App Spotlight: StoryKit

StoryKit is an app that's available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. It allows users to create stories that they can anonymously upload to the StoryKit server. Here's a brief look at StoryKit:

Ideas for the classroom

Individual students: Students could use StoryKit to create and share stories.

Small groups: Students could work in groups to create stories using StoryKit.

Whole class instructions: Students can create stories as a class in exploring parts of a story or other instruction.

Tip: StoryKit has some built in public domain books that children can remix.

Caution: Remind students about privacy and security with respect to posting information online.

Quick Facts

Description: Students can create stories or remix stories.
Cost: Free
Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8
Grade Levels: K-12
Groupings: individual, small group, whole class

App Spotlight: Easybib

Easybib is an app that's available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. It allows users to scan a barcode on a book to quickly create citations using MLA, APA or Chicago format.

Ideas for the classroom

Individual students: The online Easybib website is very useful for creating bibliographies. Students can now use this app to quickly create citations without having to type in the information..

Tip: A classroom Easybib account may be useful if this app is being used with younger children.

Caution: It is always a good idea for children to do a visual scan of the citation/bibliography to confirm format and completeness.

Quick Facts

Description: Scan a book's barcode to quickly create a citation for it.
Cost: Free
Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/easybib/id436768184?mt=8
Grade Levels: Upper Elementary +
Groupings: Individual

App Spotlight: Idea Sketch

Idea Sketch is an app that lets you create diagrams from outlines and outlines from diagrams. Diagram may be concept maps, mind maps or flowcharts. The app runs on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Ideas for the classroom:

Individual students: Students could use Idea Sketch to create mind maps, concept maps or flow charts  for brainstorming, for planning systems, papers, or events, and to show connections between ideas. 

Small groups: Students can do the same activities as in individual use while sharing an iDevice, especially for collaborative work.

Whole class instructions: This app is useful for whole class brainstorms, and planning, for teacher modelling of mapping or planning, 

Tip: Copy diagrams created in Idea Sketch to any other program on your device.

Caution: Idea Sketch allows connection with Facebook.

Quick Facts

Description: Create diagram and outlines.
Cost: Free
Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/idea-sketch/id367246522?mt=8
Grade Levels: K-12
Groupings: all


Links

• http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/education-apps/apps/22-idea-sketch with ideas for iPad use in the classroom from Victorian government in Australia
• http://educationaltech-med.blogspot.com/2011/05/sketch-free-brainstorming-and-mind.html Educational technology blog
• http://ieducationappsreview.ning.com/profiles/blogs/idea-sketch?xg_source=activity from the iEducation Apps Review

App Spotlight: Dragon Dictation

Dragon dictation is an app that's available for both iPhones and iPads. It allows users to dictate into the iPad, and have that dictation recorded to text. Watch this video to see it in action:

Ideas for the classroom

Individual students: Students could dictate into Dragon Dictation to create show notes for a podcast, and to record their thinking or reflections. This is especially useful for students who have difficulty writing.

Small groups: Students could record group discussions and have it changed into text. This is useful for creating scripts, for brainstorming, and for other collaborative planning.

Whole class instructions: A teacher could record his/her lesson and make the sound as well as the transcript available to students who missed class, or for students to review class content.

Tip: Dragon Dictation is most successful with students who have clear diction. The teacher may need to model successful use to students and have them practice. Remind students to e-mail recordings or otherwise back them up from the iPad if students are sharing the device.

Caution: It is best to used Dragon Dictation when stationary to avoid disturbances and other intrusions that will prevent the app from correctly recording words.

Quick Facts


Description: Convert voice to text
Cost: Free
Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8
Grade Levels: Any but check student diction to determine likelihood of success
Groupings: Individual, small group, whole class