App review

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.A.5
Given a geometric figure and a rotation, reflection, or translation, draw the transformed figure using, e.g., graph paper, tracing paper, or geometry software. Specify a sequence of transformations that will carry a given figure onto another.

Notability. 

http://gingerlabs.com

iOS and Android compatibility.  Several positive reviews.  I chose this app because of how easy it is to construct geometric shapes.  The app lets you draw perfectly straight lines from points to perfect slope.  I Like the fact that the app let’s you draw on grids like that of a coordinate plane. That makes it easy for students to create an x and y axis to create their constructions on.  Cost is $9.99.  A stylus of some kind is required.  I have been using this app on an IPad Pro with an Apple Pencil and the two work together seemlessly.  One extra added benefit is that the app allows you to make multiple pages on the same note.  It really is a terrific app.  Students, parents, and teachers are all equally able to use the app.  For ages 4 and up.

Geogebra.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geogebra-geometry/id1232591335?mt=8

This app is very good for constructing shapes, angles, and planes.  It is compatible with iOS and is recommended for ages 4 and up.  It is a free app which makes it even more popular with teachers and students.  The app allows for search for activities from within it and allows save and share ability for work that is created by a user.  Family sharing is a feature where the same app can be used on multiple devices. Getting used to dragging points might inhibit new users but once that skill is mastered the app is very easy to use. It took me a few minutes to get the hang of it.  It is compatible with iPhone but I had a better experience using it with an iPad simply because of the larger screen to work with.  

Geometry Pad

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geometry-pad/id517461177?mt=8

Another cool app is the Geometry Pad app.  I liked this app because of the tools it includes that help users construct bisectors and other difficult items.  The basic app is free but there are in app purchases available for 6.99.  Teachers might find these tools worth paying for but for students the free version will suffice nicely.  The app is iOS and Android compatible and a stylus is required for the apps best work.  Better and specific support for the Apple Pencil would be a nice feature but the app is not optimized for that.  Better optimization could be had for those using a 12.9 inch iPad pro as opposed to a 10.5 inch screen.  The app is recommended for use for those 4 and up.  The app requires iOS 9 or greater and has multi language support.  

  I am a geometry teacher and I use these apps regularly in my classroom and with my students.  Many of my students struggle with use of traditional pencil and paper construction of geometric shapes and these tools have been a great help to give the students the exposure of the concepts of construction.  They also incorporate technology and principles that the students use on a daily basis.  The learning curve for the students is not as big as it could be. Students these days struggle with the conceptual largely because of their dependence on technology.  That is why Geogegra is my favorite.  It creates an opportunity for the students to work any manipulate things like size, position, length, orientation and see how things are put together and work in conjunction to visualize geometric principals and theorems.  Geogebra also lets the students share their work. This is the selling point for me! I highly recommend it.  

App Review

Common Core: Standards for Mathematical Content 3.OA.A.1

Represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division. 

Understanding Math

This app is helpful when learning mathematical concepts. It can be used as a supplemental activity to better explain the process of multiplication and division. This app allows students to play individually or compete in a game format. There is a training session that can be used to practice multiplication and division. There is also an duel section. Students can compete against peers or parents. Each player is set up on their own difficulty level to allow a level playing field. In a duel, players answer questions quickly. The first player to get the correct answer receives a star. First player to 5 stars wins. The app is available on any IOS device. Cost is $2.99 and recommended for ages 4 and up. 

Fun Math Games

This app is so much fun. This app offers more than 100 different games to help students enhance their math skills. A number of different topics are covered including multiplication and division on numerous grade levels. Students can play individually and complete against other students or siblings by moving up the leader board. The app if free, but does have in-app purchases. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 

3rd Grade Math Testing Prep

This app was designed to assist in the preparation of students for standardized testing. It covers a wide variety of topics in quiz formats. Students can test their knowledge and allows educators and parents to see where the student is when referring to knowledge. Students are encouraged to continue to work through various quizzes to expand their knowledge and increase their scores. The app is $1.99 and is designed for 3rd grade students. IOS compatible. 

This school year I have watched my 3rd grade son struggle to understand common core math. He has gone from an all A student to a struggling math student. As a parent I have struggled to assist him as the new way to do math is much different than I was taught. I am constantly looking for ways to once again make math fun, and help assist him obtain the necessary skills to succeed. On one hand he is asked to throw out answers quickly, yet show his written problems in a lengthy way. We both enjoyed the Fun Math Games app. As we worked through the different skills, I saw things begin to click. Where he once hated the thought of working any math problems, he actually asked us to play it again. This will definitely be an app we continue to use in our household. I think this will also be a fantastic app to recommend for parents to use. It would be difficult to use in a classroom as a free version due to possible ads. If used in a classroom setting you would have to purchase an ad free version is available. 

EIM 505 App Reviews

ISTE Standards for Students

3. Knowledge Constructor- Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. Students: a. plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.

c. curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.

d. build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.

Tonal Energy

Tonal Energy is a tuner/metronome app that was designed for musicians at any level from beginner to professional.  The app can be used to tune instruments and function as an ear trainer for musicians. The metronome is  handy in setting music tempos and for practicing scales/music. The app saves information so that musicians can record and share their daily progress. The Tonal Energy app is listed on iTunes for $3.99. It is appropriate for any age musician.  It is available for iOS and Android devices. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

SmartMusic

Smart Music is an interactive practice app that allows musicians to record practice sessions and play along with professional musicians. The app is designed for any musician at any level from beginner to professional. The app can be used to create portfolios and as an assessment tool for teachers. Users have access to a huge collection of method books, concert literature, and solo literature. SmartMusic is available on all platforms.  The SmartMusic app is offered on iTunes for free but to use the full app, a valid subscription must be purchased. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

GarageBand

GarageBand is an Apple product. It is used to compose music, add music to movies, and function as an on the go recording studio. This is a great app to use when introducing students to music composition. It is also user friendly and easy to navigate.  The app is appropriate for any age musician from beginner to professional. GarageBand can only be used on iPhones and iPads. The GarageBand app is available on iTunes for free. As an Apple Educator, I trust iTunes when reviewing an app for credibility and up to date information.

Out of the three apps I listed, I use the Tonal Energy app daily. I encourage all of my students from sixth grade to high school to purchase the app. We use it in every band class and students are already familiar with it. I have found it to be one of the best tools to teach students how to tune their instruments and train their ears. It is great for visual and auditory learners. It is easy to use and students find it engaging, and a fun app to use.

App Reviews

ISTE Standard: 

Designer: Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability

5a
Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.

Nearpod

Nearpod is an app that supports engagement through presentation. Lectures are no longer one-way boring presentations but have built in engagement that can be shown on students’ devices. This is highly beneficial for collaboration. Quizzes can be created to immediately survey student comprehension and to gain feedback, and results can be shared with the class in an anonymous way. The main use of Nearpod is to break up content from lectures or presentations by combining presentations slides and engagement slides. You can insert polls, quizzes, open-ended questions or even interactive drawings. The cost of Nearpod varies. For the Silver edition, it's free if you use presentation that are already created. If you create your own presentation, you can get up to 5 free self-created presentations. The Gold membership cost $120/year, Platinum membership $349/year, and the prices vary if the school or district purchases Nearpod. Nearpod lessons can be used for grades K-12. Nearpod can be used on any device that uses the latest version of Google Chrome. Commonsense.org is a up to date site, it's authored by J. Steyer, a very professional site and writing, and a credible domain.

Classkick
Classkick is an app that allows teachers to create their own lessons using their own worksheets, drawings, text, images, audio, links, and videos to provide instruction or create assessments. Teachers can see the whole class working at once on his/her device and see how each individual student is performing. The teacher can identify struggling students or students who are too shy to ask questions. And, students can work at their own pace. Students can ask questions and raise their hand privately by just clicking on a button. The teacher can even reteach a concept on the device so the whole class can see. ClassKick also allows students can help their peers. Students can even use ClassKick from their device at home. Classkick is a free app. Its lessons can be used from Pre-K to higher levels of education. Classkick can be used in a web-browser, Chromebook, or iPad. This review site is a trustworthy site because its domain is controlled by the University of Massachusetts. 

Educreations
  Educreations is an interactive white board or screencasts that allows teachers to create and share their lessons and use other lessons from a central archive. Educreations allow teachers to record their voice, handwriting and allows to insert pictures to produce their own personal video lessons that they and their students can share online. The lessons are stored online and can be accessed by students on any computer or iPad. This allows students to pause, rewind, and listen to their teacher again. This is a free app. Its lesson can be used from grade K-12. Educreations can only be created on an iPad 2 or newer but can be viewed from an iPad or web browser. Commonsense.org is a up to date site, it's authored by J. Steyer, a very professional site and writing, and a credible domain.

I believe that all three a very good apps to use in the classroom. Of the three, I believe that Classkick is the best. This app allows students to learn the material at their own pace. It allows teachers to use all learning styles in the classroom. This app does personalize students' learning.  This app also allows teachers to their students’ questions. It shows teachers exactly what their students are doing and who needs help on a specific part of their assignment. This helps students to stay engaged and provides meaningful learning for the students. 

App Review

ISTE Standards for Students

6.              Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.

b.              Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.

Green Screen by Do Ink

This app is only available through the App Store for iOS including iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices at a cost of $2.99 to download it. It was created for kids age 10 through high school. The program is an app where students can create movies or pictures and change the background through green screen. They simply take a video or picture in front of the screen and later change the background to whatever they choose. It’s a great way for students to enrich their presentations and personalize them. The review says that the app is pretty easy to use. I believe the site I found the review on is credible because it is the iTunes Apple site which reviews every app that is submitted to ensure that it works the way that it is expected to and is free of any offensive material.

Stick Around

Stick Around is an app that is only available on the App Store and is compatible for iPads. Students are able to create their own puzzles and play games while they are learning. It is as simple as 3 steps to create a puzzle using uploaded pictures and images within the program. It can be downloaded for $2.99 and is meant for any age children. Students are able to place locations on a map, label items on a diagram, create a timeline plus several other tasks. I believe the site I found the review on is credible because it is the iTunes Apple site which reviews every app that is submitted to ensure that it works the way that it is expected to and is free of any offensive material.

Book Creator                   

According to Common Sense Media, “This is a top-quality creation tool that lets students of many ages and abilities publish their own digital books”. Originally designed for iPads and Chromebooks, this app makes creating pages simple, allowing students time to showcase their creativity throughout their book. After receiving a short tutorial, students should be able to create their own book for any project. Once your students have created a book, they can share it through email, AirDrop, Google Drive or other online tools. They can also publish their book through iBooks. The app is meant for students in grades 3-12, however, there are reviews from teachers of 1^st and 2^nd grade students that have used it successfully in their classrooms. Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that is known for providing students, parents, and educators with accurate, trustworthy information. It also provides up to date accurate information on digital citizenship that educators and parents can use to teach children how to stay safe. The cost to use Book Creator is $60 for 1 teacher, to create up to 180 books. This includes creating 3 libraries to store up to 60 books each. School districts can purchase a school wide membership which allows each teacher up to 1000 books, but for this type of membership, the district must contact the company for a quote. At that level, the app can be integrated with Clever (my school uses Clever) and other management systems.

After reviewing these apps, I would have to say the one that I am most interested in pursuing is Book Creator. It is a program that teachers can incorporate in to a variety of lessons in all subject areas. The ease of use makes it a choice for lower elementary teachers to use as well as high school teachers. It allows students to show their creativity while learning. This app is an excellent choice.

App Review

TN common core Mathematical Standard: 3.OA.A.4 Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers within 100. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations: 8 x ? = 48, 5 = ? ÷ 3, 6 x 6 =?

Montessorri Math Multiplication

The Montessorri Math App has a few different apps that focus on different mathematical practices. The one I want to focus on is the multiplication app. This app, like the other Montessorri Math apps, was designed by experienced teachers that want to help parents and students use tools to help them better understand mathematical objectives. This app is really fun for students to play on and allows them to use manipulatives as needed.  I love that it doesn't just focus around the gaming aspect but it is really focused on the math component. There are many learning activities, 3 different fun games, a motivational monster lab to keep students engaged, and a toolbox that students can use that has multiplication facts. This app can be used on iPhones, iPads, ipad minis, and other iOS systems. This app is best for ages 6-10 years of age and is $3.99 on the apple store.
The apple store is the review page which is a creditable source for reviews and information.

Llama Drama: Lumio

Llama Drama is so much fun! this app is originally $2.99, however they have a combo pack which includes multiplication and division for $3.99. In this app, Students build arrays by catching wild animals and putting them in their rows and columns. Students have to find the unknown number in the equation to move on. This app connects math to real life and allows students to enjoy learning their multiplication facts. I love that if a student is stuck and can not quite figure the problem out, there is a hints option to help students without just giving them the answer. There is no third party ads however there is one in app purchase that will unlock the rest of the puzzles in the app. My only problem with this app is that it doesn't save your progress, which means you must start over each time. This app is best for students age 6-9 and up if you use the division one as well. This app is available on the apple store which is a creditable source for honest and true reviews. This app is compatible for any IOS devices.

understanding Math

This app is only focused on the mathematical concepts. There is only one "Game" and it allows the students to compete against each other for points. This app will help with whole group instruction, small group instruction, or math rotations. This app allows students to build arrays to understand and solve multiplication problems. Students can write their answer on the app with the finger or stylist.Students  can also use repeated addition for the multiplication facts. this app is used on any IOS devise and is on the apple store which is a credible source for honest reviews. This app is $2.99 and is user friendly for 4+ years of age. 

I really enjoy the Montessori Math app. I love that it is not focused so much on the games but that is an extension. I also love that they have manipulatives to help students and it tracks their progress. Students do not always think to use some of the tools they know how to use, such as different models. However this app has a toolbox so students have everything they will need to be successful. It isn't expensive to buy, so parents would more willing to purchase it for extra support at home. I also love that it has a strict privacy setting which doesn't allow ads, social media connections, or in app purchases. Therefore the data and information about the students are safe there is no fear of them seeing or getting on another website that they should not. 

App Review

Epic Books

This app would help teach any RL (Reading Literature) second grade standard. 

Epic Books is a digital library for kids. There are audiobooks, learning videos, quizzes and much more. It is another way to get students excited about reading. The app is free for teachers and students. Once the teacher sets up a classroom, there is a class code that the students use to login for free. This app is recommended for elementary age students. This app is available on iPads and iPhones. The website can be accessed through any computer. The review site I have linked is a credible source because it is the official apple store preview. The reviews are honest and creditable. 

Prodigy

Standard: See below – App is directly aligned with math common core standards. 

Prodigy is an app for grades 1-8. It’s a great game for mastering math skills. All of the educational content is free, but you can pay money to unlock extra content.My favorite part about this app is that all content is directly aligned with common core standards. Once the teacher creates a class and selects a grade level, it automatically links to grade level standards. The app is designed for the iPhone and iPad, but the website is available on any computer. I have linked the reviews directly to the apple store preview, so I know the reviews are credible. 

Teach Your Monster to Read

Aligns with common core RL (reading literature) standards. 

Teach your monster to read is a phonics and reading app for preschool – first grade. I sometimes use it in second grade for my below level readers. The app helps teach students to read by reviewing letter sounds, matching letters, and little books.  The app is $4.99, but if a teacher sets up an account, the students to play on a computer for free. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. I have linked the reviews directly to the apple store preview, so I know the reviews are credible.

I think the prodigy app is the best one. My students cannot get enough of this game. They play at home and at school. I love this app because the teacher can assign common core standards to individual students based on needs, or assign a standard for the whole class to work on. You can align prodigy play to exactly what you are currently teaching in class. If you don’t align a standard, it will just have them work on all standards. As a teacher, you will also get a weekly report on student progress. You can see what students are having trouble with each standard.  Parents will also get a weekly report if they link their email to their students account. The breakdown of standards helps me determine the guidance of my teaching and the student’s understanding. 

App Reviews

Standard: Florida State SS.5.G.1.6
I have always taught the states in my 5th and 6th grade classes. I had a hard time finding an Alabama standard for this though.

1.State Bingo and Road Trip US

This app allows students of all ages to learn their states in multiple wants. Children can play state bingo, and also play a trivia game to learn information about each state. Once you learn information about each state you receive a "statehood". The goal is to learn all 50 statehoods. This app has 3 different levels in both games. Easy, medium and hard so it is great for multiple different age groups. This app will grow with the students and continue to challenge them. The app does cost  $2.99 and is only compatible for the iPad. There are other versions of the same game available for the iPhone also.

2. Shake the States

This app is an electronic wooden puzzle. It allows students to slide the puzzle pieces into the correct spots. There are 2 levels. The first level has the outline of the states. The 2nd level does not have an outline. You have to remember where the state goes without any visual help. This app also has geography questions in it to challenge the students. This app costs $1.99 and is available on iPhone, iPad and android. The tablet version works better due to its size.

3. Learn the States with Flat Stanley

This app has a free version and a paid version. The free version is an introduction and if you want more, you can pay $1.99 for the paid version. The free version is available on iPad, iPhone and Android. The paid version is iPad only. In this app you can learn the spelling of the states, learn their region, and where they are located. You can also learn interesting facts like the state bird, state flag and landmarks.

If I had to chose just one of these, I believe the State Bingo and Road Trip app is the best. It seems to be the most user friendly and appeal to the biggest audience. I like that it has 2 different games built in and multiple levels. Students can work to earn all 50 "statehood" badges in all 3 levels. This app does cost the most but it isn't that costly. If a class did a $10 app fee each year there would still be money left over for other apps.

App Reviews

Common Core: Standards for Mathematical Content 

A1.11 Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems.

Algebra Touch: Algebra Touch

Algebra Touch is a free app for your iPhone and/or iPad that will help you refresh your Algebra skills and assists you with the Algebra standards of today. This app will allow you to answer randomly-generated problems or you can create your own set of questions from the equation editor that is built in the app. This app is for middle school and high school students and for any algebra mathematics class. This app is found on the Apple App Store which is a credible source for downloading apps. 

Mathway: Mathway

Mathway is a free app (with in-app purchases) for your iPhone and/or iPad. This app has the option of purchasing Step-by-Step work ($9.99) to Step-by-Step + Live Tutoring ($149.99) and everything in between. It gives the purchaser the option of what they wish to purchase and to what extent they are looking for in a Math App. Mathway is a mathematical app that covers topics from basic algebra to complex calculus. This app takes your most difficult math problems and solves them instantly. You are to either take a picture of your problem or type your problem directly in the app. Mathway app is for middle school students, high school students, and even undergraduate students. This is a great app that provides step-by-step instructions to any mathematical problem. This app is found on the Apple App Store which is a credible source for downloading apps.

FX Algebra Solver: FX Algebra Solver

FX Algebra Solver is a free app (with an option of an in-app purchase) for your iPhone and/or iPad. This app has the option of purchasing FX Algebra Solver Premium. This app is like a calculator that solve each problem for you and gives detailed step-by-step instructions on how the problem was solved. This app is for middle school students, high school students, and undergraduate students and covers topics of Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and College Algebra. This app is better than a standard calculator in that it gives a detailed step-by-step procedure of the problem that was typed in. This app is found on the Apple App Store which is a credible source for downloading apps.

In my opinion, I believe that the Mathway app is the best option for my middle school and high school students. Not only is it a free app that gives step-by-step instructions for how to solve a problem, it also has in-app purchase option for those students who wish to take this app to the next level. This is an app that you can take with you anytime and use anywhere to aid you in solving basic math problem to your more complex math problems. It is user friendly in that all you need to do is type the problem in or use your camera on your phone to take a picture of the problem. This app is simply a solutions manual on-the-go for students and a great resource for students learning how to solve equations, graph equations, and needing that extra boost of confidence in doing their classwork or homework.

App Reviews

ISTE Standard-Facilitator

Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the ISTE Standards for Students. Educators

6a Foster a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals and outcomes in both independent and group settings.

1. Socrative

Socrative is an app that can be either student paced or teacher paced. It has a good variety of questions that it allows the teacher to tweak as needed. This app gives that teacher immediate feedback as soon as the students answer a question. You also have the ability to create your own polls or quizzes with Socrative. Teachers can allow students to work alone or with partners/teams. This app is one that teachers must stay on top of to gauge a students progress. Socrative is compatible with all web or app enabled devices. The review for Socrative were mixed and it was given an overall 4.5 Stars by EdSurge which I felt was credible because they do not limit their reviews to a specific group, anyone who uses the app is able to write a review and EdSurge’s goal is to focus on trustworthy and accurate content. Socrative is an app that can be used by ages K-Higher Ed/Corporate. The cost for Socrative varies. There is a free version that allows you 50 students/session and 1 public room, a Pro for K-12 version for $59.99/year that offers 50 students/session, but allows you up to 10 private/public rooms and then a Pro for Higher Ed/Corporate version for $99.99 that offers 150 students/session and up to 10 private/public rooms.

2. Kahoot!

Kahoot! is an app the for the most part is teacher paced. Kahoot! has an abundance of pre-built quizzes that can be used as they are, or you can tweak them. You are also able to produce your own Kahoot! if needed. Kahoot! is mostly used as a type of game app in the classroom, with questions projected onto a screen and then students answer on their devices. Teachers using Kahoot! can allow students to work alone or together when playing the Kahoot!. This app does give feedback to the teacher but it can sometimes be difficult to make sense of the feedback. Kahoot! is compatible with any web or app enabled device. The reviews for Kahoot! were mixed, but were mostly 3 Stars and above. Kahoot! was rated 4 Stars overall by CommonSense.org. I felt CommonSense.org was credible because they also do not limit their review responses. They allow anyone to post a review that has used the app. I also felt that with them being a non-profit focused on education and being advocates for safe technology and media was important as well. I have also seen them referred to many times before when talking about technology in schools. Kahoot! is an app that I feel is best suited for middle-high school, but could also be used in certain situations in an elementary setting. There is no cost to use Kahoot! in the classroom. There are some options that are available for purchase, but those are for settings outside of the classroom.

3. KhanAcademy

Khan Academy is an app that is mostly student paced. Khan Academy offers a variety of different course options as well as test preparation for students to work on. Teachers and parents can keep up with their student(s) progress to see if the student(s) is struggling or is moving ahead of a set pace. Khan Academy is compatible with any web or app based device. Khan Academy had mixed reviews from students, parents and teachers, but was rated 4.6 Stars overall by g2crowd.com. Looking at the reviews I felt that g2crowd.com could be considered credible because they also do not limit their responses to a particular group of people. Khan Academy is probably best suited for middle-high school, but they also have a few options that could be used in the elementary setting. Khan Academy does not have any cost associated with it in regard to its use in schools.

When looking at these three apps the one that I feel that Khan Academy is probably the best. Just looking at all the different course options that this app offers and the ability to get the feedback that is needed is very important in today’s schools. Almost every student of every learning level can find courses that will help them on Khan Academy. We have used Khan Academy at my school and have seen some of our students grow and bring their grades up based on what they were able to learn.