APP Review

 Vocabulary standard:

AL Language Arts 2nd Grade -15. Utilize new academic, content-specific, grade-level vocabulary, making connections to previously learned words and relating new words to background knowledge. 

https://www.spellingcity.com/ 

Spelling city is a customizable app that offers over 20 different spelling games for your students. The teacher can control what words are worked on and how they are placed into sentences. It is offered in a free version that is a condensed version of the paid subscription. This is web accessible and also comes in the form of an app can be downloaded onto a phone or ipad. I have used this app in reading stations to work on vocabulary as well as spelling patterns/skills. The app is appealing to the students. 

www.kahoot.it

This app allows teachers to create their own quizzes as well as utilize quizzes made by others. It gives the option of either completing the activity individually or in a group. I enjoy using it in the group setting which creates some competition and usually results in my students trying their best to be on the leaderboard. This is web-based and free. It is also very user friendly. 

https://www.educationalappstore.com/app/world-s-worst-pet-vocabulary

World’s Worst Pet - Vocabulary is a fun way to work on vocabulary in the classroom. This app teaches the students vocabulary by taking them on various “adventures.” It is free and available on any apple device, which could be a drawback for those that do not have classroom ipads. It is most useful for ages 7 - 14. 

I have used all three of these apps in my classroom while working on various skills. Kahoot is probably the most accessible and flexible for any subject. For this specific content standard, the best fit would be spelling city as it strongly reinforces the meaning of the words and spelling patterns that have been taught in class. 

App Review- Brittany Simmons

 Kindergarten English Language Arts K.9- Demonstrate early phonological awareness to basic phonemic awareness skills in spoken words. 

Starfall

https://www.starfall.com/h/

Starfall is a paid app, that offers a wide range of skills for students in kindergarten through third grade. Starfall covers a wide range of reading and math skills online.  Although it is a paid site, there is a lot that can be used on the site for free. A home membership is $35 per year, a teacher membership is $70 per year (that is for 6 students), a classroom membership is $195 per year and a school membership is $355 per year. 

Kindergarten English Language Arts K.10- Apply knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences and word analysis skills to decode and encode words accurately in both isolation and in decodable- grade appropriate text. 

Reading.com 

https://reading.com/

This is a new app that I found over the summer. I taught kindergarten 4 years ago and when I found out I was coming back I started looking at some new technology apps that I could use. I found reading.com. I have been playing with it for a semester and I have not been asked to pay anything. You start at a base level and have to work your way up through lessons. I love the reading lessons, it has a swipe button that it makes students swipe each sound as they read words. It also has different markings for sounds that are short and sounds that are continuous. It really helps students see that first sound and connect it to the middle sound. My students were forgetting about the first sound, but this really shows them as they drag their finger across. This app has letter naming, letter sounds, blending and reading books. 

Kindergarten Math K.8- Represent addition and subtraction up to 10 with concrete objects, fingers, pennies, mental images, drawings, claps or other sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations. 

IXL

https://www.ixl.com/

This app is also a paid app. You can do a home, classroom or school subscription. Our school pays for this subscription for our school. This app is great because it can be used on a device, like a tablet, or a chromebook. The teacher can assign a certain skill that students are working on and students work and as they are working the teacher gets data on how many problems the student attempted and how many were correct. IXL covers all reading and math skills. It also has social studies and science skills. 

For me, in kindergarten, the app that we use the most is Starfall. My students use this everyday on their tablets during center time. I have also used this app during small group time. In this age of technology, students are so comfortable using technology, my students love when we use them. Starfall is their favorite. I always tell my parents about these apps in a letter that we send out before school starts. Starfall is very user friendly! 

App Review - Amber Works

 

1. Third Grade - Math - Alabama Alternate Standards

2. M.AAS.3.7- Multiply and divide one-digit numbers using repeated addition or repeated subtraction where the products are within twenty and the factors are one, two, three, four, five, or ten using multiplication and division tools.
   

3. 
   

4. Boom Learning  

1. https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/boom-learning 

2. Boom Learning is a mobile app that lets teachers assign flashcard sets to students for practice relating to specific content standards being taught in the classroom. My favorite thing about Boom Learning is that it saves data from each student attempt for quick data collection for reteaching if needed. Boom Learning has a free level that teachers can use for a limited number of students. The basic level is $15 a year, which provides 50 student accounts. Boom Learning can be used for students in Kindergarten up to college level since assignments can be individually assigned. Boom Learning is compatible with Apple, Android, and Kindle Fire tablets. I chose this review from Common Sense because it gave an in depth look at this app and included multiple reviews from other educators.  

 

2. IXL Learning 

1. https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/ixl 

2. IXL provides math practice for students in grades PK-12th grade. IXL is a free app for students. I find this app especially helpful due to the nature of repeated practice that students get in practicing math facts. IXL is compatible with Apple, Android, and Fire Tablets. I chose this review because Common Sense is a well-known resource for educators with trusted reviews for different media apps.  

 

3. Xtra Math 

1. https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/xtramath#:~:text=Pros%3A%20Good%20theory%20allows%20students,any%20closer%20to%20enjoying%20math. 

2. Xtra Math is another app that provides students with repeated practice specifically in math facts. There is a free portion of Xtra Math, but it can also be purchased through schools for a discounted price. It can be used for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Xtra Math is compatible with both Apple and Android products and can also be setup through Google Apps for Chromebooks. The review that I chose was through Common Sense. Tis website is one that I rely on when choosing new materials for my classroom. They are thorough and allow viewers to view multiple reviews rather than just one.  

If I were to choose one of the three apps, my choice would be Boom Learning. Through practice in the classroom, this app has provided my students with practice on multiple different skills across all subjects. I enjoy that I am able to tailor Boom Cards to the standard that I am currently teaching. I also enjoy that these cards are bright and inviting which encourage my students to participate. The versatility with this app provides me with many different ways in which I can tailor student work to be individualized while students are all having needs met at the same time.

EIM505 App Review - David Shores

Georgia Professional Teaching Standards - Physical Education

GA 9-12 PEHS.3: Participates regularly in physical activity

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/

CommonSense Review

YouTube is a video-sharing website that allows teachers and students to create their own subscription-based channels. The YouTube app is free of charge and intended for children age 13+. The platform is web-based, so any device that can utilize the internet is compatible. I chose to use CommonSense Media as a reliable web review, because of the hundreds of parent and child reviews listed. 

ExerciseTimer

https://www.exercisetimer.net/

Google Play Reviews

ExerciseTimer is a customizable interval timer app that allows users to keep track of their interval training, HIIT training, etc. The app is free of charge, but does contain in-app purchases. The app is rated E, for everyone and is compatible with Android, IOS, Apple Watch, and Wear OS. Google Play seems like a reliable site to review this app because 2 out of the 3 reviews listed are negative and this is on a site that sells the app. 

Google Forms

https://www.google.com/forms/about/

SoftwareAdvice Reviews

GoogleForms is an easy-to-use online tool that allows the user to create, manage and analyze surveys and quizzes. The app is free of charge and compatible with all devices that connect to the internet. I can’t really find an age appropriate rating for GoogleForms, but I would say that this app would be functional for anyone over the age of 13. I used SoftwareAdvice as a trusted review because there are over nine thousand reviews available and the first video review was by a high school teacher. 

Out of the three apps that I listed here, I would choose YouTube as the one that I use most often. I began using YouTube as an online teaching tool, during the quarantine…mainly because our school system allowed the app on its network. I learned how easy it was to create accounts and to post and share videos. I would have my PE students film themselves completing the physical activity of the day and post/share their workouts to my YouTube channel, as proof that they completed the activity. I also use YouTube weekly, as a teaching tool, in my Weight-training classes. I can search certain videos for demonstration of proper form and technique, when it comes to certain movements and standards.

EIM 505 App Review- Morgan Bible

 Common Core: Grade 8 Expressions and Equations

8.EE.C.8A:Understand that solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables correspond to points of intersection of their graphs, because points of intersection satisfy both equations simultaneously.

Khan Academy:

Review by parents on Common Sense Media

Khan Academy is an online application that offers science, math, economics, computer programming and more content for students from kindergarten through college. This app is absolutely free, and offers practice problems, instructional videos, and personalized learning dashboards to students. This site is compatible on iPhones, iPads, Androids, and desktop computers. I linked Common Sense Media's parent reviews because the reviewers were not paid for their input, and it gives over 10 reviews that offer a variety of perspectives.

Desmos:

Review by parents on Common Sense Media

Desmos is an online application that offers math content and a graphing calculator to students and teachers. This app has portions that are free, like calculators and other tools. It also has parts that you have to pay licensing for, like lessons and premade activities.The platform is available in multiple languages, and is accessible on desktop and mobile devices. I linked Common Sense Media's parent reviews because the reviewers were not paid for their input, and it gives multiple reviews that offer a variety of perspectives.

iReady

Review by teachers on Common Sense Media

iReady is an online learning platform for students in the k12 setting. This program offers ELA and Math content, personalized learning platforms, learning games, and activities. This program allows educators to track growth and adjust instruction as needed. iReady is compatible on iPads running IOS 11 or above and desktop computers. I linked Common Sense Media's teacher reviews because the reviewers were not paid for their input, and it gives multiple reviews that offer a variety of perspectives.

Out of all the apps listed, I would choose Khan Academy to assist me in teaching this standard due to it being free, ease of use, and the fact that it offers differentiated means of delivering the content. This is an ideal app for students who need to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. It is also compatible on multiple devices, which makes it ideal for students learning from home.

EIM 505 App Review Karlie Davis

 

Common Core Standard: (ELA Grade 1) Apply knowledge of phoneme-grapheme correspondences and word analysis skills to decode and encode words accurately both in isolation and within decodable, grade-appropriate texts. ELA 21. 1.7

 

https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/raz-kids#:~:text=Raz%2DKids%20is%20a%20good,both%20fiction%20and%20nonfiction%20reading.

Raz-Kids is an app where students can read a book and take comprehension quizzes on the book. They can have the book read to them, read it silently, and even record themselves for the teacher and parent to listen to. The app is free to try, and if you are interested in a license it is $109.95 per classroom per year. This app is intended for pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students. The app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, as well as on Amazon devices. I chose Common Sense as a credible source because it is a well-respected resource in the education world, and I trust the information is correct and reliable.

 

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/reading-raven

 

Reading Raven is more of a game-based learning app where children can work through games and challenges to enhance their phonological skills. They can practice things such as letter tracing to reading texts. This app also has a feature for them to record themselves. Reading Raven is free to try one lesson, but the full version costs $3.99. This app is intended for children ages 3-7 and is available in the Apple App Store. The Common Sense source provided ample reliable information to help me determine the effectiveness of this app.

 

https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/starfall#:~:text=Though%20at%20times%20the%20user,%2C%20or%20sound%2C%20in%20words.

 

Starfall is an app that includes both literacy and math activities. I focused on the literacy aspect of the app for this assignment. The app has a wide variety of lessons and skills to meet the student where they are from videos that introduce each letter and sound to an “I’m Reading” section that includes stories on a variety of topics. Teachers can also use resources on the app to introduce new concepts in their lessons. The app is free for a limited experience, and you can subscribe to different levels of the apps with subscriptions costing between $70-$270 per year. Starfall is intended for students in pre-kindergarten through third- grade and is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and on Amazon devices. I chose the Common Sense source due to the wide variety of information it provided including pros and cons, ideas on how one could teach with the app, and a variety of reviews from users.

 

I feel as though the Raz-Kids app is the best app out of the three I chose. This app has multiple features that are very appealing to me as a teacher. I personally like the capability for a student to record themselves reading and that a parent can listen to the recording as well. The comprehension feature is a great tool for students to use to prepare for achievement and classroom tests. The low cost of the app is another benefit I saw. Lastly, the differentiated text levels is another feature I like. Sometimes differentiation can be exceedingly difficult to provide, but with apps like Raz-Kids, teachers are able to differentiate more easily.

Zach Hart App Review

 CCS: Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6–12

Key Idea and details

1. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

   https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/khan-academy

   Khan academy teaches students through articles, quizzes and interactive activities. I like this app because it uses different tools to catch the students attention. Also, it helps with the standard above by providing articles for students to read and decipher what type of source they are reading. This app is free for students and is usable grades 2-12. The review published by common sense is something I always look at before integrating apps or technology in my classroom. They are always in depth and tell how well the app engages learners. 

   https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/google-arts-culture

   
   

   Google Arts and Culture app is a great teaching tool because it provides students with an interactive view of history. It also provides documents for the students to look over as well as, interactive tours and activities. I think this is an important technique in todays classroom, we must engage our learners. I included the common sense review due to their thoroughness and objectivity. The app is for grades 6-12 and is free for students.

   
   

   https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/civilisations-ar

   
   

   Civilizations AR is a great app because it speaks to every learner, from the lowest class to your AP class. It is strait forward and applies simple, yet informative information paired with the content. The simpleness if this app really makes it appealing to me to use because all my classes can be involved in this app. Common sense is a great review tool for teachers because of how thorough it is and lays out pro's and con's. The app is applicable to grades 3-12 and it is free to students. 

   
   

   If I had to pick one app I would pick Khan. Khan is a tool I have used for years and I am well versed in the app. It provides content to all my students in a strait forward manner and its simple. It also gives the teacher the opportunity to test knowledge and mastery of the content. For me, this is paramount. I want students to enjoy my class, but I also want them to be knowledgeable and well informed historians. This is one app I could see myself using for the rest of my teaching career. 

EIM 505 App Review Ian Richards

 Coomon Core Standard Grade 5 Students 

Craft and Strucure 4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative languare such as metaphors and similies. 

https://www.teacherswithapps.com/figurative-language/

Figurative Languare by eSkills Learning incorportates many different types of figurative language into a bingo style game that can be used in practice mode or can be used in single player of multiplayer mode. Also, students can be given a phrase and then they would put it correctly within a sentence followed by a comical picture. It cos $8.99 on the app store, and it is intended for ages four and up. This app is compaticle on all Mac and Ios devices. This app is credible by the vetting source that they use to sort through the different apps that they review. The process begins by you sending your deposit fee and a description of the app to the wesite, then it is reviewed to see if it falls under the educational guidelines set out by the website. 

https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2016/08/speech-apps-for-kids-to-work-on-idioms.html

The New Animal Metaphors and Idioms has pictures of different animals that the student can choose from, once the student clicks on the animal card an idiom or metaphor pops up involving that animal, then an explanation pops up to explain. It costs $1.99 on the app store and it would be a good resource tool for elementary age students. It is avaialbe on any Mac Ios or Google device. This website is credible based off of the research and resources the author provides on the explantions of the apps within the websites. 

https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/resources/applistings.html?id=1973960

English Idioms and Phrases is designed to give students different idioms and phrases and it gives further explanations on the certain phrases. This is more tilted to the high school age learner; because, it does not have a game element it is just purely giving you information and explanations. It is free of charge and like it was stated earlier it is tailored to high school students. This app is only on the Google Play store for download. This website is credible becuase it backs the apps that it reviews by seeing what standard thet they apir with. 

The Figurative Language app is the best choice; because, it has the most game element involved that will hold the students attention. It has different settings in terms of being multi player or single player which would be useful within the classroom; because, you could pair students up within the class and let them compete. It also goes from a bingo like game into a sentence association phase where the students can build off of skills learned in the first parts of the game. 

Emily White's App Review

 

Common Core

7.NS The Number System

·        7.NS.A Apply and extend previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers.

 

iXL

https://www.ixl.com/math/grade-7

The iXL app allows students to practice the math concepts being taught in the classroom. The app provides instant feedback to let the students know if they are comprehending the concept. If they are not answering the questions correctly, helpful hints and additional problems are provided.  The app contains lessons for all ages, but I concentrated on 7^th grade math/fractions. The cost associated with this app for 1 month is $19.99. It is compatible with iOS 14.0 iPhone, iPadOS 14.0, or iOS 14.0 or later.

Review Site:

https://www.educationalappstore.com/how-we-rate-apps

The review consists of four criteria: content, educational value, integration, and design. The app store certifies those apps that meet the criteria. iXL is certified.

 

King of Math

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/king-of-math/id473904402

The app, King of Math, starts with a storyline of a farmer who is trying to be promoted to the next level by answering math questions at the middle school level. Each player competes against those that download the app.  The winner is crowned king. There is a free version or a $2.99 version. The $2.99 version includes the fraction activities. The game works on the iOS 10.0 or later, iPadOS 10.0 or later, or the MacOS 11.0 or later.

Review Site:

https://bestappsforkids.com/king-of-math/

The Best Apps for Kids’ review provided an in-depth look into the King of Math app.  The website also contained information about the iXL app. Since it covered multiple educational apps and the information provided is consistent with the description of the content of the apps, the review appears to be credible.

 

Itooch 7^th Grade Math

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/itooch-7th-grade-math/id521721978?platform=iphone

EduPad’s iTooch is an app that emphasizes the gamification of the selected math category. It can be played with multiple players. Players are recognized when they reach certain levels. This app costs $5.99. Students are able to use the app on the iPhone 8.0 or higher, iPadOS 8.0 or higher, or a MacOS 11.0 or higher.

https://edshelf.com/tool/itooch-7th-grade-math/

The EdShelf review of iTooch is favorable. It states the app is “the largest collection of educational activities based on the US National Common Core Standards on the App Store”. Like the Best Apps for Kid's review, the site provided other educational app reviews and was consistent with the description of the content covered in the apps.

 

If I were to select one of three apps, I would choose iTooch for the following reasons: the aesthetics are more inviting than the other two apps, the multi-player option allows for classroom competitions, and the lesson summary at the end recaps what was learned. As a parent, I’ve seen the frustration of the iXL app when one question sends the student back to answer 3 more questions. I understand the value of practice --but when the students are frustrated, they do not learn. The King of Math could have easily been selected because the storyline helps engage the student. The only reason the app was not selected as top choice was because of the app’s colors being dull and not inviting.