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.