Review Overview
A. Instruction - 7
B. Design - 8.8
C. Engagement - 8.3
8
Simplex Spelling: An App for Spelling and Phonics
Summary : Adding Phonics to Spelling
Simplex Spelling contains spelling lessons that support users’ phonics development and usage. After launching the app and selecting their settings, users can choose one of five word lists. Next, Simplex Spelling visually presents letter blanks for each letter in the word, and it orally presents the word by stating it, using it in a sentence, and then repeating it. Afterwards, users are to type the word into the letter blanks. If users need support spelling the word, they can tap the “Hint” button to hear the app sound out the letters. Additionally, when they tap the “Hint” button, a box drops down below each letter blank, and users can tap each box to see the correct letter. They can also tap the letter blank again to hear the sound of the letter and see the different letters and letter combinations that make that sound. After spelling a word, users must tap the “Fast Forward” button to advance to the next word. Users can also tap the “Down” button to access the “Graph” icon, which shows users’ progress.
Please Note: Only a limited amount of content can be accessed for free. Users can make an in-app purchase to access additional content.
Instructional Ideas
- As independent practice or review, teachers can have students practice spelling words by themselves. Teachers can monitor their progress using the “Graph” feature.
- Once students are comfortable with the letter sounds, teachers can have students spell a word and then make the sounds for each letter in the word.
- After students are familiar with how this app functions, teachers can assign students different spelling words from a list and have them present to their class the word by stating the different letters and making the letter sounds. Once a word is sounded out and spelled correctly, the student can add it to a class word wall.
A1. Rigor | |
A2. 21st Century Skills | |
A3. Conn. to Future Learning | |
A4. Value of Errors | |
A5. Feedback to Teacher | |
A6. Level of Material | |
A7. Cooperative Learning | |
A8. Accom. of Individual Diff. |
B1. Ability to Save Progress | |
B2. Platform Integration | |
B3. Screen Design | |
B4. Ease of Use | |
B5. Navigation | |
B6. Goal Orientation | |
B7. Information Presentation | |
B8. Media Integration | |
B9. Cultural Sensitivity |
C1. Learner Control | |
C2. Interactivity | |
C3. Pace | |
C4. Flexibility | |
C5. Interest | |
C6. Aesthetics | |
C7. Utility |