By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library
Emerging technologies provide many opportunities for new and different teaching methods. The use of applications, or apps, on devices such as smart phones and tablets are one way to introduce material while also teaching digital literacy skills and incorporating interactivity that makes it more interesting for the users.
There is an abundance of educational apps. These apps vary in age range, subject, and cost. Since it would be impossible to list all of them, we want to share a few examples illustrative of the tools available to teachers and parents.
Reading:
Reading Rainbow: Read Along Children’s Books, Kids Videos & Educational Games
“Hosted by LeVar Burton, the reimagined Reading Rainbow app includes an unlimited library of children’s books and video field trips to ignite your child’s imagination.”
Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App!
“Three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems brings the Pigeon to the digital screen with this original, feature-rich, animated app.”
(one of the many examples of apps based on books)
History and Museums:
American Revolution Interactive Timeline
“This award-winning, graphically rich timeline, developed by The American Revolution Center, a non-profit educational institution working to build The Museum of the American Revolution, offers information and access to rare treasures from the Center’s collection that will be displayed in the new museum.”
“Smithsonian Mobile is your digital mobile guide to the Smithsonian, built collaboratively with our visitors. Find out what’s on where, discover highlights, search our collections, access tours, podcasts and other apps.”
Science:
“The NASA App showcases a huge collection of the latest NASA content, including images, videos on-demand, NASA Television, mission information, news & feature stories, latest tweets, ISS sighting opportunities, satellite tracking, Third Rock Radio and much more.”
“TinkerBox is a fun, free-to-play physics puzzle game. While it is full of interesting science facts and teaches basic engineering concepts, TinkerBox is more than just educational! Take the tools in your hands to explore your creativity and imagination with Invent mode. Build outrageous machines, share them with your friends, or download popular inventions from online.”
Creativity and Story Telling:
“Design scenes, dress up characters and let your imagination soar as you invent your own stories with Felt Board. Especially designed for imaginative play, storytelling and learning, Felt Board is perfect for children, families, teachers and therapists.”
Hopefully this list has made you aware of some of the resources available in the world of apps and inspired you to search for others. There are many websites with app recommendations and reviews where you can find more information about apps to suit your particular needs, including Common Sense Media, APPitic, and CLCD’s monthly newsletter.
Let us know in the comments if you use any of these apps or have any other app recommendations!