A couple of years ago, I attended an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference. Being the largest organization in Educational Tech, the conference was massive. The exposition hall alone contained 540 vendor booths — I counted them, from their listings in the program guide.
I wondered how anyone could make sense of it all. With so many choices in educational and learning apps, where does one even begin to select what would be the most appropriate for them. I’m referring to both teachers who would like to use these apps in their classrooms, and to individuals who would like to learn new skills or brush up on old ones. While many of these booths represented the “hardware” side of Ed Tech, i.e. Chrome Carts, Whiteboards, etc., there were still many software options from which to choose, and each professing to greatly improve the achievement of all.
So, is there any real way to pinpoint which learning app can be the most appropriate to meet a specific learning need? This question stayed with me. Recently, I’ve revisited this question, and I’ve decided to categorize these apps, trying to find a clear way for anyone to determine the best app for them.
Based on some general principles that I’ve developed personally, I’ve decided to arrange the apps into three categories based on how the brain processes information. The first category I call “knowledge building”. These are mostly whole courses that can stand on their own. They provide all the elements of instruction including content delivery, practice, and assessment. There is no teacher required, and these courses can fill a need for providing learning when it isn’t available otherwise. They can work for both advanced learners who would like to proceed beyond what is available at their location, to remedial learners who need a little more time and instruction beyond what they are currently receiving. Since these apps stand alone, learners can pick and choose as needed.
A second category I call “skill-building”. These are apps that can not stand alone. They are supplementary and can be used by educators or anyone who just wants to provide additional practice of skills to reinforce what has been learned elsewhere. Hopefully, these apps would prove a more enjoyable experience than the typical worksheet or questions to answer in a book, and they can truly reinforce and cement learning on a variety of topics.
A final category, I’ve referred to as “affective and motivational”. These apps are only loosely related to any traditional academic content. They are strictly used to provide interest or depth to a subject area, and they can be very helpful for increasing interest and motivation in learning. They may include videos of world events/problems, or games which put people into actual scenarios. People love these kinds of apps and using more of them could make learning much more enjoyable to all.
The goal would be for all three categories to used within learning organizations or by people wanting to “learn throughout their lives”, because they all fulfill different needs and purposes. There are ways to make sense of all the educational apps out there. They just need to be arranged in a way where each person can determine what is most appropriate for their unique needs for learning. When I am finished categorizing the apps, I’m going to list them on my website.
Chris Bernat is the author of Individualized Learning with Technology – Meeting the Needs of High School Students – a book about how learning can be individualized for students, starting in high school and continuing throughout life.
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Lindy Beale Blondy
You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites on the net. I most certainly will recommend this website! Dani Alister Lizbeth
I am really thankful to the owner of this website who has shared this enormous post at here. Sibella Darrell Graubert
I got what you intend,bookmarked, very decent website. Pamella Haily Johnathan
I would like to get across my admiration for your kindness supporting folks that must have guidance on in this subject matter. Your personal dedication to getting the solution throughout had become particularly advantageous and has encouraged regular people just like me to achieve their pursuits. Your insightful information means a lot to me and substantially more to my fellow workers. Thanks a lot; from all of us. Roxine Terrance Donaugh
Hey there. I found your website by the use of Google at the same time as looking for a related topic, your website came up. It seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks to come back then. Tarra Willie Towny
Very descriptive article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2? Willi Derrik Tillie
After exploring a few of the blog articles on your web page, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me how you feel. Ashlee Skell Taylor
An outstanding share, I simply provided this onto a coworker who was doing a little analysis on this. As well as he in fact got me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him. smile. So let me rephrase that: Thnx for the treat! However yeah Thnkx for investing the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly concerning it and also like reading more on this subject. When possible, as you end up being proficiency, would you mind updating your blog with even more details? It is very practical for me. Big thumb up for this post! Heddie Luce Chaffinch
Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing! Larina Nels Abrams
Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work. Eolande Barth Patsis
Well I truly enjoyed reading it. This information procured by you is very effective for correct planning. Winifred Upton Nerti
Wow! After all I got a blog from where I be capable of in fact take valuable facts concerning my study and knowledge. Nicholle Chaddie Streeter