List.ly apps
App creators
I have been trialling a few app creators for students to use.
There are quite a few app_builder tools. Some of these can be found at my app_builder bookmarks on diggo.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages and must be considered in context. All of the below are web based apps, not native apps.
They listed below are in order of cost.
The first one I used is the iBuildApp.
The plan I am currently using is free. This tool would need the students to have more technical knowledge but allows for android and iOS devices.
This is the app I designed.
http://ibuildapp.com/embed.app.widget.php?token=175945-319649-283007-d8ead9a3114b7de3e6b5481b6756d221
Recently I have been playing with tools that will also allow students to design ebooks. One of these is the Creative Book Builder.
This blog post explains how to use CBB from the point of view of Bloom’s (from Appsinclass blog). The advantage of these tools is not technical understanding is required (WYSIWYG).
The Creative Book Builder data can be converted to an app via the in-app purchase TouchApp Creator. The cost is roughly $10 (as you need to purchase both CBB and the TouchApp Creator).
Considerations for me with these apps (apart from costing) is that the data is retained in the app on the particular device (not via login). As I am currently managing shared devices, this can be an issue. Additionally, it only creates for iOS devices (note: ebooks created can be converted to a PDF). A positive is the upload/export option using the cloud (eg. Dropbox).
These are excellent apps that I can see would be simplest for the students.
This is an example of a converted CBB to an TouchApp Creator app.
The JS LIBRARY epub (image) data was then converted to an app.
This SAMR SDS web based app was designed using TouchApp Creator from the converted data.
SAMR SDS
The JS LIBRARY web based app designed using TouchApp Creator.
Finally, the most interesting choice to me, from an educational perspective, is Blippit as it allows me to manage and review student work before the apps are published.
A free App about the Blippit App Maker
The cost is an annual subscription (online payment). The support has been very prompt and encouraging so far.
Blippit
Screenshot of the QR code and link that is generated.
JS LIBRARY app designed using Blippit.
I can see great potential for our students creating their own apps to support their PYP Exhibition journey.
Stay tuned for where we go from here.
Please note: the apps created with Blippit are no longer active.
As of March 2014 Blippit has changed to Blippit IO App Maker.
To retain the work of the students this presentation was created.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UgOmDwNdRU]
Introduction to Programming
This term we are running an Introduction to Programming for students in Upper Primary.
We are looking at a variety of apps (initially) in order to identify prior knowledge and to consider what is possible.
The free apps are excellent for developing programming concepts with younger students. The apps below (some come with in-app upgrades) were selected as they build on each other, don’t take long to learn and set the scene well.
- BEEBOT
- DAISY THE DINO
- A.L.E.X
- HOPSCOTCH
- CARGO-BOT
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPWWDOjtO9s]
As a part of this course students will consider WHAT that actually wish to do. To support this the Introduction to Programming Moodle course has tutorials and guides so students can be self-directed in their learning. journey. Students have the opportunity to access these resources outside of school time and to share and collaborate about what they are learning and doing with others via the Edmodo Programming group.
Students will also reflect and complete a GOAL SETTING sheet to clarify their thinking and give some direction to their inquiry.
For example, they may wish to explore the games and gaming, use the apps and websites (eg Kodu, Scratch) to create a games (focusing on visual programming language)
OR
Build their own app using a platform such as Blippit or iTouch App after you have created your book using Creative Book Builder.
[vimeo 53847179 w=500 h=375]
Blippit – the original pop-up app maker from Get Logged In on Vimeo.
[vimeo 37543396 w=500 h=375]
Creative Book Builder for CBB from Digital Roadtrip on Vimeo.
As these sessions are purely to expose the students to programming and creativity through this medium, I am looking forward to seeing what the students create and what they are interested in, to develop resources and future sessions.
Please note: the apps created with Blippit are no longer active.
As of March 2014 Blippit has changed to Blippit IO App Maker.
To retain the work of the students this presentation was created.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UgOmDwNdRU]
SAMR SDS ICT WEBLINKS
Spectronics Apps for Special Education
Spectronics have compiled a comprehensive table of apps to support the teaching of Special Education.
Seen this assistive technology page @spectronics? #assistivetech Definitely worth you having a look http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/apps-for-special-education
Kathy Schrock’s BLOOMIN APPS
Using Bloom’s with ipads and android devices – check out BLOOMIN’ APPS
Kathy Schrock is a well respected educator who is constantly producing fantastic resources for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Check out these resources to use with the iPads (and android). These are based on Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Edublogs has an iPad app!
Very excited to see the Edublogs has released an app for the iPad.
This very brief post was created using it.
Wonderful! Much easier to create on the go!