OK, back to the article. With the implementation of many idevices across our district, I am often asked if I know of a "good app" that will do this or that for a certain lesson. Although I am always up for the challenge of finding the perfect app, I often wonder if we are missing the mark on the full potential of these devices in the classroom. There has to be more to these "cool tools" than just "drill and kill" apps, a video camera, and easy access to the Internet!! That is why I was excited when I read Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano's article, where she discusses how it is important; "to NOT see only apps but to focus on pedagogy and the iPad as a LEARNING and THINKING tool". She also suggests looking at apps "THROUGH THE LENS of Bloom’s Taxonomy, Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and 21st Century Skills and Literacies". Don't get me wrong. I love many of the amazing apps out there that help kids learn certain skills and get them excited about their learning. However, let's take it a step further and discover the many ways to use these devices to collaborate, evaluate, explore, connect, extend learning...and make life long learners!!
With that in mind, take a look at the attached list of apps as seen through these different lenses! Each of these images can be printed as PDFs. Enjoy!
