Now Tech That!: Appy Friday 2/12/16

Appy Valentines Day and President’s Day!!

Here’s my gift to you, iPad reviews and links. Just what you always wanted!

I didn’t add any Amazon Underground apps this week, I have been checking and noticed that there hasn’t been any recent apps added in education. There was also slim pickings for Early Childhood. No worries, there are other goodies for you to enjoy!

Happy downloading,

Betsy

REVIEWS

Early Childhood

*Nothing exciting this week

Elementary

Monster Math 2 Multiplayer - Free Mathematics Duel and Homework Drills for Elementary School by Makkajai Edu Tech Private Limited

https://appsto.re/us/DdVl_.i

Normally $2.99

This game-based app works on basic math facts for grades 1-5 (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). You can play against the computer, split screen, nearby user or online. Basically your guy is put in a starting spot opposite to your opponent. It provides you with an answer (like equals to 4) and an array of problems. Depending on the grade you select, the problems in the array will change. Anyway, you go through the problems and when you find one, you tap on it. Your guy moves to that spot and you keep going. The idea of the game is to find the answers before your opponent. If you get it wrong, it tells you the answer and you have to start at the beginning.

Middle-High

Power of Words! SAT® and Critical Reading Vocabulary by Panafold

https://appsto.re/us/SjuFH.i

Normally $0.99

Technically this is really just for high school getting ready for the SAT, but why not branch out? The app throws out some words with definitions on the edge of the screen. Then you match them (errorlessly) to a synonym. It pops up a dictionary bubble you can tap for a more complete listing along with a web link. Cool part? You can use the iPad’s built in speak screen with it! (you need a newer iPad though) Here’s a personal tip for parents. My kids can only play computer games on the weekends (well we try). Each week I change the computer password. I use SAT words as the password. I put the word for the week on a flash card with a definition. My kids get the opportunity to type it, again and again and again. You can easily use this app as a way to find words to use! Not ready for SAT words? I used this same sneaky strategy to teach my kids our address and phone number when they were little.

Always Free, Always Awesome

Google Keep

My favorite apps are ones that I like to call device agnostic. Since it’s a Google product, you are guaranteed that it follows you everywhere and is free! The purpose of Google Keep is to have notes and to do lists arranged in a sticky note arrangement. You can add photos, check boxes and audio recording to the sticky notes. My favorite application to this app for students is to use it as a homework organizer. I have many students who use the strategy of taking the picture of the board instead of copying their homework into a planner. The problem is it becomes all mixed in with their other pictures. Can you find your history assignment between selfies? Hmmmm. Using Google Keep, you can snap a picture of the board right into your sticky, add text or recording and then file it in a category, using different colors if you like. It also includes reminders, both traditional time related and location (if you have location tracking on your device) and the ability to share it with someone else in your address book. You could also use it as a low tech choice board and probably 20 other ways I can’t think of right now…The only thing I wish it did was be able to add a recording after you make a note (you have to do it first and then add text and/or photos).

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-keep-your-thoughts/id1029207872?mt=8

*Also on Android (and Chrome)

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Tiggly Submarine: Preschool ABC Game by Tiggly

https://appsto.re/us/hXuN5.i

Normally $2.99

*Also free on Google Play (see Android section for link)

Tiggly Story Maker: Make Words and Capture Your Stories About Them by Tiggly

https://appsto.re/us/03AX5.i

Normally $2.99

*Also free on Google Play (see Android section for link)

Sue Sheep, tales for children by Kirill Medvedev