Music Cues: $1.99
I am so excited about this app! It allows you to create musical cues for students to follow so that the teacher does not need to give redundant verbal directions; instead, students hear the music and know what is expected of them. Think of the possibilities! A cue to get their attention, a cue to quiet down, a cue to return to their seats, a cue to find a partner, a dance party brain break! The songs come from your itunes account, and the app allows you to specify which part of the song you want to play. For more information, read through the article below written by the creator (a teacher himself). |
Class Library: $1.99
I've got A LOT of books for my class library, so I needed to find an app that would allow me to keep track of them. Class Library allows you to enter your books and students so that you can check books in and out and track availability. Cool huh? Admittedly, this app could be even better with a few improvements. I wish there was some way to create a hold or wait list for popular books that multiple students would like to read. If I were being really picky, it would also be cool if you could sort/search by genre, author, or ISBN. Right now, there is no search function, and the books are simple sorted alphabetically by title. So far, I'm sill loving this app, but I keep imagining how much better it could be!!! |
Remind 101: FREE
Texting and students are two words that don't go well together. Most educators would agree that this form of communication is not the safest or most appropriate way to communicate with our pupils. Yet, texting may be the most effective way to reach the youth of this generation. Remind 101 presents a solution to this problem. It allows teachers to safely send group messages to students and parents. Everything is private and messages are one way only. I can send or schedule reminders, assignments, homework, assessments, or motivational messages. What's more, I can send photos and documents AND check who has viewed them. Definitely check this one out. |
ZipGrade: FREE
Admittedly, I haven't used this one before, but it looks cool! Your phone or ipad becomes a scanner to grade multiple choice tests and quizzes, allowing for instant feedback to your students. The answer sheets can be downloaded for free and results can easily be organized, reported, and exported. Unfortunately, this is just a demo. After 100 scans, it does cost $2.99 for two months or $6.99 for a year. Worth it? |
Pikme: FREE
I have a distinct memory during student teaching of a student crying out, "It's not FAIR! You NEVER pick me!" Now, keep in mind that I was using names on sticks to guarantee that I was being fair, but you can't win them all! There are lots of different techniques for picking students, but I recommend Pikme. This app allows you to randomly select students and establish groups of various sizes. It even allows you to rate and track responses! Easy peasy. |
Deep breaths :)