App Review- Kristy Jones-Bettis

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.A
Capitalize appropriate words in titles.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.B
Use commas in addresses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2.C
Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

   App #1

   Squeebles Punctuation

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.keystagefun.SqueeblesPT&hl=en_US

Squebbles Punctuation is an app that covers a grammar and punctuation for students ages 5-11. The app covers four skills: punctuation placement, Its or it’s, possessive apostrophes, and contraction capers. The price for this app is $2.99- $3.99 and can be purchased through google play and the app store. It’s compatible with many devices. The site credibility was concrete, because it gave real time reviews from parents and educators.

App #2

Grammaropolis

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/5-apps-to-help-kids-learn-grammar-punctuation.html

Grammaropolis is an app that has a variety of ways on reaching the learner. It has games, singing, examples, stories, and etc. The students are able to use different devices to get gain access to the app. The app is free, but in order to use all parts, there’s a fee that embedded in the app to gain more access. The app covers ages 8-13 and seems to be a great source to use after teaching an ELA lesson for remediate and enrichment students.

App #3

Punctuation Marks

https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/punctuation-marks

Punctuation Marks is an app that can be used through an iPad or iPhone. This app allows students to fix sentences and correct the capitalization on different words. The cost off the app is $3.99 and the age range is from 3^rd- 12^th grade. The students will be able to identify and highlight different parts of a sentence. They will become comfortable in placing punctuation marks in the correct areas of a sentence.

My Choice: 

Out of the three apps I reviewed, my favorite app is Squeebles Punctuation. This app allows the students to build up their knowledge by levels. Each level will challenge the students more each time. This is an app that can be used from Kindergarten until fifth grade. Students will be able to use this particular app for intervention or enrichment. It also can be used as a way to remediate the students after a skill has been taught in whole group.

App Review -LaVonda Thomas

Standards: kindergarten ELA

b. Recognize that spoken words are represented in written language by specific sequences of letters. [RF.K.1b]

d. Recognize and name all uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet. [RF.K.1d]

1.Starfall  

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/starfall-abcs

Cost: Free 

Age group: 0-5, 4+

Device capability: iPhone, IOS Devices, Android 

App Summary: 

Interactive alphabet app that teaches children their alphabet by using letter and letter sound relationships. I would use this as a review in my class to focus on a specific letter that we might be discussing. 

2.Letter school 

https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/letterschool

Cost: 9.99

Age group: 0-5, 4+

Device capability: iPhone, IOS Devices, Android 

App Summary: 

This app is an interactive alphabet app that teaches kids the fundamentals of letter formation with fun animations. I would use this in a small group setting to work on letter formations 

3. ABC Gurus 

https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/mobile-apps/10-best-apps-help-kids-learn-read?slide=1#fen-gallery

Cost: 1.99

Age group: 0-5, 4+

Device capability: iPhone, IOS Devices, Android 

App Summary: 

This app is a learning interactive app that teaches kids letters and phonics by giving them creative things to customize each letter.i would use this as a remediation of the letters and letter sounds for those who are really struggling. 

Out of all these I think the one I would use the most would be starfall. I love how it gives examples of letters and letter sounds and ties phonics into the program. It could work in a whole group setting on a one on one session. 

App Reviews - Spencer Tinman

SC College- and Career-Ready Mathematics Standards

6.NS.6 

Extend the understanding of the number line to include all rational numbers and apply this concept to the coordinate plane. 

a. Understand the concept of opposite numbers, including zero, and their relative locations on the number line. 

b. Understand that the signs of the coordinates in ordered pairs indicate their location on an axis or in a quadrant on the coordinate plane. 

c. Recognize when ordered pairs are reflections of each other on the coordinate plane across one axis, both axes, or the origin. 

d. Plot rational numbers on number lines and ordered pairs on coordinate planes.

Khan Academy - https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/khan-academy

The Khan Academy app is a one stop shop for all things K-12+ education.  They have videos, articles, practices, quizzes, etc. for any topic you can think of.  The app and website are both free of charge for students and teachers alike.  Students from middle school to college would benefit the most from this app as they would be able to navigate it and use it best. The app works on android/apple devices but there is a website too that works on all browsers.  The review I posted is from the Educational App Store, which has over 3000+ reviews and is used by parents/teachers alike to find quality educational resources.  Their goal in founding was to make it easier for people to find good tech through the sea of what is available and enrich the education of younger students.

CK-12 - https://www.educationworld.com/app-review-ck-12-math-and-science-ipadiphone

CK-12 is a free app that focuses on K-12 math and science skills.  They have videos and practices for students to complete but also include lessons for teachers to use. The targeted audience is in the name as K-12 students would benefit the most from this app.  The app works best on iPad and iPhone. I used a review from Education World for this application because of it’s almost 25 year history of assisting teachers with useful resources.  They have also won many awards including “Best of…” lists from USA Today, MSN, Apple, and more.

GeoGebra - https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/geogebra

GeoGebra allows students to work more “hands-on” than the previously listed applications.  The main use is for graphing and modeling in mathematics from middle to high school+.  I chose it for this standard because I have used it as a way for students to use the coordinate plane and manipulate it and plot different points.  GeoGebra is a free app that is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chromebook and Linux.  Common Sense Education was the source I used for this review because it has a history of teaching about credible sourcing.  A website that focuses on internet safety and credibility and has a specific section for educators is a trustworthy place. 

My Choice:

I use all three of these in my classroom to teach this standard to my sixth grade students because they are free and can be used in concert to fully teach the topic.  The all in one approach of Khan Academy and CK-12 are a beautiful thing for a teacher.  The manipulative nature of GeoGebra is a great way to deepen my students’ learning and is a powerful tool for my more hands-on learners.  Out of the three options, I would choose Khan Academy because it can do a little bit of everything well.  If you were inclined to do so, you could teach the entire standard with the resources available on Khan Academy.  The resources go from introduction videos to practices with examples and explanations and go all the way through a Unit Test.  The Khan Academy app is a little more user friendly than the other two options as well which is massively important for teachers.  We want our students to spend their time learning the material that we are teaching and not on learning how to use the application.  The combination of these factors is what led me to choosing Khan Academy over the other options.

App Reviews - Amy Franklin

ALCOS Grades 9-12:  Algebra II with Statistics

Standard 16:  Identify the effect on the graph of replacing 𝑓(𝑥) by 𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑘, 𝑘 · 𝑓(𝑥), 𝑓(𝑘 · 𝑥), and 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑘) for specific values of k (both positive and negative); find the value of k given the graphs. Experiment with cases and illustrate an explanation of the effects on the graph using technology. Extend to polynomial, trigonometric (sine and cosine), logarithmic, reciprocal, radical, and general piecewise functions.

Mathway

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/mathway

Mathway solves a variety of math problems in the areas of algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, etc. Mathway is free. However, in-app purchases include detailed solutions and live tutoring. Subscriptions range from $19.99 monthly for steps (detailed solutions) to $149.99 annually for steps and live tutoring. The intended age group is middle school through college. Mathway is compatible with iOS 9.0 or later, as well as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization that provides educators and parents with reliable information and education regarding technology for K-12 kids. Their website offers credible, up to date, information regarding their mission, how they rate and review, as well as information about their Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Partners, etc.

Wolfram Alpha

https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/wolfram-alpha

Wolfram Alpha solves a variety of math and science problems. This app also provides lessons on a range of topics, including history, art, linguistics, etc. Wolfram Alpha costs $2.99 with in-app purchase options ranging from $0.99 to $65.99. The intended age group is middle school through college. Wolfram Alpha is compatible with iOS 12.0 or later, as well as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization that provides educators and parents with reliable information and education regarding technology for K-12 kids. Their website offers credible, up to date, information regarding their mission, how they rate and review, as well as information about their Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Partners, etc.

Photomath

https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/photomath-teacher-review/4060661

Photomath solves a variety of math problems by simply taking a picture of the problem. Photomath covers math topics such as basic math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. This app is free. However, in-app purchase options range from $2.99 to $59.99. The intended age group is elementary school through college. Photomath is compatible with iOS 11.0 or later, as well as iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization that provides educators and parents with reliable information and education regarding technology for K-12 kids. Their website offers credible, up to date, information regarding their mission, how they rate and review, as well as information about their Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, Partners, etc.

Of the three apps selected for review, I like Mathway the best. For this standard, the Mathway graphing feature would allow students to explore different functions of the same family on the same coordinate plane. This feature would allow students to explore how the value of k affects the graph of 𝑓(𝑥). Also, when graphing multiple functions on the same coordinate plane, the graphs are displayed in different colors, making them easily distinguishable.

App Reviews – Constance Bass

I used the kindergarten ELA standard for English language arts.

     20. Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print. [RF.K.1]

a. Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page. [RF.K.1a]

b. Recognize that spoken words are represented in written language by specific sequences of letters. [RF.K.1b]

c. Understand that words are separated by spaces in print. [RF.K.1c]

d. Recognize and name all uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet. [RF.K.1d]

App #1 Brain Pop Jr.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/brainpop-jr

Cost: Requires yearly subscription $85/yearly

Device compatibility: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android, Kindle fire

What the app does: It assist in the instruction of learning how to write as well as allows students to be assessed on the learning objective provided through age appropriate video.

This website is a credible source as it is reviewed and used by teachers and educational professionals.

App #2 Starfall learn to read

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/starfall-learn-to-read

Cost: Free

Age group: 6-8 years old

What the app does:  It helps enhance literacy by focusing on phonemic awareness and/or phonics skills with videos and activities.

This website is a credible source as it is reviewed and used by teachers and educational professionals.

App #3 Epic!             

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/epic-kids-books-and-videos

Cost: Free to try- $7.99/month after the free trail

Age Group: 2-12

Device Compatibility – iPhone, iPod touch, Android, chrome book

What the app does:  Allows students to read book, which can be read aloud, and watch videos in any genre that is found interesting.

This website is a credible source as it is reviewed and used by teachers and educational professionals.

My Favorite App is Epic. As parent this app really made reading more interesting for my youngest daughter and the subscription also gave me access to genres that my older children where interest in. In the classroom this app can also be used to differentiate instruction because it give the option of reading out loud or independent study. Most of the books available on the apps can be used for the student in accelerated reading.

App Reviews - Brandace Sims

ALCOS 2nd Grade Social Studies Standard #6: 

Identify states, continents, oceans, and the equator using maps, globes, and  technology.

• Identifying map elements, including title, legend, compass rose, and scale

• Identifying the intermediate directions of northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest

• Recognizing technological resources such as a virtual globe, satellite images, and radar

• Locating points on a grid

App #1: Barefoot World Atlas 

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/barefoot-world-atlas

This app allows the user to “fly” around an interactive globe.  The app highlights different wonders of the world. The cost for the app is $4.99.  The app is rated for ages 4+.  I think it is intended for students that can read independently. The app is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. I included a review from Common Sense Media, which has become a credible source for all things related to technology and education.

 

App #2: Google Earth

https://kidworldcitizen.org/explore-our-world-through-google-earth/

This app allows the user to explore our Earth from above using satellite imagery. It offers 3D images of land and landmarks. You can also zoom to your house for a 360° perspective with Street View. The app is free and is rated for ages 4+.  The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.  I included a review of the app from the website, www.kidworldcitizen.org.  The author of the article is both an educator and a mom, which speaks to her credibility.

App #3: Geo Walk - World Factbook 3D 

https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/geo-walk-hd-3d-world-fact-book

Geo Walk is an interactive globe model. It contains articles on various topics, placed on the Earth, with respect to their location. The app does not require internet access to work.  The cost for the app is $2.99.  It is rated for ages 4+ and really lends itself to the elementary student.  The app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. I included a review from the website, www.educationalappstore.com.  This website gives 3rd party reviews on different educational apps and is often used by educators.

Although I would use all three apps in my classroom, I think that the Geo Walk HD app is the best app for teaching this standard.  The app is affordable and doesn’t require internet access to use.  That is a wonderful option considering connectivity at my school can sometimes be sketchy.  I love the captivating graphics on this app and the fact that it has a “quiz mode” for students.  This app has the most kid-friendly presentation of the three, which is excellent for my second graders. 

App Reviews - Jason Mallet

My experience has been as an ESL teacher in both secondary school and higher education, and I plan to return to that work after graduating. One of the most important aspects of language acquisition in the culture in which I worked (and plan to return to) is acquisition of a large number of English vocabulary words. This can be a challenge when students do not use English often (due to living in a non-English country), and so a lack of repetition of use and study causes them to easily forget certain words. In addition, it can be a challenge with English especially (given that it is a child of five different languages), as one word can mean many, many different things, words can sound the same but be spelled differently, words can be spelled the same but be pronounced differently, and so on. Finding good apps to help rectify this is essential to teaching ESL.

Common Core CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.4 states: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grades 11-12 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Below I will show three apps that I feel meet this standard:

• Knowji
• Third party review: https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/12-best-vocabulary-apps-middle-high-school-students/
• What the app does:  Knowji introduces vocabulary words used on common school and university exams (SAT, GRE, etc.) that are also commonly used in texts that an average person would expect to see every day (newspapers, TV shows, etc.). It uses spaced repetition so that words which the student struggles with more and reviewed at shorter intervals, and words that students remember easily are spaced out more.
• Cost:  $0
• Intended age group:  5+. Within the app one selects their age/education level, and the app introduces appropriate words from there. It goes from kindergarten to adult learners.
• Platform/device compatibility:  iOS/Android phone/tablet
• Why review source is credible:  Teach Thought focuses on technology in the classroom as a tool to expand opportunities for both teachers and students.  It has been around for 8 years and was founded by a former educator, which lends itself to credibility.
• SAT Word Slam
• Third party review:  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/sat-word-slam
• What the app does:  Students learn vocabulary words using mnemonic devices from the app. The students themselves assign a difficulty level to the words instead of the app doing so for them. The app uses storytelling and scenarios to aid in the acquisition of vocabulary.
• Cost: $0
• Intended age group:  14+
• Platform/device compatibility:  iOS/Android phone/tablet
• Why review source is credible:  Common Sense has a wide range of programs related to education to help parents with the educational aspects of their children's lives, with a focus on technological solutions for education.  They have been around since 2003 and currently have millions of users.
• Vocabador
• Third party review:  https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/vocabador
• What the app does:  The app is designed to appear as a Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling match. Students pick a "weight class" for their vocabulary level. Once learning words, they then "fight" opponents in all three weight classes before going against the boss, Vocabador.
• Cost:  $1.99
• Intended age group:  14 - 17
• Platform/device compatibility:  iOS phone/tablet
• Why review source is credible:  Common Sense has a wide range of programs related to education to help parents with the educational aspects of their children's lives, with a focus on technological solutions for education.  They have been around since 2003 and currently have millions of users.

In my opinion, SAT Word Slam is the best of these.  Knowji probably ranks second, and Vocabador a very distant third.  However, SAT Word Slam's many reviews show it to be extremely fun for students.  Knowji is excellent as a tool, especially as it works for students of all ages, but it lacks the fun factor that SAT Word Slam has, despite the app being for a more limited range of students.

App reviews - Mysti Nichols

One course I frequently teach is Oral Communication where students learn about and develop communication skills focusing on public speaking. This is a course that is considered a part of the core content for most colleges forcing students from various degree programs to take the course. Helping students understand why these skills and, therefore, this course are important for their future careers and lives is a key part of this course on my end. The fact that fear of public speaking is one of the top ranked phobias/fears reported by people makes this course specifically challenging for many students, so finding any way to help students improve their speaking in a format which is relatable to them is very beneficial. To further complicate matters, more and more classes are switching to an online format (especially in the circumstances we find ourselves in today).  This can be a difficult switch for any discipline, but for a subject that focuses on speaking in front of others, this takes some creativity. This combined with the increasing use of mobile devices over desktops/laptops, finding apps that can benefit students is particularly helpful for various reasons.

The CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 standard states: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

Below is a review of three of the top rated apps for education focusing on these standards. 

Flipgrid: - $0 , age 4+

• -        Flipgrid is an app that allows students to record a video for a restricted amount of time on a chosen subject. They are then able to view one another’s videos as well as create video responses. In an online class, one of the biggest complications is building a community within the class itself. With a class which focuses on speaking in front of others, pushing students out of their comfort zones to speak in front others they do not know well is tricky in an online class. By utilizing Flipgrid discussions, this allows students the opportunity to do just this. As this app is free, I have no issues requiring my students to use it along with other class requirements. Flipgrid is compatible with both iphone and android devices.
•       Trust Radios Review: I selected this review as it includes easily read graphics along with numerous testimonials which appear very authentic.

Speeko: $11.99/month (free trial available), age 4+

•          Speeko is an app that advertises itself as “the world’s smartest personal speech coach.” The idea with this app is that you are able to create and submit a voice recording of any type of speeches, presentations, and interviews you need to rehears, and you will receive personalized information/response on how you did. I could see this being beneficial for students who are struggling with the course and with how to best present themselves. The biggest draw-back I can see is the subscription cost; therefore, I would not require this of my students but offer it as an optional aid if they desired to use it. Speeko is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
•       TeckWeek Review: TeckWeek is a reputable source for reviews on technology. While their review does not specifically state if they recommend the app, it does present a good overview of the app as a whole.

LikeSo: $4.99, age 4+

•          LikeSo is an app that provides a practice forum for presentations, interviews, and auditions along with dates and personal conversations. Similar to Speeko, students get feedback on diction and pacing as well as overall execution. This app also allows students to program words to train against such as “uh” and “um.” As the use of filler language is one of the most prominent issues my students face during speeches, this app could be a very useful practice tool; however, as it does come at a cost, I would only recommend it to students as an accessory to the class requirements. Likeso is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
•           Appreview Review: I selected this review as it gives numerous testimonials about the app. There is a wide range of reviews from those who highly recommend the app to those who do not like it with explanations for both .

After reviewing and weighing all of the information I have gathered on each app, the one I would find most useful is Flipgrid. While I think LikeSo would be very beneficial to some of my students, I do not believe all would find it necessary. I also like that Flipgrid poses no additional cost to my students.