Learning & Leading Through Technology

You just received a classroom set of iPads and can’t wait to start using them to help your students meet the Common Core literacy standards. You soon realize, however, that there are hundreds of apps that claim to meet literacy learning goals.

Finding the right apps can be a daunting task for busy teachers. And while there are a handful of websites that can help teachers find appropriate apps (see “Sites for Vetting Apps”), it is still important to do your homework.

Because no site or app is perfect for all classrooms, I’ve put together criteria you should consider before using an app with your students.

Curriculum connection. Just because an app looks fun or is engaging, it does not mean that it will meet your classroom learning goals. Always ask yourself if the app or website provides opportunities to directly meet your goals.

Age appropriate. Some apps claim they can adjust to meet students at their zone of proximal development— where they are challenged just enough.

Others say they can assess students and place them at their appropriate developmental level. Test-drive the app to make sure these claims are true.

Also find out if you can turn features on and off and whether users can choose their levels.

Types of skills. Does the app focus on “drill and practice,” or does it develop creativity, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills? While the latter is higher on Bloom’s Taxonomy, there are times when teachers may want to reinforce learning ideas.

Collaboration. Decide if you want students to work together or individually.

If you are looking for apps that allow
collaboration, find out if they pro-
vide opportunities for users to create
knowledge together rather than just
commenting on each other’s work.

Self-awareness. While not all apps focus on self-awareness, it is helpful if the tool develops self-confidence. Does the app provide opportunities for students to develop empathy and make safe, kind, and positive emotional connections with others?

Tech skills. Be cognizant of the technology skills required to use the app. Does the app allow students to meet ISTE Standards?

Ethics and safety. While many digital resources are targeted at children, not all of them—even those that claim to be educational—consider ethical or safety issues. Apps should remind students about online privacy when it prompts them to post something, moderate conversations, and invite parents to participate. Above all, the app should provide safeguards for privacy.

Levels. It is important to look at the different ways students can use apps to show their work and learn new ideas. Some tools allow students to level up to attain more challenging tasks. For example, a media-generating tool might allow students to begin with a simple photo slide show and progress to adding narration, text, music, and hyperlinks. Students should be able to get the help they need but also progress at their own pace. Look for tools that represent content in different ways and also allow students to express their understanding in multiple ways.

Engagement and enhancement. The app should draw students into the learning environment in a fun and motivating way while helping them focus on their learning. But motivation is not a big enough reason to use an app. Ultimately, engagement fades if there is not another purpose. The tool should also allow students to do something they couldn’t without the technology, and it should help them learn more deeply or differently.

How to Select the Best Websites and Apps to Meet Your Students’ Sites for Vetting Apps

Check out these sites, which allow educators to search by theme, grade level, standards, and content, to find a list of vetted apps for your classroom: