My impressions of using iTouch applications in the classroom as a learning tool are evolving with hit or miss results. I continue to experiment with hope and optimism – this week with the free ap Story Builder. Of note, this is not to be confused with the Mobile Education store ap by the same name. This week, after completing a reading conference with a 4th grade student, I gave him the opportunity to build his literacy in a different manner. One example: “A drunken jewel thief with OCD Must save a city from a swarm of killer bees.”
A word of CAUTION: Sincere discretion should be used with respect to grade level vocabulary. Word choice such as: cross-dresser, and gigolo may be contrasted with options to stop global warming and gain the respect of his/her peers.
On a positive note, changing the genre feature in this micro-ap. to an uplifting documentary can deliver, “A superhero werewolf stranded on an island must go back to grade school to save a secret world.” Toggling between genres can offer surprising results. I would prefer to see a more extensive G-rated vocabulary list. Given the sophistication of the genres and word choice options, this ap is better suited for a young adult audience. My point…be mindful of the audience and resources when connecting the student to literacy at his/her just right level.
Yes....most schools that use these devices have pretty strict rules about what can and can't be installed... and age appropriateness certainly matters.
ReplyDeleteWhat else are you using?