Apps in the Classroom

image from macrumors.com

Because of the many new varieties of smart phones and tablets, there now exists a variety of different apps that are cheap, and can be used in the classroom.  Here are five that I think would be useful in a classroom.

1. One such app is the MathBoard for the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad.  This app generates random number equations for a variety of levels of math.  It can be used like a quiz app, to test the students knowledge and understanding of the topics recently covered.
2. Another app that could be used for a variety of different subjects is Edmodo.  This is similar to the different websites that schools use to keep kids connected such as Moodle or Blackboard.  It is useful in helping students stay aware of things due, and even allows them to post assignments.  This is probably best for high school aged students.
3. There is also Motion Math, which is a game that requires a knowledge of fractions.  This will help students become used to fractions, negative decimals, and practice with their improper fractions.  It is also a game that could draw students in, and help them learn in a fun way.
4. Mathmagics is an app that is useful for older children and adults who want to go beyond basic mathematics and arithmetic.  It has several ways to perform different mental math tricks.
5. For younger students, there are a variety of games that have somewhat of a story mode.  One of those is Math Ninja.  This allows the students to learn math while protecting their "treasure" from a bad guy.  You can even focus the game on specific areas you think your student needs to work on while they play.

Though these apps can be useful, and there are many others just as good, we need to be careful to not become obsessed with them.  In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul is talking about how all things are "lawful" for him, but not all things are helpful to him.  We should not waste our time, or neglect other things that are responsibility just because we think we have an excuse because a certain game is educational.  While education is a worthy cause to play a game, life's responsibilities still need to come first.  We need to honor God in everything we do, and obsessing over a certain game does not bring Him glory or honor.  So using apps can be useful, just be careful to not overuse them.

Copyright and Fair Use

image from howto.gov

Copyright.  What a fun topic.  I didn't realize how complicated it was until I learned about it in my technology class.  I used to think it was just make sure that you don't download anything illegally, and make sure to cite all your sources.  But oh man, is it so much more.
Not only should you be careful to cite everything, but there are certain things that you can use for educational purposes, and certain things you have to ask for permission, or you are being illegal.   The problem I am having is figuring out which is ok to use for educational purposes, and what I have to ask for permission.  Some things are clear, for example, if I find an article that I want to use, I could pass it out to my class one time, and that is fine.  Also, it seems pretty simple to me that if I am doing something that is hindering someone from receiving money they should be receiving, then that is a big no no.  Other things do not seem so black and white to me. 
What is so important about making sure you give other people the credit they deserve, anyway?  Isn't citing them enough, do we really need permission for every single picture and video we as teachers want to post on a website? 
Well, for one thing, it is the law.  And we should respect that, and try to follow it as best we can.  These copyright laws are created in order to protect people's unique ideas and thoughts.  Also, it is respectful towards others.  In the Bible, in Philippians 2:3, it says that we should consider others better than ourselves.  We need to think of others before us.  So maybe we should change our mindset when it comes to thinking about copyright laws.  Maybe we shouldn't be thinking about how annoying it is that we have to look up all these things and ask everyone and their brother for permission to use a certain picture, but should think about how they would feel if we didn't ask.  Sometimes simply recognizing that it is another person's idea, and giving them credit is more of a way to show you noticed, and appreciated their work.