6 GREAT MOBILE APPS K-12
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Journal Jar
My example:
I think this would be a great app to use to help expose students to the world of creative writing. Students would have to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but they also have to write in regards to their prompted topic. This would be ideal in an English class, but would work in any foreign language class as well.
Spanish Word Wizard
My example:
I would use this app during spelling and pronunciation units/days, as the app has a "text-speech" feature which allows for interactive corrections to be made. I would assign a passage to be read, and then pronounced. I also really love how this app is designed for immersion (i.e. learning IN Spanish), which is key for true fluency and comprehension.
Little Pim Spanish
My example:
I would use this app to help k-3 students better grasp Spanish vocabulary. In language learning, vocabulary often doesn't stick because there is no tangible connection to the learning of new words (i.e. static pictures on page) in a foreign language. For every unit, I would allow the students to develop (through the visuals presented) a better connection and understanding of said words. The idea goal of using this app would have students "learn and retain" rather than "memorize and forget".
Flixlab
My example:
As a pre-service teacher who is concentrating in Second Languages and Social Studies, I would use this app in both subjects. I would assign students to collaborate in a group in order to create a movie in Spanish or for the latter, to report on a current event. I would provide a scope of topics, but students would have the creative control. This would be a great final project in both cases.
Videolicious
My example:
This would be a great ice-breaker for grade 10s. During the first week of classes they would be told to compile a short clip of themselves using this app. A great alternative to the classic "my name is..." introductions.
Fotobabble App
My example:
I would utilize this app as part of my students oral examinations. This app would really promote conversing in a second language. Describing is a classic way of holding a conversation when vocabulary and grammar skills are still low. I would tell a student to take a photo of anything they wished, and with that picture they would both have to describe it and tell me a story, even if they make it up.