Nowadays, millions of "apps" or online applications are available to teachers for downloading. While some apps cost a fee, many are free. They can be found at the iOS App Store for Apple devices or at the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Some apps have been widely adopted by teachers due to their potential for engaging students in active learning. The following are 10 of my favorite.
Name |
Function |
Create video lessons. Tutorial |
|
Create
quizzes/games. Tutorial |
|
Create a virtual wall for posting notes, pictures, & video. Tutorial |
|
Create
polls, wordles, & surveys. Tutorial |
|
Create quizzes & reviews. Tutorial |
|
Create & scan QR codes. Tutorial |
|
Create formative
assessments, exit tickets, & quizzes. Tutorial |
|
Create video
tutorials using a whiteboard. Tutorial |
|
Create quizzes & polls Tutorial |
|
Create
talking avatars. Tutorial |
Peruse the 55 Best Free Education Apps for iPad at the te@chthought website.
Explore the best education apps for Android.
EVALUATING APPS
The infusion of apps in classroom activities also requires teachers to evaluate them.
Evaluating apps requires teachers to answer "yes" to a number of questions:
- Is the app free of charge?
- Does it include advertisements?
- Is it easy to use?
- Is it visually appealing?
- Does it have a help feature or tutorial?
- Can it support the attainment of learning objectives?
- Does it promote interaction and collaboration?
- Does it foster critical thinking?
- Does it provide feedback?
- Does it track students’ login and activity history?
In addition, teachers can use pre-made checklists for evaluating apps. Examples include Kathy Shrock’s evaluation instruments for content-based apps and creation apps.
REFERENCES
Classroom Tech Made Simple. (2018). How to use the app Socrative teacher/student. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/phD4qeQzgSs
Evgenii Permiakov. (2020).
Teaching apps that actually work. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/1gSjx0SkfzE
Fryer, W. 2012). ShowMe
iPad app tutorial. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/dezSts90XA4
Hack Learning.(2012). How
to use Lino. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTLYxmrNATs
Hindy, J. (2018).10 best
teacher apps for android. Retrieved from https://www.androidauthority.com/best-teacher-apps-android-584742/
Kahoot! (2018). How to
create a quiz (a kahoot) in the Kahoot! App. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfPH4GEo600
Learning in Hand with Tony Vincent. (2012). Ways to evaluate educational apps. Retrieved from https://learninginhand.com/blog/ways-to-evaluate-educational-apps.html
Oddcast App Admin. (2019).
Official Voki tutorial: How to create your voki. [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://youtu.be/Tsv8I7XpVMY
QuickMark App. (2012).
QuickMark Color: How to create a colorful QR code.[Video file]. Retrieved
from https://youtu.be/MasO98vi9uc
Shrock, K. [n.d.]. Kathy Shrock’s guide to everything: Critical evaluation of information. Retrieved from https://www.schrockguide.net/critical-evaluation.html
Slido. (2020).How to
create your first Slido event. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/aDqWA7E-uYE
te@achthought. (2013). 55
best free education apps for iPad. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/the-55-best-best-free-education-apps-for-ipad/
Technology for Teachers
and Students. (2017). Poll Everywhere tutorial. [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://youtu.be/469WNkd_BqY
woodfordSTLP. (2012).
iTutor: Educreations app. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/oer20QtZdMo
Information from this post may be used provided credit is given to Dominique Charlotteaux