Computer Dictionary & Programming Fundamentals, Exam Prep

Computer Dictionary & Programming Fundamentals, Exam Prep provides users with information specifically about computer programming. From the app’s main menu, users can choose one of four options. The “Categories” option lets users view terms by topic. To do so, users must tap the topic and then they can scroll an alphabetized list of terms related to the topic. When users find a term of interest, they can tap it to access the term’s definition, tap the “Pencil” button to contribute to the definition, tap the “Heart” button to favorite the term, tap the “Play” button to have the app read the definition to them. The “Categories” option lets users input a term and the app will find it for them. It also provides users with an alphabetized list of all terms included in the app that they can tap to access its definition. The “Timeline” option traces the history of computers from 1949 to current. Users can scroll the timeline by swiping the events or by tapping the date on the actual timeline at the top of the screen. Each event includes a date, place, and description for the event. The “Quiz” option gives users categories of quizzes that they can choose by tapping the “checkmarks” after each category. When ready, users can tap the “Quiz Me” button on the bottom of the page, and the app will present and read them multiple-choice questions. If users answer correctly, they will advance to the next question. If they answer incorrectly, they are given another opportunity. After having completed the quiz, the app reports their score, which they can share on Facebook.

Please Note: Users will have to make an in-app purchase to access all of the app’s content.

Instructional Ideas

1. For the different terms in this app, teachers can have students explain if they would use this term when engaging in computer programming. In addition, if students disagree or have something to add to the term’s definition, they can choose the “Contribute” option by tapping the “Pencil” icon on the definition screen.
2. Teachers can assign students different quizzes to complete and have them report their scores to them after each quiz. To do so, teachers can have students take a screenshot of their report that follows the quiz and email it to them.
3. When students are familiar with the quiz format of this app, teachers can have students create their own quizzes using an app such as Classroom Quiz Master Lite. Students can then have their classmates take the quiz.
4. Teachers can have students review the history of computers using the “Timeline” option in this app. Next, teachers can require students to rank the top five most important developments and explain why they selected the events as important. Teachers can then have students discuss why they selected the events they chose.