Tech EDGE: Mobile Learning in the Classroom Podcasts
We've talked a lot about the usefulness of technology in the classroom, but I haven't done much in the way of showing you some of the wonderful gems hidden in the app store. Today we're going to look at three apps I found courtesy of the Tech EDGE podcasts. For a bit of reference the Tech EDGE podcasts highlight different type of applications or websites geared toward learning and education. While they are labeled as podcasts there are videos uploaded to YouTube which feature tutorials of the mentioned technology. Run by students from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the videos are roughly 5-15 minutes long and discuss 1-4 resources per video. This is just enough time to introduce the app and tease what features and potential uses the resource could lend itself to. I think the videos are very well put together. Thumbnails make it easier to hunt for the topic of interest. Also the videos are grouped into playlists for general websites or apps for the iPad.
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TypeShift was the first of the apps to draw my eye. A fun, slightly addictive, game challenges players to create words from a group of letters on sliding scales. Here's the catch; the player can't move on to the next puzzle until enough words have been found. Bonus points are given to those who try to find all of the words in a puzzle. The app is free in the App Store or at it's own website (which also offers support should the app quit on you) You can find it by clicking the icon above if you wish to try it out for yourself. Miriam Webster created the app to expand the vocabulary of minds everywhere. If I were to use this in my classroom I would more than likely pair it with a worksheet of some type or use it to make the spelling test for the week. As a grown adult it was able to keep my attention and I found myself wanting to come back and play more. As a tool to introduce new vocabulary I think this is a wonderful way to do so, however I do think it's uses are a bit limited.
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Now here is an app that would have been useful when I was taking chemistry. Developed by the Museum of Science and Industry goREACT is an application in which the user hunts through the periodic table for elements to test together. The user drags the elements they wish to test into the box at the bottom of the screen and wait to see if anything happens. If there is a reaction an image will pop up with the name of the creation and one or two of it's common uses. This tool could be super useful in the classroom because of that last bit alone. The ability to link chemistry back to students' day-to-day life will help convince learners they really do need lo learn a thing or two about the science. You can find the free app on the App store (again linked through the icon above), Google play, or at the website. I can't seem to find any support for the app directly, so I would suggest contacting the Museum if any issue were to arise.
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Ever wonder if there could be some practical use for social media other than to share memes with your friends? That is what Edmodo is for. This Facebook-esque application can be used on any smart device or online. The platform serves as a portal connecting teachers, students, and sometimes parents. Teachers can create discussions, assignments, or even send out reminders for students. Also this is a free service to all parties involved. Cool, right? Teachers can interact with students on an interface that is recognizable to them and quite functional at the same time. I have seen this app used in a classroom firsthand and let me tell you it is wonderful. Seemingly the app has no limitations, sky is the limit with this one. Well... almost. I think students may have a hard time remembering to check the app for any notifications. Especially if other teachers use different applications. If all the teachers in a building agreed to use Edmodo as the chosen platform then I think this app wold have very few issues.
Bottom line I think each of these apps has something to offer the classroom. The trick is how creative YOU choose to be. WHat are your favorite apps to use in the classroom? Feel free to tweet me a link and I'll be sure to check it out!
Until next time!
Samanta
Until next time!
Samanta