Mobile Apps
EDU 210
Mad Libs App
This app focuses on the various language components such as nouns, adjectives and verbs. This app follows the traditional type of mad libs. There are blanks left for individuals to fill in with the different types of language components. Once all the blanks are filled in a funny story has been developed. For example, if the blank asks for a noun, you would then type in any noun that you would like. If you need a hint, the app provides several examples of what a noun is. Once all the blanks are filled in the students can read the funny story they created. This app allows for students to share the app as well as take pictures to add to their story.
How could it be used in the classroom?
There are two main reasons why I would use this app. One being when I first taught the language components. I would use this app as a learning activity to pull all of the various concepts and terms together. It is a fun way to engage the children. Secondly, this app could be used as a refresher for the students. If the students are returning from summer vacation it would be helpful to provide them with an activity that helps re-jog their memory.
Kids Discover
This is an interactive magazine app with various articles, activities and quizzes. There are several different types of magazines based on multiple different topics. This app targets several different interests, which is beneficial when class sizes are so large.
How could it be used in the classroom?
This app would come in very useful when students are done their work early. There are various magazines and activities found in this app, therefore children could select one that interests them. It appears to be a fun app that encourages learning.
Motion Math App
This app has several different mathematical games based on adding, subtracting, multiplying and number lines, etc.
How could it be used in the classroom?
I know in the grade 2 math curriculum the students learn number ordering using number lines. There is a game on this app that specifically focuses on this skill. It would be a good app to help teach this outcome, as well as other outcomes. It allows the teacher to take on a new instructional approach when teaching the different curriculum outcomes.
Martha Speaks Dog Party
This app focuses on vocabulary. This site provides some instruction and activities for students at various vocabulary levels. Thus, students from different age groups can benefit from it, as well as ESL learners.
How could it be used in the classroom?
I think this app would be particularly helpful with ESL students. In my IPT, I worked with a grade 2 class. In this class there was one ESL boy who loved to play games on the computer. I think he would have really benefited from this app. It had basic words such as sit or run. Words that he struggled with. An app like this would have kept him engaged and learning at the same time.
Story Wheel
This app has a "wheel" that you spin. On this wheel there are various topics. When the wheel stops, you have to use that object in your story. The object may be a cat, or a shovel, etc. As you tell the story, the app records your voice. Once you have used that object, you spin the wheel again and get another object. You can create a new story or use this object to continue your story. The student can do this several times and can play the story back to them. They are also able to add graphics to the story.
How could it be used in the classroom?
I would use this app to help build creativity and story telling. Kids could do this in groups, partners or individually. For example, students who are in pairs could take turns adding to the story. One person spins the first wheel and talks about the object then the second person goes. They alternate back and forth. The students would be working on their storytelling as well as their teamwork and co-operation.