Technology in the Elementary Classroom: The iPad: Educational Apps for iPad Classroom Use

The Collegial Circle has been busy researching and testing various educational apps for use in the classroom. We are currently compiling a list of suggested apps that can be used with individual students, small groups, and in full class settings. Some things to consider are app design, curriculum compatibility, universal accessibility, the necessity of WiFi for app operation, pricing structure, and advertisement presence. One possible solution to the presence of advertisements (which may be age-inappropriate or simply distracting) is to manually turn off automatic access to WiFi networks. This list will hopefully serve as a blueprint for future iPad implementation and expansion in the district's elementary schools.

In the meantime, please take a look at the following apps. If you have experience with any of these apps, please post a comment and let us know your thoughts!

Sight Words List
Free (iPad / iPhone)

Preschool - 4^th grade
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sight-words-list-learn-to/id445708245?mt=8

Sight Words, also known as the Dolch List are an integral part in learning how to read. The Dolch Word list contains 315 words that are broken down into appropriate age groups. Contains 6 sets of prepared flashcards, which can also be customized. Words are easy to read. Voice feature is also available. Font size is small in quiz mode, but should be able to be adjusted. No advertisements.

Times Tables Quiz!

Free (iPad / iPhone)

2^nd grade – 5^th grade
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/times-tables-quiz!-multiplication/id441001315?mt=8

Design is simple and easy to use. Adults may find the app repetitive, but children will find the app challenging and engaging. Works well as a skill builder or independent activity. No advertisements. This application features:

 Questions from 2x2 to 12x12
 Smart multiple choice answers generation 
Progressive difficulty
 Best score

U.S. History Timeline

Free (iPad / iPhone - upgrade available)

3^rd grade and higher

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/us-history-timeline-free/id454394049?mt=8

This application shows a timeline of important events from US history.  Each event includes a hot-link to the appropriate entry of Wikipedia.  This will help users get more information about the event.  The application also features territory maps of important times in U.S. history, a list of important people, and a comparison timeline of US history and World history. Fairly easy to navigate. Not all events contain links to additional information. Wikipedia links should be monitored and used as a starting point to find verifiable research sources. No advertisements, although apparently there should be according to the description.

Kids World Maps

Free (iPad / iPhone - upgrade available)

2nd grade and higher

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-world-maps/id428955952?mt=8

Kids World Maps is specifically aimed at 5-9 year olds and is based on the best selling mapsinternational.co.uk Primary School World Map series. The maps are designed with these ages in mind, are high resolution, have clear graphics, engaging fonts and a level of information that can be understood by children of this age.   Design is simple and easy to use. Maps are very informative, but not complete. No advertisements. The Kids World Maps app contains 6 World Maps each with a different focus as shown below:

a brightly coloured Political colored world map 
a world map with physical coloring 
shows the continents largest cities. 
shows the continents major deserts
shows the continents major mountains 
shows the continents major rivers

Telling Time

Free (iPad / iPhone - upgrade available)

4^th grade and higher

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/telling-time-free/id473879314?mt=8

Telling Time Free is an app designed for people of all ages. The user inputs the digital time based on the analog time. There are two game modes, Practice and Quiz. In practice mode the user must input the correct answer in order to move on to the next question. In quiz Mode, users only have one chance to get the question right. Users also have the option to turn on a timer. Once the time runs out, the user will not be able to answer any more questions. Users can also decide whether they would like to have a letter grade on their report. Advertisement bar across the bottom of screen. Features included in this app:  

timer can be set to 1 min., 2 min., 4 min., and 8 min.
 questions can be set to 10, 20, 30, and 40
 can control minute hand by increments of 1 minute, 5 minutes, and on the hour 
sound effects - scores and grades the users answers  
uses standard grading scale 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, and lower than 60=F  
sound can be turned off or on -clock animation