Module 3: Learning with Apps

Module 3

This module has been focusing on apps and downloading educational apps. I have had some experience with apps on the iPad and I have purchased a variety for my daughter but I didn't realise the different categories there are and how many you can obtain especially for the classroom. The ITunes U Catholic Network resource is great it has a variety of resources and programs that schools have shared that you can adapt into your own program.
Looking at the Ilearn framework there are many apps you can use in a variety of topics and teachers can use them in different ways to engage students learning. I have used different apps in the past such as iMovie, movie trailer, garage band and popplet. The students enjoy exploring these tools to present their knowledge and it gives an alternative option from using pen to paper.

I have obtained a variety of apps for my iPad and have thought about each skill that we should cover in the framework. In the area of Questioning skills I have used Skitch this is a fantastic app that can be used with text type writing whereby you can have a focus text and you could label all the writing features. You could also have different texts that are appropriate for each students ability demonstrating differentiation and they could record their own knowledge of the writing features.

The next area is Communication and Collaboration skills I looked at sock puppets and popplet. If you are still looking at text type writing and you were teaching them narrative, teachers could use both these apps to get the students to create a narrative while still  thinking about what they need to include in the story and the structure. Popplet gives students the opportunity to create images/pictures and add text. This is a great tool because they are still writing and using their learnt knowledge to create a narrative in a fun way. The sock puppet app would be good for more the talking and listening aspect of writing and making narrative fun for the young students. I found with sock puppet you have to buy the complete app, it was a little hard to navigate and you would need clear instructions for the students.

For the area of Creative Thinking skills I explored the simplemind app it is great for creating mind maps and again the students could map out a narrative ensuring they have included a title, orientation, series of events, complication and resolution.

The Ilearn Reflective and Critical Thinking and problem skills  component could use a variety of apps such as blogger and tumblr the students could place their story/ narrative on these apps and the whole class could reflect on each others writing. They are both easy to use and give opportunity for assessment/feedback for the students from peers and teachers.

Lastly the Multimodal Literacy Skills area I investigated the drama and movie trailer apps they are both fun and easy to use for all age groups. They have demonstrations on how to use the app which makes it easier for students to be independent and have ownership for their work.

Overall I feel more informed in using apps appropriately and this module has made me think further about how apps can create fun learning in the classroom.