TinyTap, Make & Play fun apps

Freemium! TinyTap is an interactive app that allows users to both play and create different educational game-based learning activities. After registering with the app, users navigate it with the buttons on the bottom of the screen. The “Discover” button allows users to browse premade activities by subject area, topic, and cost. When users find an activity of interest, they can tap it to access the content and begin interacting with it. Depending on the activity selected, users may read and respond to a text, view a video and answer questions, or complete similar activities. Also, users can tap the “Magnifying…

Review Overview

A. Instruction - 9
B. Design - 8
C. Engagement - 8.3

8.4

TinyTap: An Interactive App for Gamifying Learning Activities

Summary : Take a Moment to Gamify Instruction

TinyTap is an interactive app that allows users to both play and create different educational game-based learning activities. After registering with the app, users navigate it with the buttons on the bottom of the screen. The “Discover” button allows users to browse premade activities by subject area, topic, and cost. When users find an activity of interest, they can tap it to access the content and begin interacting with it. Depending on the activity selected, users may read and respond to a text, view a video and answer questions, or complete similar activities. Also, users can tap the “Magnifying Glass” button on the top of the screen to find activities via keywords. If users wish to make their own learning activity, they can do so by tapping the “Create” button on the bottom of the screen, and the app guides them through the activity-making process. When creating their activity, users first choose a background from the variety of templates provided by the app. Next, by selecting different tools on the side of the screen, users are able to insert text, images, or draw designs for their activity. In addition, users can add an activity by tapping the button on the top right of the page, choosing the type of activity they wish to add (e.g., a question, tap ‘n type, a sound board, a puzzle, a video, or a voice recording), and then following the app’s prompts for creating/inserting the content. After adding the content, users are shown a dashboard view where they can add background music, delete slides/activities, share their game, and toggle on/off competition mode. When ready, users can save their work by tapping the “Done” button the top left of the screen and following the prompts to classify their game in the TinyTap database. Returning to the main screen, users can tap the “Play” button to view the different activities they have engaged, and the “Profile” button keeps a log of the different ways users have interacted with TinyTap.
Please Note: Additional features are included in this app that allow teachers to make and sell activities in the app’s marketplace.

Instructional Ideas

  1. During transition times in class, teachers can allow students time to peruse this app and find a game to play. While students are playing the games, teachers can make sweeps of the room and answer any questions students may have while monitoring that their behavior is on task.
  2. Teachers can select an activity from this app and design a lesson that leads into the activity, such as reading a text or a mini-lesson about the upcoming activity’s topic. That way, after the lesson, teachers can have students use the “Search” button on the top of the screen to locate the activity.
  3. For more advanced students, teachers can give them a topic and then have students create a lesson in this app based on the topic. Teachers can set specific parameters for the lesson that include a certain number of images, text, slides, or activities.
  4. When brainstorming ideas for creating a lesson in this app, teachers can have students view and critique different ones already loaded into this app. Next, teachers can lead a whole-class discussion about the attributes they like or do not like in the lesson. At that point, students can begin designing their lessons while keeping in mind the attributes identified by the class discussion.
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

Screenshots

  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot
  • TinyTap - Educational kids games made by teachers Screenshot