App Ed Review
A few months into the school year, as students get settled into their classroom routines, engagement may fade along with the leaves on the trees. Visions of fall and winter vacations may dance in their heads, but App Ed Review has highlighted some classroom tools to differentiate lessons and bring back your students’ attention. Check out our app twist on conventional classroom tools for mathematics and English!
MyScript Calculator is not your grandfather’s calculator! With this app, users write a mathematical equation with their finger and MyScript Calculator quickly solves the problem. For basic algebra problems, users write their equation, placing a question mark in for the variable, and MyScript Calculator automatically solves for the answer. This eye-opening, high tech calculator app scored a whopping 8.7 in Engagement with a 7.3 overall on our comprehensive rubric. Check out instructional ideas and more here.
Math 42 is an excellent way to differentiate graphing mathematical expressions in the classroom! Users enter a mathematical equation into the app using an in-app keyboard. Then, the app presents users with options: simplify the expression, arrange the expression, solve the equation for X, or separate variable terms. Users can even take tests, train, and view their scores. One of the most interesting aspects of Math 42 is the graph function. By selecting the Graph button, Math 42 will plot out expressions that users input onto a grid to illustrate solutions. Users can share their work via email with the teacher or their peers. Check out the full review here.
The Wordflex Touch Dictionary app is one of the most unique dictionary apps we have reviewed. The element that distinguishes this app from other similar ones is how students can make “word trees” while viewing words. For example, when students enter a word into the search box, this app shows provides them with a typical entry for the word, which includes a definition, its part(s) of speech, origin, and more. However, the WordFlex Touch Dictionary app also presents students with words that related to the original word in some way. Students can then tap these connections to grow a “word tree” that they can explore for multiple words’ meanings and usage. For its innovative design and the way it presents content to students, the Wordflex Touch Dictionary scored very high. To learn more about this app and ideas for using it in your classroom, click here.
Everyone has a need for a traditional dictionary, and the Oxford Dictionary of English is just that… in app form! With it, users can enter a word into the app, and the app will provide them with its definition, part(s) of speech, origin, contextualized examples of the word in use, and phonetic listing of the word. There is also a camera feature in this app, which lets students take a picture of the word and the app will look it up automatically. Although it may not have the bells and whistles that some other dictionary apps have, the easy-to-use interface and clear information provided by this app makes it a necessity for all classrooms. For more information about the Oxford Dictionary of English app, click here.
That’s all for this month’s Roundup. If you would like more information about any of the apps mentioned here or that are on the App Ed Review website, please contact us at info@appedreview.org. And remember, classroom tools have the utility that makes them crucial for tablet-based learning!
