Home » Archive for January 2012

Dual Browsers for Real MultiTasking on iPad

Dual Browsing is about ease of use. It is not essential or even necessary - it is just convenient. It is convenient for comparing the quality or price of two items. It is great for researching on one side and taking notes on the other. This is an excellent tool for student research tasks full stop. Dual Browsing is one way of multitasking on your iPad that works easily and well. Take a look at this collection of dual browser to find one that is right for you.

Dual Browser: $1.99 AU
This is probably my favourite. You will be able to browse the web in two different windows at the same time, with the advantage of opening the links from one in the other. It's features and options make it unique; Two simultaneous windows to navigate independently, full screen option and hide the navigation bar as well as private browsing.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dual-browser/id380640600?mt=8


Split Pea: $4.49 AU
Split Pea is an innovative new iPad application that features a web browser and text editor in one application. Split Pea is ideal for bloggers, writers, and researchers who often switch between their web browser and their text editor on the desktop. Full web browser and text editor on one screen - no need to switch applications.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/split-pea/id364504584?mt=8


Split Screen: FREE
Split Screen lets you do two things at once by giving you two side by side browser windows. You can read the news in one pane, while chatting with friends using your favorite web apps in the other. Split Screen includes many standard web browser features like bookmarks, history, integrated search bar and more. 



Side by Side: FREE
This is a multiple-window browser with note taking capabilities. It turns the iPad into multiple resizable parallel reading device. You can browse webpages, files, read documents, or take notes on each split screen. When reading something on the iPad, you  can have a dictionary, a notepad, your email inbox, your facebook updates on the other. This is one I want to try with a class this semester

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/side-by-side-dropbox-support/id386528623?mt=8


Duet Browser: $1.99 AU
Duet Browser is a dual window tab browser for the iPad. It features a simple and elegant user interface.This app allows you to use two web browser windows simultaneously on iPad's wide screen. In portrait mode, the screen is divided into top and bottom windows;  Each window can open up to four tabs, so it's easy to switch between web pages with a single tap.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/duet-browser/id375777848?mt=8


Split Browser: $5.49 AU
Two pages of web experience, with two independent toolbars, two websites at the same time. With a division bar you can resize your pages, portrait or landscape mode, it's up to you. This app offers you an ultimate web experience, allowing you to stream a video while checking out your emails; if you want to focus on the film, try the full screen mode.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/splitbrowser/id364480058?mt=8


Atomic Browser: $0.99 AU
Atomic Web Browser is the most advanced and customizable fullscreen web browser to date. Experience desktop features including Adblock, Tabs, MultiTouch Gestures, User Agent Switcher, Passcode Lock, Facebook/Twitter integration, Save Page, Downloads, and much more, including split screen.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/atomic-web-browser-full-screen/id347929410?mt=8


Photon Browser: $5.49 AU
Photon Browser is a powerful browser specifically designed to enhance your browsing experience on the iPad. Multi-task by using tabbed or multiple views during browsing. Split view divides your screen in half to allow viewing of video on one half and browsing on another. Full screen browsing maximizes your screen real estate for enhanced browsing experience.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/photon-flash-web-browser-app/id430200224?mt=8


Browser Duo: $2.99 AU
Designed specifically for the iPad, Browser Duo takes advantage of the iPad's amazing screen size to enable multi-tasking in the browser. Watch a movie or video clip while browsing the internet simutaneously. Perfect for shopping and comparing price or product specs side by side or browse while staying connected to your favorite social networking site. 



Twin Browser:  $2.99 AU
Twin Browser is an iPad browser that features side-by-side webpage viewing using one, streamlined, toolbar. The Twin Browser toolbar will adapt itself to the webpage you're using. Twin Browser uses two panels, side-by-side, so you can read and compare blogs, research multiple articles at once, and browse your Twitter feed while catching up with friends on Facebook. 

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Smart e-Book Interface Prototype from KAIST



This is another great find from the guys over at iPadCreative. Make sure you check out the rest of their blog. It really does have some interesting finds for both ipad users and for people interested in using iPads in education.

Some have said that Apple's designs, both hardware and software, are so complete that it's almost impossible for competitors to come up with anything new without infringing on their patents. This smart eBook interface prototype from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) shows that competing against Apple's innovation is certainly not impossible. Many of the ideas on show are some of the most innovatitve we've seen in a long while.

 We hope to see this technology implemented on the iPad (and other eBook readers) in some shape or form shortly.




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My E-Textbook Manifesto:


The Apple announcement this week about iBooks Author - the new app that will allow anyone to create and distribute multimedia interactive books has been a long time coming. The initial introduction of PDF documents and then ePub documents into iBooks was always a stop gap measure because of the limitations of each of the individual formats. Anyone could produce these documents but they did not really live up to the promise of what we knew was possible. I knew what we could create in Pages but I was unable to reproduce this in an interactive format to distribute to my students on iBooks.

This announcement needs to be tempered with an evaluation of what we want and what we need as teachers. After all, we are the ones that are at the coalface, we are the risk takers, the experimenters, the alchemists. What do we want for our students? What do our students need from e-texts?
I am not sure that I have an exact answer yet but I given some thought to the notion. So here we go - Part wish list, part rant.


My e-Textbook Manifesto:
As educators what do we want from e-textbooks?
It goes without saying that the e-Textbooks need to be visually stunning. This is imperative given the nature of the iPad and what we have already seen as possible. The e-textbooks need to have an inherent interactivity that engages all our students - it should be a fascinating read, because the concepts in it are demonstrated with interactive images, text and manipulatives. They need to have visuals that can be dismantled in order to focus on one aspect of the system and then the ability to gradually add components to see how the parts work together in order for the whole to perform. The students should be able to change the variables so that the effects are changed accordingly. The e-Textbook should be filled with engaging non-linear interactive media that allows the students the freedom to negotiate their own learning activities. In the e-Textbooks we want learning experiences that immerse the students into the real world experiences that a mathematician, scientist, architect or product designer experiences. It should include interviews with these same mathematicians, scientists or artists.


The interactivity of the touch interface is the key element. It is the manipulation of the information by the students themselves that will create a sense of purpose and ownership. If e-Texts are to become the norm, they need to do a better job than most e-Books are doing at the moment. Our students should instinctively take to iPads without instruction because the stimulus material is real, is manipulative and is connected to their lives. The developers need to do this at the most basic levels, the student’s everyday digital tools, like Facebook, internet, chat networks or texting tools will be need to be a part of the experience . We need to include these social media tools in order to facilitate information and research sharing, for collaboration, group projects, resource sharing, videos or how-to-instructions.
How do we ensure understanding?
To develop a deep level of understanding students need to decode, decipher, digest, reflect, and then re-package their findings. If we are talking about revolutionizing education we need e-Textbooks with integrated Web 2.0 tools. We need to provide students with app like experiences within each of the chapters, we need to provide them with a wide range of web technologies and collaborative tools. They should be able to draw diagrams, charts, tables, drawings and sketches straight into the document as part of annotated notes. We need to give the students the ability to create animations, incorporate video or include annotated graphics. We should provide the students the ability to manipulate existing graphics to then re-present in their own workbooks or study notes.
We need e-Textbooks that allow students to complete tasks that utilise a variety of apps or Web 2.0 tools in order for the students to become content creators - producing content that illustrates their understanding of the concepts being studied. Surely we have proven to ourselves that the iPad is not just a consumption device. We need to provide students with real and authentic audiences for the content that they do produce. This could be with an integrated e-Portfolio app or even an RSS feed that produces magazine style publications of a student or class’s work - Flipboard style
We need to provide e-Textbooks that are constantly updated. This is important considering the transient nature of information itself. We should expect the e-Texts to be updated on the iTunes App Store model, with each update including the most current information, updated and improved tools and notifications of upcoming exhibitions, lectures, movies or publications that may be relevant to the course or concept in the chapter.
E-Textbooks need to include all of the visual clues of an interactive game. We should be constantly informed of the number of course outcomes we have met, we should see bars informing us of how far we have come in the chapter, how many more research questions or interactive quizzes we need to complete. We could be awarded badges for the different levels of the book we have completed successfully. We could even have embedded games or puzzles that are used as rewards for tasks completed. In fact there is more than enough evidence to suggest that whole chapters/units may even be able to be games. Game Based Learning as an activity in the e-Textbook where specific outcomes are specifically addressed as part of the nature and goals of the game would be perfect for some students.


These e-Texts would need to be equipped with modeling tools to forecast and then see the consequence of predictions. They would need to include tools like maps, charts, graphics and tables with touch screen abilities to alter variants. They would have to include integrated geo-search to locate twitter feeds or Facebook posts around specific issues or problems across the world. These e-Texts would have to include widgets to locate any place name or other names in relation to topics mentioned in the text as well as geographically locating blog sites locales, experts, universities etc. They would even provide realtime access to artists and artist’s studios, sketchbooks, inspirations, the music they listen to, the people they follow or who follows them. You could even embed the ability to back channel or crowd source solutions or issues, problems, challenges, designs, inventions. You could poll experts, have Skype conferences or watch TED style lectures. You could even have Webquests as part of an activity. But why stop here, why not also include voice to text answer facilities for those students with greater verbal intelligence, augmented reality and virtual excursions to the ancient world or under the sea. Lets really open up the world to our students.
Can we monitor a students progress?
I can see a situation where teachers would have a host copy of a e-Textbook and each of their students would log into an online teacher portal. Teachers would then be able to access student data so they can use it at a glance and in real time to assess the performance of individual students or groups. The e-Textbooks would have embedded links to or copies of the relevant syllabus documents - allowing the students and teachers to cross reference learning activities with syllabus outcomes. 
The technology is available for these e-Textbooks to monitor, record and become cognisant of what the learner has mastered and where he/she needs assistance. Individualised instruction and differentiated activities could be presented ensuring that the weaknesses that the e-books identifies become strengths. The e-Textbooks could also provide opportunity for enrichment and self extension. Some of these activities could be based on the student's  preferred Learning Styles.
Students would be able to access their own information in order to take responsibility for their own learning. Each of their self paced tutorials and auto-assessed tasks, games, animations, simulations or student lead research projects would be included in their built-in e-Portfolios. Question and answer sections would be instantly marked and therefore could be repeated until mastery has occurred - hopefully the students realise it is an open book quiz, the real task is about locating the information. The e-Texts would also have response and poll capabilities so the teacher could check for understanding.
In my class the students would need the ability to collect or bookmark their own information sources/resources. They would have the ability to create text or video annotations that could be shared with their peers. I would also add a series of graphic organisers and mindmapping tools for creating summaries or study notes. While we are at it, lets create a feature that automatically references any source from the text used in student work and text to voice reading of texts and instructions, scaffolding of written tasks and homework. The e-Text could have it own little avatar helper reminding the students of what the expectations of homework are or when an assessment task is due.
The self publishing model would also allow the teacher more opportunity to develop topical and relevant activities post production to ensure that the student tasks meets local needs. These local differences could be shared or developed at a network level and then included in updates.
Postscript: Are e-textbooks the answer?
The short answer is no. E-Textbooks are a tool, a tool that in the hands of good teachers and motivated students would produce some absolutely special results. E-Textbooks are only part of the solution. What we need is a situation where student buy-in to their own education. This is where you really see student engagement. 
Is technology the answer? Again the answer is no. Access to new media and technologies
certainly provide motivation for students. It says to them that we are acknowledging the world in which they live and that that world has merit. It says to them that the tech skills they already have are worthwhile and useful, more than that it says to them that the way they develop these skills will be a marketable commodity. It will be this ability to learn and adapt and absorb that will make them an employable asset.
What I really think is this! I think this is the most exciting time in history to be involved in education. I have never had as much fun as I have with my students as I have in the last 4 or 5 years. Can I see the e-Textbook becoming a huge educational revolution? Yes, but in reality it has already started with hundreds if not thousands of teachers and students who are, as we speak producing digital content, content worthy of being in any classroom anywhere in the world. I am looking forward to students getting hold of this app to complete their assignments - multimedia interactive presentations. Now we're really talking!



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Collaborative Whiteboard Apps for the Classroom

Interactive and collaborative - Whiteboards are a great way for teachers to explain concepts to their students. With the ability of some iPad apps to record, you ensure that students who did not develop understanding of the concept the first time have the opportunity to watch and listen again and again. Working in small groups or brainstorming as a class, collaborative whiteboards are a great way to share ideas. Work in the same room, on the same network or even from different parts of the country. No matter what you are working on these interactive whiteboards are a great way to document or record your thinking process.

Educreations: FREE
Educreations turns your iPad into a recordable whiteboard. Creating a great video tutorial is as simple as touching, tapping and talking. Explain a math formula... Create an animated lesson... Add commentary to your photos... Diagram a sports play... With voice recording, realistic digital ink, photo imports, and simple sharing through email, Facebook or Twitter, now you can broadcast your ideas from anywhere.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/educreations-interactive-whiteboard/id478617061?mt=8


ShowMe: FREE
Turn your iPad into your personal interactive whiteboard! ShowMe allows you to record voice-over whiteboard tutorials and share them online. Drop images from your photo library to write over or around. Easily switch between drawing and erasing (as well as pausing and playing) to make your ShowMe flow from concept to concept. You can make your ShowMe as long or as short as it needs to be, and record as many ShowMe’s as you want.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/showme-interactive-whiteboard/id445066279?mt=8


Jot: FREE
Tired of complicated, unstable, or abandoned whiteboard apps that get in your way? Tap less. Jot more. Jot! is a simple, fast whiteboard that lets you sketch out your ideas and share them in real time. Draw, take notes, or wireframe on your iPad quickly and easily as soon as ideas come to you. Share your ideas via email or save them as photos. Collaborate in real time over the internet with Live Sharing.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/jot!-whiteboard-free/id371937922?mt=8


SyncPad: $10.49 AU
Forget those whiteboard and sketchpad applications that require you to be few feet from each other in order to collaborate. With SyncPad you just need to be connected to the internet, and you will be able to enjoy a live connection experience, just like if you were working the very same whiteboard, no matter where you are. If you want to clear your whiteboard, just tap on the trash bin icon and you will be able to clear just the notes.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/syncpad-remote-whiteboard/id404997059?mt=8


Whiteboard HD: $5.49 AU
Whiteboard makes it easy to visualize ideas by providing the ideal environment for writing notes, sketching charts and recording brainstorming sessions. You can make freeform drawings with the drag of a finger, and easily add pre-made shapes and lines with familiar tap, pinch, and drag multi-touch gesture controls. There are grid or lined backgrounds, and you can import any image or diagram from the iPad photo library.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/whiteboard-hd/id383779666?mt=8


SyncSpace: FREE
SyncSpace for iPad provides a zoomable drawing space that can be shared in real time over the net, a sort of shared whiteboard. Turn on synchronization and send a link to the document to others who will be able to see your drawing and also make changes using SyncSpace. The resulting drawings can be posted to Twitter,  Facebook or emailed as a PDF. It's the perfect whiteboard replacement for distributed teams.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/syncspace/id408672838?mt=8


Ideas Flight: FREE
Idea Flight is the only tool you need to share ideas, documents and presentations and direct the experience of an audience easily on iPad. Your FREE download includes Passenger so you can join Pilot presentations, network on the fly and see a sample presentation to test-Pilot Idea Flight. Upgrade in-app to Pilot to lead unlimited presentations and be ready for takeoff anytime!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/idea-flight/id427659445?mt=8



AirSketch: $10.49 AU
You can now project PDF documents to a computer on the same local network, then annotate them in real time, all from your iPad. Air Sketch is great for presentations in the boardroom, classroom, or on the go. Just fire up Air Sketch on the iPad and open the specified URL from any HTML-5 compatible browser on the local network. Your photos and drawings show up natively in the browser. 





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Managing Individual Education Programs (IEP) on the iPad

Individual Education Programs (IEP) can be difficult to put in place at the best of times. IEP's are sometime a source of concern and frustration. The more informed people are about the IEP process the better the IEP can be. Parents will normally work with teachers to develop a plan to help the students succeed in school. The IEP assists this process by describing the goals the whole team sets for a student during the school year, as well as any special support needed to help achieve them. Here are a number of apps that make managing and collecting data for the IEP Process just that little bit easier.

IEP Checklist: FREE
IEP Checklist is a tool for parents and teachers to consider as they develop the IEP. Not every item on the checklist is required by special education regulations. For more information, consult the Federal regulations and other information that can be found at http://idea.ed.gov. The IEP Checklist is sponsored by The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). http://www.peatc.org.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iep-checklist/id348702423?mt=8


Prologuo2Go: $199.99 AU
Proloquo2Go is for anyone who cannot afford spending thousands of dollars on an AAC device and yet wants a solution that is just as good if not better. SLPs, teachers and parents recommend it for children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities, apraxia, ALS, stroke or traumatic brain injury.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/proloquo2go/id308368164?mt=8


My IEP: $5.49 AU
myIEPmeeting helps parents and guardians effectively participate in their student’s Individualized Education Program process. Organize and gather information, Monitor child’s progress and Give Access on a mobile device to help maintain support. Tools include: Before, During and After checklists and questions to help gather and organize information for your IEP meeting; Behavior Tracker and Monitoring

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/myiepmeeting/id479474205?mt=8


First Then Visual Schedule: $9.99 AU
Designed to provide positive behavioral support for those with communication needs. This application provides an affordable and convenient audio-visual prompting tool for use on the iPhone or iPad. The portability and ease of use of the of the iPhone and iPad make it perfect for use at school, home or in the community. Visual schedules also help individuals transition to other activities quicker and more efficiently.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801


Goal Tracker on the Go: $2.99 AU
Goal Tracker helps you focus on daily tasks. It can be used to track good behavior, a set of chores, a daily routine, or other personal daily goals. You can also set goals for improving eating habits, taking medicine, drinking enough water, or whatever you choose. You can adjust your goals to make it more challenging. You'll visually see your accomplishments, and you can setup rewards for when you complete your goals.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/goaltracker/id363497991?mt=8&affId=161837uo%3D4


Behaviour Tracker Pro: $31.99 AU
An app to track behaviors and automatically graph them. Dramatically improves the process of teaching and treating children with Autism! Supports unlimited number of children and observers! Optionally record video of behaviors or interventions for later review. Upload your data to our secure Team Portal for advanced online charting, team collaboration, video messaging, document management and more!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/behaviortrackerpro/id319708933?mt=8


ABC Data Pro: $29.99 AU
A multi-mode data collection App made to assist professionals and students in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), special education, school psychology, and clinical psychology, as well as researchers conducting observational studies. ABC Data Pro is an unobtrusive data collection tool for behavior and/or event counting, partial interval recording, full interval recording and ABC (FBA) recording.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/abc-data-pro/id349426906


Autism Track $49.99 AU
AutismTrack is a journaling tool that empowers caregivers to easily track interventions, behaviors and symptoms. Checkboxes allow daily recording of any therapy, medicine or diet. Simple “sliders” allow rating of any behavior or symptom (e.g., eye contact, aggression and echolalic speech). Daily log screens provide a snapshot of any particular day’s interventions and behaviors. Users may also graph symptoms and monitor compliance over periods of time.

http://itunes.apple.com/app/autismtrack/id391660393


Skill Tracker Pro: $31.99 AU
Skill Tracker Pro automates ABA therapy instruction for children with Autism. STP allows unlimited clients and observers, optional video capture and charting/export of all data. STP has a built in library with hundreds of skills and targets that can be assigned to the clients’ curriculum. During cold probe data collection, skills and targets are automatically randomized, or the user can choose which target to probe, one at a time.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/skill-tracker-pro/id398058644


Conversation Builder: $10.49 AU
ConversationBuilder is designed to help elementary aged children learn how to have multi-exchange conversations with their peers in a variety of social settings. The auditory pattern of conversation is presented in a visual format to help students recognize and master the flow of conversation. Students will learn when it is appropriate to introduce themselves, ask questions, make observations and change the subject of the conversation.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/conversationbuilder/id413939366?mt=8


iPrompts $51.99 AU
iPrompts is a picture-based prompting app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad It is used by parents, special educators and therapists working with Autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and apraxia of speech. The app includes picture schedules with a visual count-down timer so an individual knows how much time is left for a specific activity and choice prompts so an individual can choose the item they want.



iReward $5.49 
Behavior analysts often use tangible rewards when working with children. For example, when a child earns a certain number of stars for behavior you want repeated, they are rewarded. You can choose the behavior you are trying to reinforce, choose your reward, and then choose the number of times the behavior needs to be completed before the reward is earned.



Teacher's Assistant Pro: $7.49 AU
Teacher's Assistant Pro allows teachers to keep track of student actions, behavior, infractions, and achievements in the classroom. Communicate quickly and easily with parents and your administration by documenting student classroom habits and behaviors and sending reports via email or making a call right from your iPhone. Designed by a teacher, and used by thousands of teachers across the world. Includes PIN code security.





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Discovery Learning: Games Designed to Let you Fail

Games can sometimes provide us with opportunities to fail. It is this failing that allows us to learn. This is necessary in order to improve our next attempt and our next, until we get it right. Some of the most interesting games come without any instructions at all and mean that the very nature of the game itself needs to be discovered. This fits in perfectly with how kids use and embrace new technology - no one read the instructions - they just press the buttons until they work out what they all do. Here are some great games that allow kids to fail and in the process learn to learn.

Feed the Head: $1.99 AU
This has to be my all time favourite game. Prod the Head. Tug the Head... but most importantly, Feed the Head. Like a living cartoon, the Head will unfold and transform in surprising and hilarious ways. I won't give away too much, it is guaranteed there is no other iPad app quite like this one. Trial and error without any instructions. It is fascinating to watch a student with this app. Why can my students do this so much easier than me?

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/feed-the-head/id415138546?mt=8


Where's My Water: $0.99 AU
Swampy the Alligator lives in the sewers under the city. He is a little different from the other alligators — he’s curious, friendly, and loves taking a nice long shower after a hard day at work. The other alligators have damaged his plumbing and disrupted the water flow. Help Swampy by guiding water to his shower! Great ability to retry both the develop solving skills and to improve score.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/wheres-my-water/id449735650?mt=8


Room Break: $1.99 AU
Room Break is an adventure game about escaping. The purpose of this game is simple. Users will be detained to certain situations and they need to open the door of each room and escape. Obviously, users need to figure out how to open the doors. Maybe, there are some unexpected tricks hidden. But, it is not difficult at all, if you pay attention a little bit more, you will be able to find out all the hints.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/roombreak-escape-now!!/id463700550?mt=8


Crossfingers: FREE
A unique game which challenges you to combine solid pieces in a gigantic tangram puzzle. You will need to exercise your brain, imagination and - unique for a puzzle game - your reflexes and dexterity to complete all levels. The full version contains 390 levels,  for unlimited replay, the Arcade Mode, which puts you in the middle of a frenetic machine where the challenge is to survive and beat the top score.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/cross-fingers-free/id337490783?mt=8


Doodlefit: FREE
The task in Doodle Fit is simple: fit the given sets of blocks into the given shapes. Drag the blocks into positions in search for the layout that covers the whole shape. A level is complete when all blocks have been used and there is no more space free in the shape. Once you start playing you won't be able to stop! Many levels with different shapes and even more different solutions in total for replayability.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/doodle-fit/id392912231?mt=8


Drainworks: FREE
Splash into the world of Drainworks! 48 unique levels await you, challenging your dexterity and your puzzle-solving skills. Drainworks boasts realistic water physics, an original soundtrack, Game Center leaderboards and a host of achievements. Twist, touch and push your way through 4 distinct worlds to collect runaway water - do it quickly and without losing a drop for maximum scores.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/drainworks-lt/id401793044?mt=8


JellyCar: FREE
JellyCar is a driving/platforming game for both iPhone and iPod touch. The game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds, trying to reach the exit. JellyCar features soft body physics for all of the objects in the world. Also your car can transform for a limited time to aid progression through the level. So hop in, start your jelly engines, and find the stop sign!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/jellycar/id293886459?mt=8


Geared HD: $0.99 AU
Geared is a radically new and innovative puzzle game; a unique addition to its genre. The first and only Gear-based game with absolutely no snap-grid. Geared delivers complete and total freedom to the player, bestowing every puzzle with a near infinite array of choices. Pit your intellect against 200 uniquely designed levels, original to this game. 200 levels of addictive gameplay.

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/geared-for-ipad/id368624362?mt=8


7 Little Words: FREE
If you enjoy crossword puzzles, word finds, and anagram games, you're going to love 7 Little Words! Each bite-size puzzle consists of 7 clues, 7 mystery words, and 20 letter groups. Find the mystery words by deciphering the clues and combining the letter groups. 7 Little Words is fun, challenging, and easy to learn. You've never played anything like it before. Give 7 Little Words a try today!

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/7-little-words/id431434152?mt=8


Touch Physics: FREE
Draw shapes with a crayon that come to life. These shapes interact with the wheel, causing it to move according to physical laws. When it reaches the star, the level is complete. Are you up to the challenge? Touch Physics Lite is an innovative game that allows you to be in control of the wheel's destiny. Change the laws of physics to suit your game! Beware, this is not as simple as it sounds!
You have read this article with the title January 2012. You can bookmark this page URL http://singedwingangel.blogspot.com/2012/01/discovery-learning-games-designed-to.html. Thanks!

English Apps for Middle School

English is one of the major components of the curriculum. For any 1:1 iPad program to be really successful appropriate apps need to be sourced that will not only meet curriculum outcomes but also address the learning needs of your students. The following is a list of apps that have been researched and evaluated specifically for use in the Middle School English course. This extensive list was compiled by @ShireenRichards. 

Reference:

Must Have:
Dictionary.Com: (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
Essential dictionary and thesaurus for students 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/dictionary.com-dictionary/id364740856?mt=8




Reading and Reading Strategies:
Must Have Apps:

iReadItNow FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
At last - a reading log that is suitable for the Middle School age range!
(otherwise could use Pages or blogs/forums instead)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ireaditnow/id349773058?mt=8      

Professor Garfield Fact or Opinion: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)
Teaches students how to identify fact vs opinion in text 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/professor-garfield-fact-or/id401257010?mt=8

Professor Garfield Forms of Media: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)
Teaches students about persuasive forms of media
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/professor-garfield-forms-media/id401257299?mt=8




Recommended Apps:

English Idioms Illustrated: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
Provides a pictorial explanation of the meaning and origin of idiomatic sayings
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/english-idioms-illustrated/id413057971?mt=8
Best Books for Tweens: FREE  (Suitable for Years 5-6) 
Lists and reviews suitable books for students in this age group to read 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/best-books-for-tweens/id431558984?mt=8





Spelling Utilities/Vocabulary/Word Games:
Must Have Apps:


Chicktionary HD: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-8) 




Recommended Apps:


Flashcards+ : FREE  (Suitable for Years 5-6) 
A useful app for students to learn spelling words (could use the free version and put up with ads)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/flashcards/id408490162?mt=8

Words with Friends HD: FREE and $2.99 AU  (Suitable for Years 5-8)
Great for students to compete against one another (could use the free version with ads!)
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/words-with-friends-hd/id364140796?mt=8


Blanks: FREE  (Suitable for Years 7-8)
Teaches students correct word meaning and expands vocabulary
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/blanks/id286883373?mt=8


The Opposites: $2.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5+) 
Teaches students opposite words in context via games, starts easy and gets quite difficult
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-opposites/id480194638?mt=8



Writing Tools:
Must Have Apps:


Toontastic: $1.99 AU  (Suitable for Years 5-6)
Must have as it uses cartoon writing to teach students about narrative structure
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/toontastic/id404693282?mt=8



Storykit: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)
A simple way to create picture storybooks or illustrated stories
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storykit/id329374595?mt=8



Creative Book Builder: $4.49 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8, particularly 7-8)
Create and publish ebooks
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/creative-book-builder-create/id451041428?mt=8



Sock Puppets: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6) 
Students can create mini dialogues between 'sock puppets'
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/sock-puppets/id394504903?mt=8



Kids Write Text Types $0.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-6)
Outlines all required text types, complete with examples, blank planner templates and posters. Very useful for Year 5
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kids-write-text-types/id480079925?mt=8



The Guardian Eyewitness: FREE (Suitable for Year 5-8)
This is a daily gallery of distinctive and provocative photographs that are great for use as writing stimulus
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-guardian-eyewitness/id363993651?mt=8




Recommended Apps:


StoryRobe:  $0.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
A mobile digital storytelling app that provides a simple way to record story readings with illustrations or photos. 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storyrobe/id337670615?mt=8


Penultimate: $1.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
A useful and very quick scrapbook/journal creator.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8



Mad Libs: FREE (Suitable for Years 5-6)
A classic that enables the user to input words that are then used to create a 'mad' story. Usually very popular with students and a bit of fun that enhances knowledge of grammar and provides reading practice. 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mad-libs/id326885152?mt=8

Haiku Poems: FREE
This app provides a range of poems based on the seasons. It also has instructions on how to compose within the Haiku structure. Students can send their own compositions for inclusion in the app. Useful for year 6 poetry unit.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/haiku-poems/id451144568?mt=8

Grammar:


Must Have Apps:

iTooch English: $5.49 AU (Suitable for Grade 5)
This really is a must have app that could potentially replace the use of a grammar text book. Currently on sale at $2.99 but will be $5.49. This app explains the concept, provides practice and then tests understanding. Hopefully the app will be available for year 6 in the near future. 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/itooch-english-grade-5/id423779711?mt=8

Grammar App HD: $1.99 AU (Suitable for Years 5-8) 
Provides lessons, reference information and practical applications of all aspects of Grammar. Also reinforces learning through games, quizzes and tests. Very useful. must have
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/grammar-app-hd-by-tap-to-learn/id379790077?mt=8




Recommended Apps:
Grammar Games $0.99 AU (Suitable for Year 5-6)
This app has lessons followed by reinforcement using simple but quite challenging and fun games which require the user to 'fly' the words into the appropriate parts of speech airport hangars. 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/grammar-games/id434660444?mt=8

Other interesting Apps 
Mobile Mouse: $2.99 AU 
Enables the use of the iPad to remotely control laptop - very handy when laptop is connected to IWB! 
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mobile-mouse-remote-trackpad/id363573369?mt=8

eClickerHost $10.49 AU
The eClicker apps provide the opportunity for quizzing students whereby students individually log their responses.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker/id329200145?mt=8



eClicker: FREE 
The eClicker app works in conjunction with the eClicker Host paid app to provide opportunities for quizzing students whereby students individually log their responses.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/eclicker-host/id329199509?mt=8




Rover: FREE 
Enables user to play flash games - have yet to test on a school network! Would be useful for students to access 'Spelling City' games.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/rover/id483262612?mt=8

iSwifter $5.49 
Enables users to play flash games and movies. Would be useful for students to access 'Spelling City' games at home.
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/iswifter/id388857173?mt=8












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