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. 

App Reviews

Alabama College and Career Readiness Standards - Kindergarten

Reading Standards: Foundational Skills

Phonological Awareness

21. Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes). RF.K.2

ABCmouse.com – https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/abcmousecom

ABCmouse.com is a free app intended for children ages 2-5. While the app is free, a subscription is needed to access the whole curriculum. The subscription fee is $7.99 a month. The app includes songs, puzzles, books, and more to support emergent readers in phonics and phonemic awareness skills. It is downloadable on iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, and most Android phones and tablets.

Duck Duck Moose Reading - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/duck-duck-moose-reading

Duck Duck Moose Reading is a culmination of many types of interactive games for children ages 3-7. The app is free to download and helps young students to begin connecting letter sounds to print and recognizing and naming letters. All letter sounds are taught along with CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.

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

Starfall Learn to Read is intended for children ages 4-7. The app is $2.99 to download and helps children to distinguish the relationship between spoken and written language through books, puzzles, and short video clips. The app helps students to learn letter names and sounds. It is downloadable on iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, and most Android phones and tablets.

In my opinion, the ABCmouse.com app is the most valuable for teaching phonics to emergent readers. The songs are catchy, yet informative. Parents and/or teachers can also pay an extra $3.95 a month for assessments. The progress for up to three children can be tracked. I use ABCmouse.com’s letter songs daily in my classroom to help engage and introduce explicit phonics lessons. Children thoroughly enjoy ABCmouse and don't even realize they are learning!

Application Reviews

Application Reviews Post by Charlie L. Boyd

ITSE Standard for Educators, Designer 5a, use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.

Applications:

1.      Canvas

Canvas is a learning management software that allows the teacher to create learning modules for the curriculum. It allows for the upload of documents, notes, assignments. A useful feature in this digital world, is the teacher can upload web links, can check all work for plagiarism through a feature called “Turnitin.com”. All assignments and tests can be graded through this software giving students immediate access for viewing grades.

The cost of the cloud-based software is $5 per learner per month or $30 per learner per year. Through a chat session with a Canvas adviser, I learned that this software is adaptable to K-12 and higher education students. I chose this site as a credible sited because of it validated each reviewer, allowed for positive and negative comments, and had a customer service agent call me within minutes to further validate its credibility. This cloud-based software is Windows and MAC compatible.

2.      Compass Learning

This learning management software is intended for K-12 students. The users, in this case teachers, will be able to create folders for specific learning activities, be able to track students’ work and the amount of time spent on each assignment, as well as, help students by creating video lessons to keep learning assignments interesting. Because this software is a G2 Crowd product, it has some of the same pricing agreements as others in the group.

This is a cloud-based software priced as $5 per learner per month or $30 per learner per year. This software is Windows and MAC compatible. I chose this review site due to its ability to verify the reviewers through multiple methods like email addresses, telephone numbers, and various social media sites. This software through its reviewers achieved five out of five stars.

3.      Classe365

This software has multiple modules that come together as a tool to prepare teachers and students for learning, customer management, and supports over 100 languages. This software integrates well with multiple other applications such as Canvas, MS Office, and QuickBooks as a complement. I chose this software because it can bring entire school districts together to manage administrative and learning activities.

Classe365 is a cloud-based application that is compatible to both Windows and MAC platforms. This software is meant for school districts of K-12 graders and higher education students. Because this is a larger application with multiple modules, the costs vary between $22 per license per month per student to $30 per month per student. A yearly license can be purchased based on the number of modules requested.  This site has been properly copyrighted with contact information listed. I made a telephone call to the site contact and was quickly greeted and provided with requested information.

The one application that I feel is the best choice for me and my students is the Compass Learning software. I chose this one because of its ability to track students’ time spent on assignments and its ability to create video lessons for students. It is a cloud-based application which means that the students and I can access it from anywhere as long as we have internet capability.

Theories of Critical Thinking

Technology in the classroom has been a challenge and an opportunity for teachers. To have access to a resource that can actively engage students and promote a deeper and greater understanding of content material is outstanding. Most students today have grown up with technology and are very proficient with utilizing this resource. Some teachers may not be as proficient in using technology. In the article by Fullan and Langworthy, it talks about a learning partnership between student and teacher to create a greater learning experience. Teachers and students learning from each other, and forming a partnership allows both to be successful.

Technology in the classroom has become the norm due to the fact that it is more affordable for the school systems today. Many schools now provide/rent chrome books and mac books for students, and with all the available software it can provide a challenging yet rewarding quality education. Many students feel that school is boring and not important but when teachers and students work together it can make learning exciting, and engaging. Teachers have the responsibility to challenge the students and provide good feedback to help students master a concept. When students do well and master a concept it gives them a sense of accomplishment, and makes them want to know more because they feel they can achieve their goal.

A teacher has the responsibility of teaching goals and standards for the grade level taught based on the core curriculum that the state requires, while incorporating blooms taxonomy. In the article by W. Huitt, it talks about the new updated standards and within the standards, remembering is included in that. It is so important that students not only understand the content material, but to remember it as well. Teachers have the responsibility to sharpen a students cognitive and psychomotor skills as well boosting their self confidence. When a student is confident in their ability to do the work required they learn at a deeper level.

E. M. Rogers article discussed the evolution of technology in the classroom and how it has the ability to empower students. It talked about how students did not like newspaper and journal assignments because of all the negative and bad things that are happening in the world today.  Using digital
newspapers, and journal articles will help the students to keep in touch with what is going on in the world and help make a connection to the classroom. Librarians and teachers partner to give students a greater variety of resources, but with today's constantly changing technology it is difficult to keep up. The idea of partnering with students, who are always up with the latest technology, can keep students engaged in learning. When students are engaged they are learning. Technology, when monitored has a positive effect in the classroom.

Theories of Critical Thinking

Teaching in a classroom that has no technology is quite the learning curve for teachers, both veteran and new.  By reading these articles, it is very plain that the presence of technology in the classrooms is not how students will walk away with the knowledge that they need.  It is all about how districts, schools, departments, and teachers in the classroom all work together to use the technology.  The articles break down how students learn and how things have changed in organization of the levels of learning.  Coming from a Webb's Depths of Knowledge background, it was a little difficult to follow the organization and break down of Bloom's Taxonomy.  Utilizing technology appropriately, gives students the opportunity to tap into the higher levels of learning necessary to gain mastery of the particular classes that they are taking.  

One thing in particular brought out in the Huitt article was how teacher made tests generally only register in lower levels of taxonomy (Huitt 2011).  One thing that needs to be taken is how teachers write their lesson plans and how they incorporate the technology to implement better instruction.  That seems to be an easier task with more concrete disciplines like math and science versus more abstract content areas like English and History.  The necessary technology needs to be easily accessible for the particular lesson.  When the integration is maximized, much like accommodations, the will be fluidity between the student and the teacher.  The students will be able to recreate situations that will enable students, in a sense, to become the teacher.  Or at least the protégé.

Willingness to embrace change is one of the biggest areas of focus.  Teachers need to be open and knowledgable of more than simply lecture and test.  With the different platforms available and the different modes of delivery of information, teachers have to be students and can even learn from the children that they teach.  This quote really sums up what needs to be happening in classrooms these days.  "Effective integration of technology is achieved when students are able to select technology tools to help them obtain information in a timely manner, analyze and synthesize the information, and present it professionally. The technology should become an integral part of how the classroom functions -- as accessible as all other classroom tools."  (National Educational Technology Standards for Students, International Society for Technology in Education 2010).

Theories of Critical Thinking

The use of technology in the classroom not only enhances the visual senses, but also allows students to enjoy learning. I see this same opportunity in other areas outside of a classroom setting.  I am not a teacher, therefore; my background is not in a classroom.  However, I find it very interesting to read documents such as these. My position also allows me to have a different view point. I am able to examine and use the techniques from a different vantage point. Several years ago, I began my initial journey to become a teacher. Although my plans changed, I cherish the knowledge I gained from my coursework. It was during that time that I became acquainted with Bloom’s taxonomy. Bloom’s taxonomy is not only a great tool for teachers as they develop lesson plans and activities for students, but it also provides valuable techniques I have found useful throughout my time building my career. I use these same steps through training employees and working with children outside of a classroom setting. The steps described are important to successful teaching and learning for every student, at every age, in various settings. Much like building a structure you must first start with the foundation. 

The Kuhn article explains how we can use Bloom’s taxonomy in today’s world. Today’s world is a digital world. As a mother of two young children, I am constantly amazed at the understanding digital literacy I see daily. Even my 5-year-old can successfully operate a MacBook, iPad, and iPhone. In our digital age, it is even more important now that educators use technology to assist in learning. Today’s students will never know a world without technology. Technology is simply a part of who they are. It only makes sense for it to also be a huge part of their learning.

It is important for educators and instructors to acknowledge the ability of their students and use technology in a way that not replaces but enhances learning. Classrooms are no longer just a teacher standing up in front of a classroom and writing on a chalk board. Today’s students do not only use paper and pen to take notes. Technology has allowed classrooms to be more student driven, independent learning environments. Technology enables teachers to teach in a different way. It allows teachers to engage their students in a way that is much different than many of us knew in elementary and high school.

The use of technology can be daunting for many, especially for educators that have been doing things the same way for many years. There are different teaching styles and strengths when referring to both students and teachers. Providing students and teachers with access to technology is not enough. Each must know how to proper and safety use what is available.  It is extremely important for administration to provide opportunities for all educators and instructors to experience and learn how to best use technology in their classroom or learning environment. It is also important that educators know and teach the importance of proper use of technology. This sometimes means that we, as educators, must step out of our comfort zone and be willing to try something new.  If we are going to make an impact, we must never stop learning ourselves.