The Endless Search for Apps
Mobile apps are quickly redefining how the world interacts with information, and education apps are no exception. In fact, they are becoming the primary learning resource in many classrooms. But there’s more to selecting an app than browsing random lists online.
From lists that rate apps for students of a certain age, to lists that provide educator reviews of apps, many sites have been developed to help teachers go beyond a quick browse of iTunes.
You're sure to find a tool that you will help you, and your students, learn something new from this lineup of resources that vet apps specifically for education.
Offers app advice for the special needs community.
Lists popular educational apps and related analytics.
Provides vetted education apps for a variety of subjects, grade levels and other categories such as free or discounted apps. There’s also an apps review forum.
Presents app reviews to guide educators as they navigate the world of educational apps.
Common Sense Media (formerly Graphite)
Reviews apps (as well as movies and games) so teachers can make informed decisions about what tools are appropriate for the classroom. All tools are thoroughly reviewed by their education staff.
Shares insights and reviews of iOS apps that can be utilized in the classroom.
Focuses on matching educational apps to the curriculum, ensuring that both educators and learners get the most out of their mobile learning experience. Apps are reviewed based on performance, educational value and curriculum alignment.
Tests and reviews iOS apps to make it easy for educators to find those hidden gems on the App Store!
Explores 550+ of the "best apps for kids" grouped in various categories.
A blog (written by edtech guru Richard Byrne) dedicated to providing summaries of apps and how they can be utilized in the educational settings.
Transforms mobile devices into powerful teaching tools by finding and organizing the best educational apps for kids ages 3-8 years old.
Assists educators with locating the best digital resources available for Pre-K to 12th grade.
Organizes and reviews apps educators are using in their classrooms. Every app is field-tested with a cross-section of teachers/students as part of the review process.
Step I: Educational App Checklists
With the abundance of apps available, it is important that educators critically evaluate the educational opportunities these tools provide. Let’s face it… Flashy, colorful, unique apps will most definitely capture the attention of your students, but is this the way we want them to experience learning? Probably not so much.
That said, before you officially request an app for your students, download it from the App Store and take some time to examine it yourself. As you experiment, consider using one (or more) of these checklists to help you determine the instructional and technical quality of the tool.
Using one of these guides is not a requirement, but a highly recommended part of the App Vetting process.
- Ask yourself the ten questions that are listed in this article: A Checklist for Choosing Tools Worth Your (and Your Students’) Time.
- Another useful checklist that will help you determine whether or not an app would be a worthwhile addition to the classroom can be found here.
- The Critical Evaluation of an App resource contains a yes/no checklist and includes a section to write a summary of the app.
The bottom line is that what makes an effective app is one that does what you need it to do for your students. And it's even better if the tool does so in an inexpensive and engaging way! That said, if you feel you have located one that will enhance teaching and learning, take the next step outlined below...
Jamie Forshey
Director of Instructional Technology & Media
Email: jlf@bellwood-antis.org
Website: http://edutech4teachers.edublogs.org
Location: Bellwood-Antis School District, Martin Street, Bellwood, PA, United States
Phone: 814.742.2273
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Edutech-for-Teachers-227121857378813/
Twitter: @edutech20
