This document discusses using apps in the classroom and provides recommendations. It begins by outlining qualities to look for when selecting apps, such as ensuring content is developmentally appropriate. Strategies for evaluating apps are presented, such as whether an app adds meaningful learning. The document concludes by providing lists of recommended apps broken down by subject and grade level.

1. Technology in the Classroom: APPS!
November 23, 2012

2. +
Carolina N ugent
A little bit about me...
Director of Education for KinderTown
carolina@kindertown.com
@CarolinaNugent
@KinderTownApp

3. +
Overview
What are we going to talk about?
Apps
1. Getting Started
2. Evaluating Apps for the Classroom
3. App Recommendation

4. +
Getting
Started:
What do you
want from
your apps
Qualities
Look for essential characteristics and
features to put the best technology in
front of your students

5. +
Getting Started
Know your Objective!
1. Your pedagogy leads your app choice
2. Apps are one of many effective tools
3. Technology is not a reward – it is a critical
part of your students lives

6. +
Content and design are both
developmentally appropriate
Just because a child
 Fine Motor can use the app does
 Vocabulary not mean they should
use the app!
 Multiple Step Activities
 Graphics
 Interactivity

7. +
Apps that use “best practice”
strategies for instruction
 Research based – to show  Depth of content + choice
effectiveness to empower learners
Motion Math Apps Toontastic

8. +
App creates an authentic
experience Toca Store
 relevant to a child’s world
 simulate real experiences
 play
 exploration
 discovery
Ansel & Clair
Adventures in Africa

9. +
App uses scaffolding Reading Raven
 Multiple Levels
 Analytics
 Can easily add extra support
 Supports off app learning
App gives effective feedback
 Praises the effort Montessori Letter Sounds
 Feedback is connected
to the learning
 Feedback teaches and
motivates

10. +
App creates a child safe
environment
 Is there any marketing in the app?
 Does the marketing get in the way of the learning?
 Are there links to email, share, save to photos, tweet or link
to Facebook?
GazziliScience
• Social Media in the app –
Can turn it off. Is that okay
with you?
• Links to other apps right in
the app.

11. +
Evaluating
Apps for the
Classroom
Strategies
Choose the right app at the right time
to enhance learning

12. Does this
app add to
My First Classical
Bob Books
Music App my lesson?
+ • Add apps to what you
are already doing in
the classroom
• Add apps to reinforce
concepts in a different
way
Little Digits

13. Does this
app add
meaningful
StarTracker & There’s No Place Like learning?
Space
• Use apps that give
+ your students an
experience you can
not replicate in the
classroom
• Use apps that reflect
real life uses of
technology

14. Does the app
encourage
interaction
Sid’s Science Fair & exploration?
+ • Use apps that express
content in an
interactive and
exploratory way
• Apps need to be more
than question and
response!

15. Does the app
iWriteWords (Handwriting Game) engage the
kids?
+
• Use apps to add fun
to mundane, but
necessary tasks
• Use apps to pique
your students
interests

16. +
Let’s Look
at some
Apps!
Apps for the Classroom
A list of apps broken down by subject,
age to suit your classroom needs.

17. Top 4 general use apps to
use across grade levels
Show Me My Story – Book Maker for Kids
Interactive
Futaba DoodleCast for Kids & Pro

18. Top 4 Language apps to use
across grade levels
Children’s Picture Dictionary – SpellingCity
A to Z Flash Cards
Toontastic My A - Z

19. Top 4 Math apps to use
across grade levels
Awesome Eats Bugs and Bubbles
Montessori Numbers Didakto Classic

20. Top 4 Science apps to use
across grade levels
Science360 Monster Physics
Wonderopolis Brain Pop

21. Top 4 Social Studies apps to
use across grade levels
Barefoot World Atlas Being Global
DIY.org Feel Electric!

22. Apps for Kindergarten
 Little Digits  Sid’s Science Fair
 Reading Raven  Building with Blocks
 Montessori Letters  Art Maker by ABC’s
Sounds Play School
 Savannah Adventures  Toca Tea Party

23. Apps for 1st Grade
 Starfall Learn to Read  Mosaic HD
 Scribble Press  Puppet Pals
 Word Wizard  ABCmouse.com –
Thematic Books
 Motion Math (series of
apps)  ABC series (Peapod
Labs)

24. Apps for 2nd Grade
 Simplex Spelling  Bobo Explores Light
 Electric Company  This is my body –
WordBall! Anatomy for kids
 Sushi Monster  StarTracker HD
 Math Doodles  Math Lands

25. Need more suggestions?
 KinderTown is an easy to search tool – both online and as
a FREE app
 If not KinderTown – find a review site that you like to find
app recommendations.
 Team up with your colleagues to search and test apps
together. Don’t do this alone!