Tonight's Homework: Get These Apps
Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 2:25PM 
The other day in my Computer Tech 7 class, I was walking around monitoring students as they were working on their final assignments and making up missed work. I spied one students doing the tell tale signs of hiding something. When I asked what he was hiding he said nothing, usual first response. When I pressed him further, he said it was a lollipop which he knew was a big no-no in my class. When he went to throw away the offending item I noticed nothing went into the trash can which is another student trick. When I pressed him about not noticing anything resembling the item he was trying to hide go into the trash can he finally and sheepishly gave up the offending item. It was an iPod Touch. He took a moment to look at his device as if he was saying goodbye to good friend which I am sure is what he thought was going on. In most cases saying goodbye would be the appropriate sentiment. However, I wanted him to started thinking of his iPod as a tool as well as a toy.
When he surrendered the iPod Touch, I took a look at the apps he had on the device. Not surprisingly it was full of games. To this student, and I am sure he is not the only one, this was a toy. I went back to my desk and pulled out my iPhone and started jotting down the name of some apps that would be beneficial in any class and made sure they were free ones. When I finished the list I called the student over. I told him that I had a homework assignment for him. He was to download all the apps that I had on my list, which I gave him. I further told him that I would check his iPod Touch the next time he came to class and better have the apps on the list on his device. I explained what the apps would do and even showed him a demo of a couple of them. The class had fun with Action Movie by Bad Robot Interactive. This is one where you can create a movie clip with a special effect added in. Then you can insert the action clip into a larger video project. The students loved being blown up by incoming missiles or blown to Oz by a tornado. I am sure this app got downloaded many times because I saw students writing down the name of the app. Years ago, I read in the book "So Where's My Apple" that sometimes you have just watch the dump trucks. So I guess you have to take time out to launch virtual air strikes on students so they can have fun. I must admit it can be therapeutic for the teacher too.
Here is a copy of the list I gave to the student with the iPod Touch. They are all iOS and can be found on the iTunes App Store. I will note down apps that I know are also on Android but search if I don't.
Edmodo: new updates allow students to do homework on mobile devices. There is an Android version too.
EasyBib: This site and app makes creating bibliographies a snap. Just scan a barcode or type in the title of a book for a citation. They just created an Android version too.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Free Version) or Dictionary.com: Who does not need a handy dictionary? Also on Android. Tell those kids to look that word up themselves.
Blogger, Tumblr, and Posterous: All are blogging apps and all have Android apps too.
Genius Scan: Okay, I know that it is not cool to create copies of tests but classroom management will have to take care of that one. However, being able to scan documents can be helpful to students too as well as saving paper costs. There are similar apps for Android.
Splice (free version): A decent video editor that some say is better than iMovie for iOS.
PS Express: A nice photo editor. There are many other good ones for both iOS and Android too.
Red Laser: If you or your school does anything with QR Codes then this is a must have app. There are similar apps for Android.
If you know of any other good apps to share with students please share them in the comments.
Reader Comments (8)
John - You handled that situation beautifully! What better opportunity for this student to learn. I have so much to learn - I wish I had been there to see what you were showing him!
Great list, thanks! I'm curious to know if you're using Edmodo in your classroom? If you are, what are the main ways you use it? I've written about the benefits of using Edmodo in the classroom (www.thecatchsystem.com), but always enjoy looking for great educators to share more ideas.
I'm a Spanish teacher looking for good apps to help my students. My main areas that I need are vocabulary that is broken down by themes (ex:sports, city, directions, etc.). Grammar focused ones with descriptions and games to help motivation. Any pointers I'm lost in the sea of apps? If you know of anyone that I could possibly work with in making a good Spanish app I would be more than willing.
Well John
You were able to turn this situation into a positive learning opportunity when the alternative would have been so easy. I teach a grade 4 class where we have a 1:1 iPad program, every Friday we have what we call "The app hour" where students are rostered on to present their favourite app to the class using airplay on our Apple TV. The students came up with their own presentation criteria and they all love presenting their favourite apps to the class. I can't tell you how many great apps the kids have told me about, it's fantastic.
Anyway, well done on your positive approach to classroom management.
Cheers
Dan
www.ourinspiredclassroom.wordpress.com
@Lluna You will have to do a search in the App Store to find what you are looking for. Trying to keep up with the thousands of apps out there would be a tough job. I mostly find the apps I use by doing searches and using the Genius search too. There are blogs and sites that highlight educational apps so try doing a search for these. I wish I could be more help.
@TJ, I love Edmodo and have been using it for years. Our district has quite an underground movement of teachers who use Edmodo and the numbers are growing.
Brilliant article. I've been working on a mindmap of mobile learning apps that students could use. Feel free to take a look. I'd love you to collaborate and add a few more to it.
http://popplet.com/app/#/120162
as for app. you have a wide choice . they make your phone smarter. barcode reader is a good choice, you can have a try. http://www.onbarcode.com/products/net_barcode_reader/barcodes/data_matrix.html