-Smartphone+Apps

Smartphone Apps

Definition: Smartphone Apps are software applications that can be downloaded from web site markets onto mobile devices, such as cell phones, Blackberry devices, and other mobile tools. Some are free and others carry a nominal fee. Apps can be purchased and downloaded to multiple devices. There is a broad spectrum of app categories, the most popular being games. Social networking, navigation, and news are also popular apps. There are many education apps that can enhance student learning, while maintaining high student interest. Purpose: The purpose of an app is to allow the user access to information, entertainment, or other web based tools while using a hand held device.

Advantages:
 * Wide range of topics
 * Low cost
 * Easy to navigate
 * Age appropriate material

Disadvantages:
 * Must have a mobile device to access
 * Must have internet access to download apps
 * Some technology navigation necessary

Examples: Doodle Kids: drawing app ShowMe: Whiteboard w/ability to record voice Cosmic Quest: math game for multiplication Rally Race: same math game for addition Reading A-Z books The [|Weather channel](we use for graphing the weather) Dictionary.com Photo Mess (create a collage of pictures) Book Report iSentence – create sentences to match the picture using spin dial Flashboard – flashcard app w/ability to add photos Flash to pass – math flashcards [|Brainpop] Pbs Pbskids Photoshop express (crop, edit photos) Comicbook or strip Design: comic book creators…not sure if I like these yet Story patch : create your own story or answer questions to have them write one for you. LOVE THIS APP! Balloony Word: Hangman without any hanging guy! Dropbox: get files from home/work/iPad Geo walk: people, places, animals from around the globe..pics and info K12timedreading lite: by grade level Howdo lite: good for sequencing Idea sketch (flow charts..graph. org) TanZen lite: tangrams K12 money Bluster: grade level grammar skills

References: http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/the-state-of-mobile-apps/ []