It will be more organized and accessible this way.
- Same thing goes for students that want to hand you work in another classroom, but you are leaving for the day right after you see them and you don't want to lug their work in your purse, car, or home. Scan it!
3. Make copies of important human resource documents.
I needed to make a copy of an important document the other day in order to get paid for an extra service I was doing at school. I was instructed that I needed a copy for myself before submitting the paperwork. Well, the copy machine wasn't working. We have a few others in the building, but they are slow, or have no toner, or have a line, or are jammed, etc. Instead of searching around, I just went back to my room and figured I'd make a copy another day. Other days came and gone, and I didn't think of it again. Good thing I didn't because word in the hallways was that none of the copy machines were working. Ah ha. I scanned my document into my phone. Problem solved. Now I can get paid.
4. Copy particular pages from a book and print from any printer.
If you have ever needed to make copies from a book, you know that it's an ugly task. With the scanner pro app, it makes copying books very easy. (Check out pic below). It doesn't leave the ugly and crooked black space. It only copies the designated area that you want. Once you have the file saved, you can upload it to Google drive or print to a compatible printer. No copy machine needed.
5. Scan completed student work.
- Have you ever wished you had an ELMO document presenter in your room? Maneuver around not having one, by implementing Scanner Pro. Scan good and bad examples of student work to share with the class on the board. If you're lucky enough to have a SMART board, you can edit the poor example with the students... without having to leave your classroom to go to the copy room.
- Another way you can use scanned student work is by scanning the work and uploading it to a class website to share with parents and other students.
- Scan student work to send evidence of learning progressions to the appropriate case managers.
- Scan student work and save on your computer for models of work for future years to come. (Less messy than a picture).
6. Suggest students use this app to stay organized.
Some students' backpacks are a hot mess. We have students who complete assignments, but lose them before they get to hand them in. Scanner Pro can act as insurance for these students. Suggest students scan their assignment (or notes) before packing up for the day. This way, if the hard copy is lost, they still have a copy of their work available.
7. Scan receipts.
If you are in charge of any club, sport, or activity at school, chances are you have dealt with receipts. You have also probably had to submit these receipts in order to be reimbursed for money spent. Don't waste your time going to make a copy of your receipt. Just scan it and save it!
8. Copy "Thank you" and "Happy Birthday" cards.
I always have a few thank you notes on my chalkboard ledge. I keep them there initially to show the student that gave it to me that I appreciate it and I want to see it every day. But at some point, it has to go! By scanning these cards, I can always cherish the kind words that were said to me, and not feel to bad about throwing out the cards.
9. Scan awards and certifications.
Feel free to upload your awards to your class website now that you have the ability to get it in a virtual form. Or just copy your awards and certifications for your private use. Every time you apply for school, new jobs, etc. they want a copy of these items. Have them handy with this app.
10. Copy your own notes from PD.
At professional development, we get worksheets and handouts and I often write my own comments on top. Instead of throwing it out, or placing it in a misc. pile on my desk, I can keep my own notes handy with Scanner Pro.
Take a look at how easy to use it is. And also check out how clear the copy comes out!
My personal information has been covered.
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