Sunday, October 30, 2011

Calculator



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 2nd and up
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Computation
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

Surprisingly, iPads do not ship with a calculator app installed. Luckily, there are a few free options available in the App Store. This option works well for use in my early elementary classroom. I love how the numbers are big; easy for small fingers to touch. It's nothing fancy, but it gets the job of performing simple operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) done. Beware that ads (complete with the temptation to "visit site" or "try it free") run across the top of the screen. For that reason, you may want to select a paid/non-ads calculator app. In fact, there's a premium version of this app available for 99 cents that will eliminate the ads.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Quick Record



Price: 99 cents
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: All
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app's title says it all; it's a quick way to record an audio file. Once you open the app, you simply press the large, green button in the middle of the screen to begin recording. When you're done, you press the same button (now red) to stop. That's it. You do not have the option to pause and continue recording within the same file.

The following message then appears, "Sound recording converted and stored successfully." It then directs you to go to the native Photos app to listen to it. That's right, audio files recorded with this app are stored in the same location as photos and video files.

Once you access the file via the Photos app, you have the choice of emailing or copying it or sending it to YouTube.

I'm disappointed that it's not free. It's almost too simple to be worth a price tag - no matter how small it is.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Eric Carle's My Very First App



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 1st
Subject: Vocabulary
Specific Skill: Matching
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

With this type of title, my guess is that the developers intended to make an app that would introduce young children to the iPad (or iPod Touch or iPhone) and how to swipe and press items on it. Problem is, that could be done with many other apps - especially free ones.

It's hard to even classify this app. I guess I would say it's a vocabulary matching game. Here's an explanation of the 3 levels, in the app's own words.

Easy - Swipe the images left or right. Match the top image with an image on the bottom.
Medium - Tap on cards to flip them over. Find the two cards with the exact same image.
Hard - Tap on cards to flip them over. Find the two cards that go together, like black and an umbrella.

Unfortunately, the app initially only comes with two 'sets' in which to perform those activities - colors and animal homes. You have the in-app option of purchasing four additional sets - shapes, numbers, food, and animal sounds. Each one is an additional 99 cents.

The illustrations are beautiful and in true Eric Carle style. But skip this app if money is a selling point for you.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Kindle



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Books
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

Amazon is brilliant for developing an app to access its Kindle services on other devices. Adding this app gives you an alternative to iBooks. Once logging into your Amazon account, you have the ability to connect to the Kindle store. Of course you can purchase a copy of a book, but a free section also exists.

Once a book is wirelessly downloaded to your device, it remains on the app's built-in bookshelf. The reader has the ability to bookmark pages, and change the page color, layout, and text size. One can also search for a word or phrase that's within the book.

In my opinion, no device should be without this app.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Bord



Price: 99 cents
Grade Recommendation: K - 3rd
Subject: All
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This simple app turns your device into a chalkboard. It's kind of nostalgic for those of us who miss the days of chalkboards in the classroom.

Users have a choice of 3 chalk thicknesses in 6 different colors. To erase, choose the tool or simply shake the device.

Work can be saved to the photos folder or emailed out.

Overall, this app is way too simple to be a paid one. Yes it gives students one more way to do work; I envision this being useful during math class. However, there are other apps out there (such as Screen Chomp) that do more for less. Download it if you find it for free one day or if money is no object. Otherwise, skip it.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Dictionary.com



Price: Free! (w/ads) or $4.99 - iPad, $2.99 iPod (ad-free)
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: All
Specific Skill: Reference
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is another option for a decent dictionary app for the iPod Touches and/or iPads in your classroom. I still encourage teachers to keep 'real' dictionaries (at the appropriate level) in classrooms, but students should also have access to the electronic kind - it's part of their future (like it or not).

While I prefer the dictionary app by Merriam-Webster, others may like this app better.

Students can search for a word by entering text or using the 'voice search' option. I love this option because if kids are using an app like this in the first place, chances are they do not know how to spell the word. Search results include all meanings of the word and what type of word it is (adverb, noun, pronoun, etc.). Synonyms also appear along the right side of the app or users can hit the synonyms button to see them in isolation.

The user has the ability to store favorite words and see recent words that have been looked up. In addition, the main page of the app features a 'Word of the Day' in English and Spanish.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Math Ninja



Price: $1.99 (free Lite version)
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 5th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app adequately combines fun and learning! The user is trying to defend their treehouse from a tomato and its army of friends! After hitting so many objects, the user has to solve math problems to move on. Solving the problems correctly 'earns' them money which they can use to buy supplies to enhance their ninja skills.

At the start of each game, you need to choose the Game Mode.

Easy - "Easy mode is great for kids learning math or adults new to games. Math problems are not timed, monster difficulty is easy, and there are unlimited refunds."
Normal - "Normal mode is great for gamers familiar with math. Math problems have a generous time limit, monster difficulty is normal, and there are unlimited refunds."
Ninja - "Ninja mode is great if you are a true Math Ninja! Math problems have a tight time limit, monster difficulty is very hard, and there are no refunds!"

You then need to turn all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on or off. But you can customize it even further by adjusting the exact number ranges that can appear.

Despite the fact that this app presents more like a game rather than a strictly educational app, I still recommend it - especially at this price point. Encourage your students to select more education-based math apps (like Tic-Tac-Math), but this one is a suitable option for them too.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

iBooks



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: N/A
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

For reasons unknown to me, iPads and iPod Touches do not ship with iBooks installed, despite the fact that the app is Apple's own e-book reader. Nonetheless, this should be one of the first apps you install.

The app links to Apple's iBookstore. I'm impressed with the selection of books available. But beware that books tend to be about the same price you would pay if getting them from a traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore.

The iBookstore is not as user-friendly as I hoped. It's difficult to 'browse'. Rather, you really need to have a title in mind and use the search option to see if it's available. But you can also use the 'Top Charts' option in the 'Children & Teens' category to see popular titles.

Many classic books are available for free! But chances are you'll have to purchase copies of modern/newer and more popular books. The purchasing and downloading processes are super easy and super quick.

Back in the app, all downloaded (either free or purchased) books sit in a beautiful and simple bookshelf. You may also choose to have them in list form instead; this option allows you to organize them by titles, authors, or categories.

There are plenty of other options once you 'open' a book to read. You can adjust the screen's brightness and the text's size and font. Tapping on a word allows you to look it up in the built-in dictionary, highlight it, make a note, or search for the same word in other parts of the story. You're also able to see what page you're on and out of how many. The same thing is true for each chapter ("16 pages left in this chapter"). You can even use the bookmark to hold your spot.

Simply put, no iPad or iPod Touch should be without this app. Make it one of the very first you obtain. Happy Reading! :)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

ABC Pocket Phonics



Price: $2.99 (free Lite version)
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 2nd
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Phonics
Levels: N/A
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app would make a good addition to classrooms where students could benefit from simple phonics practice.

Begin in the settings folder - change the handwriting style (D'Nealian or Zaner-Bloser) and lowercase, uppercase, or cursive. You can also select from United States or United Kingdom letter sounds.

Students have a choice between two games - 'Letter sounds and writing' or a 'Word game'.

Letter sounds and writing - The app reads a letter and gives its sound. It also shows users how to write the letter. It then instructs the student to say the letter's sound and encourages them to use their pointer finger to trace the letter.

Word game - The app says one letter sound at a time. Students have to select the letter(s) that's making that sound. The process continues until a word is spelled. Instant feedback is given. Students have the option of having the sound repeated as many times as necessary.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Geo Walk



Price: $2.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: Social Studies & Science
Specific Skill: Geography
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This world fact app is visually appealing and filled with many interesting facts about our world. But it is quite complex and younger students may feel as if it's overly-stimulating. With that in mind, I probably wouldn't use this app with early elementary-aged students.

Users can search the earth by places, animals, people or plants. They can also read about current events/news going on around the world. Built-in quizzes about the facts are also included.

Overall, purchase this app if money is not an issue and you're using it with older students. If not, know that better geography-based apps are out there.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Accelerated Reader



Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: All
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Comprehension & vocabulary
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is such an exciting app for users who are already familiar with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program! Chances are, your students are already quite adept at taking AR quizzes on a traditional computer. But now they also have the option of doing so on the iPad and/or iPod Touch.

Please note that your students need to already have access to Accelerated Reader - a paid service. Visit http://www.renlearn.com/ar/ for more information.

The AR app is actually simpler than the traditional computer interface. It serves as a great alternative. But it would be beneficial if students already knew how to log in and search for quizzes the traditional way. Be sure to provide students and/or parents with your school's Renaissance Place URL if you want them to access AR through iPads and/or iPod Touches (or even iPhones) away from the school.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Coin Math



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 1st - 4th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Money
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

For the price, this is a very robust app! Students learn to identify coins, find how much money they have, and buy things.

The app actually is comprised of 11 different activities.
- What the Coins Look Like
- Beginning Match the Coins
- Match the Coins
- Count Coins
- Advanced Count Coins
- Shopping
- Intermediate Shopping
- Advanced Shopping
- Make Change
- Intermediate Make Change
- Advanced Make Change

All elementary-aged students should be able to find an activity that is 'just right' for them. The interface is simple and the app even provides audio and written directions.

I highly recommend you install this app for use during mathematics instruction.

Monday, October 10, 2011

See Read Say



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 3rd
Subject: Reading
Specific Skill: Sight Words
Levels: 5
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app is quite simple. By that, I mean it comes with few bells and whistles. What is does come with is Dolch sight word lists for words in the pre-primer, primer, and grades 1 - 3 levels. The lists cover all 220 words on the Dolch list.

After selecting a level, one word at a time appears. The user may choose 'Speak Word' for the iPad to read the word to them. Touch 'Next Word' or shake the iPad for a new word to appear.

In 'Settings' for this app, you can choose to randomize the words or have them appear in alphabetical order.

Teachers can type in the names of up to 4 users. The app will monitor their progress and save the data.

I highly recommend this app for any classroom that includes students just learning to read. At this price point, it's actually a steal.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Measurement



Price: $1.99 for iPad, $.99 for iPod
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 1st
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Measurement
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app was designed to cover very basic measurement skills.

It's comprised of 5 activities:
1. Crazy Clock - Students have to touch and rotate the minute hand of the clock (which automatically moves the hour hand) to show a time announced orally in a sentence. As an example, the app says "I play with my friends at 9 in the morning."
2. Scale Tale - Students choose which object is lighter.
3. Fill Me Up - Students drag and drop items (such as sand) into containers, then select which container holds more or less.
4. Long & Short - Students choose which object is longer or shorter.
5. Action Month - Students drag and drop the letters of each month onto their matching outline.

At this price point, the activities in this app are way too simple. I recommend locating a measurement app that also includes more difficult tasks.

Pocket Zoo HD



Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 5th
Subject: Science
Specific Skill: Animals
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

This is one of my new favorite apps! Over 50 animals are featured. After clicking on one, students can read a 'Fun Fact' and a short description. They can also hear the sound the animal makes and learn its scientific name, location, diet, size, lifespan, and survival status. Short videos and even links to live web cams are also available for most of the animals.

Featured animals - African elephant, alligator, baboon, beaver, camel, cheetah, chimpanzee, dolphin, emu, gibbon, giraffe, golden eagle, gorilla, grey wolf, grizzly bear, hippopotamus, hyena, impala, Indian elephant, jaguar, killer whale, koala, leafy sea dragon, lemur, leopard, lion, lynx, manatee, meerkat, moose, orangutan, ostrich, panda, penguin, platypus, polar bear, Przewalski's horse, puma, red panda, rhino, seal, shark, snow leopard, tapir, Tasmanian devil, tiger, wallaby, walrus, warthog, white rhino, and zebra

The variety of animals, combined with the embedded video clips and links to live web cams make this app a must-have for use with elementary students.