I explored 3 iPad apps tonight.
The first two were "Matematics" :) apps that appeared to be similar in function, yet one was far superior in utility.
1. McGraw-Hill's Beat the Computer, Multiplication was the weaker of the two math apps that I played with. In this game, the user completes 20 single-digit multiplication problems and attempts to answer within the allotted 20 sec time the computer affords the user. How long the user takes to answer is then tallied at the bottom of the screen with the higher scores being better. This would be a great tutorial for students needing assistance on speed and accuracy of multiplication, but I would prefer to use the Math Drill Lite app described next. I found two-digit responses a little difficult to type in and often the first digit wouldn't register and I would miss the problem.
2. Math Drills Lite had a much greater usability. It offered addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and mixed options. The user was also able to choose between the review or practice (time) portion of the application. This program hosts a setting tab where the user can adapt the keypad for left handed users or change the display screen colors to red/green for visual enhancement. Upon completion of the timed practice the user is given a MPH speedometer on their screen and told what the duration of their trip was and how many pit stops that they had to make--making the app very visually stimulating and fun to use. The app does offer a full-version for $1.99 which allows 10 student to personalize their setting . It will keep a score/test history and when retesting will emphasize those problem previously missed or slow responses. In addition progress for all students can be tracked with graphs. What an incredible skill tutoring option for teachers!!
3. The brainstorming application that I chose to work with was Idea Sketch. I think this would be a great tool for Language/Arts. This would help students with developing their writing skills when faced with a writing prompt. Furthermore, creative writing teaching can be enhanced with this app. To use it, an individual enters a topic. Then they name an idea and choose a shape and color to represent their idea. The idea then shows up in a visual format. Once several ideas are determined, the user can click on an icon to put the visual in outline form. They are then able to organize their ideas and move the order of the their ideas, thus creating the beginning to an essay. Another neat option is the ability to add a description and notes to each individual idea. This great visual tool can help many writing deficient students.
The first two were "Matematics" :) apps that appeared to be similar in function, yet one was far superior in utility.
1. McGraw-Hill's Beat the Computer, Multiplication was the weaker of the two math apps that I played with. In this game, the user completes 20 single-digit multiplication problems and attempts to answer within the allotted 20 sec time the computer affords the user. How long the user takes to answer is then tallied at the bottom of the screen with the higher scores being better. This would be a great tutorial for students needing assistance on speed and accuracy of multiplication, but I would prefer to use the Math Drill Lite app described next. I found two-digit responses a little difficult to type in and often the first digit wouldn't register and I would miss the problem.
2. Math Drills Lite had a much greater usability. It offered addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and mixed options. The user was also able to choose between the review or practice (time) portion of the application. This program hosts a setting tab where the user can adapt the keypad for left handed users or change the display screen colors to red/green for visual enhancement. Upon completion of the timed practice the user is given a MPH speedometer on their screen and told what the duration of their trip was and how many pit stops that they had to make--making the app very visually stimulating and fun to use. The app does offer a full-version for $1.99 which allows 10 student to personalize their setting . It will keep a score/test history and when retesting will emphasize those problem previously missed or slow responses. In addition progress for all students can be tracked with graphs. What an incredible skill tutoring option for teachers!!
3. The brainstorming application that I chose to work with was Idea Sketch. I think this would be a great tool for Language/Arts. This would help students with developing their writing skills when faced with a writing prompt. Furthermore, creative writing teaching can be enhanced with this app. To use it, an individual enters a topic. Then they name an idea and choose a shape and color to represent their idea. The idea then shows up in a visual format. Once several ideas are determined, the user can click on an icon to put the visual in outline form. They are then able to organize their ideas and move the order of the their ideas, thus creating the beginning to an essay. Another neat option is the ability to add a description and notes to each individual idea. This great visual tool can help many writing deficient students.
Good job! Thank you :-)
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