iPads in the Classroom

      This week I had the chance to explore iPads and the educational apps that are available for them. I took an in-depth look at five different apps and analyzed two of them using two different evaluation forms.
        The first form is called the "critical evaluation of a content based mobile app." The second form is called the "evaluation rubric for iPad apps." I felt that the first form was much easier to use and fill out. This type of form would also be beneficial for other educators to read and look at because the information was so detailed. The first form contained information such as; content area of app, price of app, levels of Bloom's taxonomy, components of app, summary of app, and rating of the app. I felt that this gives a detailed overview of the specific app that is being looked at and analyzed. I would use a form like this when referring an app to another teacher or even a parent. It is easy to follow and contains so much important information.
       The second form which is actually a rubric, contains less information. This rubric just looks at the curriculum content, feedback, user friendliness, motivation for students, and authenticity. All of these categories are in the first form. This rubric does not allow for information about the title, specific content area, price, rating, or Bloom's taxonomy. I feel that this rubric is not as beneficial and is much wordier then the first form. It does not provide educators with the proper information when analyzing an app. I would choose to use the first form.
       The five apps that I took a look at are Story Builder, Sign 4 Me, First Then, iPrompts, and Living Safely. Each of these apps allows student to work on a specific skill and to grow more independently in the classroom. Story builder gives students a chance to look at a picture of a situation with text about the scene and a question about what is happening. The students then have the chance to answer the question and record what they have said. Sign 4 Me gives students the chance to type in a word and then visually watch the correct way to sign the word. This is great for learning new signs and for reviewing old ones, even for teachers. First Then allows teachers and students to create a daily classroom schedule. The schedule can include word prompts and pictures. iPrompts allows teachers and students  to create visual picture cues. These cues can sometimes use words and help to promote a student's independence in the classroom. The visual cues allow students to better understand tasks and what is being asked of them. The last app I looked at was Living Safely. This app allows students to learn about safety topics and how to be safe. Each topic has a step by step list of ways to be safe and reminds you of specific things to remember about being safe.
       Overall, I enjoyed exploring all the different kinds of educational apps that are out there and available to students and teachers. I feel these apps help to enhance learning and give students the chance to become more independent learners in the classroom.