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.