Application Software...
...or just 'apps' as we more commonly know them, seem to be taking over the world. Anyone with a fairly modern phone/tablet/ipad etc has access to all sorts of them, some free, others not so free. I've set up this page to illustrate some of the apps that can make life as a teacher easier (if you know what you're doing with them) and potentially more interesting.
Since setting up this page I have come across this frequently updated app sites for iPads and iPhones. I will continue to post any particularly interesting apps in my list above, but feel free to explore the following site;
- Blackboard iphone app; search for 'blackboard', enter University of Manchester and username, organisations and finally PGCE.
- Splashtop - We all saw this in use at Plymouth Grove, a nifty little app that allows you to access your computer from a mobile device. Click here to investigate.
- Audioboo - Check out my Audio and Video section for more information on what this is. For sound recording and sharing on the move visit the Audioboo website. Available for Andriod, Nokia and iPhones.
- Bee-Bot - Following an interesting session with our favourite black and yellow floor robot I was shown this buzzing app...
- iStoryBooks - Read and hear children's stories.
- Number Fun with Farmer Pete and more.
Since setting up this page I have come across this frequently updated app sites for iPads and iPhones. I will continue to post any particularly interesting apps in my list above, but feel free to explore the following site;
Create your own?
![Picture](/uploads/1/3/1/6/13168592/6345308.jpg)
Currently trialling and not yet available, Blippit could play a major role in classrooms of the future. Scheduled for a September release, this app-creation software is aimed for upper-KS2 and KS3 students. More to follow.
Update: We're up and running now, but unfortunately I'm not immediately impressed. I've always liked ICT programs that allow you to just 'explore' and work things out for yourself, and from what I've experienced thus far it seems that children will also frequently take this exploratory approach. This does not seem appropriate with Blippit.. What this site requires is a talk/walk-through guide, similar to these videos, as without it I wasn't that sure of what I was doing.
Many schools are still introducing tablets into their lessons, so there's still likely to be a bit of adjustment time between using exisiting apps* effectively and the children actually making their own.
* more existing ipad apps
Further Update: I'm currently creating a literacy app to help with descriptive writing. My initial thought was that the process was a little convoluted, and in fairness this may still be the case, but I am beginning to see how creating an app like this would not only be boosting ICT skills, but also strengthening cross-curricular knowledge (in this case it would be word classes). I still feel that this program would be lost on many KS2 pupils, but as I work towards the completion of my app I will add some final reflections - and attempt to think of a way to make this more accessible to every child.
Update: We're up and running now, but unfortunately I'm not immediately impressed. I've always liked ICT programs that allow you to just 'explore' and work things out for yourself, and from what I've experienced thus far it seems that children will also frequently take this exploratory approach. This does not seem appropriate with Blippit.. What this site requires is a talk/walk-through guide, similar to these videos, as without it I wasn't that sure of what I was doing.
Many schools are still introducing tablets into their lessons, so there's still likely to be a bit of adjustment time between using exisiting apps* effectively and the children actually making their own.
* more existing ipad apps
Further Update: I'm currently creating a literacy app to help with descriptive writing. My initial thought was that the process was a little convoluted, and in fairness this may still be the case, but I am beginning to see how creating an app like this would not only be boosting ICT skills, but also strengthening cross-curricular knowledge (in this case it would be word classes). I still feel that this program would be lost on many KS2 pupils, but as I work towards the completion of my app I will add some final reflections - and attempt to think of a way to make this more accessible to every child.