Learning & Leading Through Technology

Needs

Feedback. The tool should offer feedback when students progress to higher levels or create new projects. The feedback should be immediate and let users find help if they need it.

Ease of use. Apps should be fairly intuitive. If students have to constantly ask the teacher for help, then the app is probably too difficult for them. Navigation options, such as saving, getting help, and finding the homepage, should be obvious and easy to find, and users should be able to maneuver around with little to no outside help.

Access. Consider how many different ways users can access the app. It’s best if students can use it from multiple platforms, such as tablets, laptops, e-readers, and smartphones.

Cost. While we all prefer great resources that are free, it is important to remember that sometimes it might be best to pay for something that could create quality learning experiences for the students.

Data collection. Is the app able to collect data from users, such as how often and when students access it, as well as monitor students’ progress?

National curriculum connection. Some teachers may find it important to directly link national curriculum with the resource, while others may not need a direct link. Find out if the app connects directly or indirectly with Common Core curriculum.

Updates. It’s essential to know how often the app is updated because curriculum changes quickly. There is also a better chance that the software will be less “glitchy” if it is frequently updated.

Languages. By using resources with multiple language options, you’ll create a better learning environment for all students. Find out if the app has more than one language. If it does, it might allow parents of English language learners to help their children even if they aren’t proficient in English.

Equity. This is often overlooked when evaluating an app. Digital inequality runs along gender, economic, racial, and cultural lines. When evaluating an app or tool, check to see if there is only a male narrator or whether women are stereotyped as less intelligent. Does there seem to be a bias toward one racial group? Do you notice any glaring stereotypes that you do not want to reinforce?

Culturally relevant pedagogy. Using students’ everyday culture in the classroom can be a bridge to help the home-to-school connection. Look for apps that provide ways for students to connect with their cultural backgrounds. For example, a geography app might allow users to select the region where they live, choose the local dialect, and pick a particular song that has personal meaning to them.

No app is perfect, but some are a better fit than others. Before selecting an app—or any educational technology tool—rank the above categories according to your learning goals. Then rate and review apps to find those that are the best fit for your classroom.

—Liz Keren-Kolb is a clinical assistant professor at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She previously worked as a social studies and computer technology teacher as well as a technology coordinator and technology integration specialist. She has written three books about using cell phones in the classroom.

K- 12 Internet
Resource Center

K12IRC.ORG

Over 2,100 carefully selected and annotated links will provide you with the tools you need to create exciting, topical lesson plans and curriculum. Like an Instructional Resource Center in the real world, you will find...

 a solid foundation for supporting standards and assessment practices,

 classroom projects, lessons, units, field trips, extended studies, and international databases in almost every subject and across subjects,

 ideas & resources to integrate media into your curriculum,

 tips for school, family, industry, and community partnerships,

 tools for planning and managing your environment,

 professional development and publishing opportunities.

The K- 12 Instructional Resource Center is chockfull of the best-of-breed resources for designing, implementing, and refreshing lesson plans and curriculum.

Create a great resource?
And now it needs a new home
on the Internet? Check out our
new, free archiving service.
(Check the link below for details.)