What a fun topic to look through and see what is out there. This is exactly what educators need to see and choose from. Knowing that the applications are already available, it is just a matter of choosing and adapting them to the classroom needs. Here are some applications I viewed that caught my attention:
1. TWITTER - Although I am not a follower, I can see the benefits of how it could be used in education. If discussion needs to occur between group members, or the teacher and the class, twitter is a way to hold this discussion. I think the downfall to this is that anyone can be a follower, and you wouldn't be able to control who is participating in the discussion. But what a quick and easy way to share what you are thinking in a moment's time.
2. POLL ANYWHERE - Very cool!!! This application has a lot of potential. This is a great assessment for teachers to pose questions to the class and get immediate feedback. The results will help to guide instruction, whether reteaching is needed. I wonder if it shows the number or name of the person who answered...and what they answered. That will help to progress monitor individual students.
3. BRAIN TUNER - One of my favorite games to play. Building basic math skills is important and this application helps in building math automaticity and fluency. It averages in your missed problems, so it's not likely to just rush through to reach the fastest time. I really can see primary students using this. This would also be a good recommendation for parents to download if they are the ones that have the iPhone. The kids have not excuse if they are on a long car ride. They can always be practicing math!
4. MY HOMEWORK - This application on the iPhone is a great application to help keep kids (and adults) stay organized. Responsibility is huge for kids, and organization is a key factor in helping them be responsible. I like how you can see what you need to do in a list, day to day, or in calendar form. Especially high school students who have a number of teachers. This application allows them to jot down daily homework, future projects, and keep notes on each. This digital notebook would be quite useful!
5. TYPING CLASS - Everyone needs to learn how to type. It might be a little tough on the iPhone because of the size of the keys, but it helps in getting kids to memorize the keyboard. What an easy application to do when kids finish early with assignments.
Most of the applicaitons I saw useful were from the iPhone. I am definitely inspired by what is out there already. But just thinking, how likely are elementary kids going to have cell phones? It seems like these applications fit better for middle/high school.
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Sherrie,
ReplyDeleteHi Heide I agree with you about Twitter, I was never interested in visiting the website. After visiting the website, I see that it does have some benefits for teachers. I also liked POLLAYWHERE web site. It is COOL. Some of the services I liked are Myhomework, and Typingclass can help teachers, parents, and students.
Hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI had fun searching the various sites as well! It was so enlightening to see the countless amount of apps out there for anything you can think of! I think all of theapps for younger kids were great because there are now more middle age school children who have phones out there. I am not sure they can live without texting..lol
I'm glad you enjoyed this topic. Good reviews!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you responded to my review of the iPhone/iTouch device. I don’t own either one to test it out. What does your daughter use your iPhone for? Was it easy for her to use it from the begining or did you have to sit down with her to teach her? I had two concerns about the device age of the child and the warranty. I know for my iPod, apple does not cover accidental protection and even their extended warranty only covers manufacturer parts that are not working properly. Is the warranty/insurance on the iPhone the same? That was my other concern for classroom use.
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