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Friday, February 17, 2023

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 7th 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 7th 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.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Emily, I loved reading about your apps. I teach kindergarten and my husband teaches 7th grade and I like to see how different apps are used and it is also interesting to see that we both use IXL. I really enjoy using IXL. I used it a bunch when I taught third grade. I think it is neat to see that an app can be used in a such a wide variety of ages and grades. The iTooch app you talked about seems fabulous. I was actually sharing some of these with my husband. I also shared these with a friend of mine who teaches 7th grade math.

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