(Image via IEAR.org)
Over the weekend I learned of an excellent new project called “I Education Apps Review”. This project/website focuses on the educational value and responsible usage of iPhones and iPod Touches in education. The work on this project has just begun and I believe that IEAR will be a valuable resource.
Below is a brief description of the website’s purpose…
IEAR.ORG: Purpose of IEAR.org – I Education Apps Review.org
“I Education Apps Review’s goal and or focus is to take a look at practical, useful, and educationally sound ways to use the IPhone or ITouch in the classroom. The IPhone, ITouch and other similar devices are amazing pieces of technology. We believe that these devices have a place in today’s classroom as long as they are utilized properly.”
(Via iear.org)
Currently there are two application reviews posted. One is for an application called “Math Drills Lite” and another is for “FirstWords: Animals” (also reviewed here on edu.Mac.nation). I am quite pleased with how IEAR arranges their review of each application. IEAR looks at the functionality of the applications, the purpose, the educational value, and provides recommendations. Each review also has a video demonstration. I have commented there and the comment replies have been insightful and raise excellent questions!
I highly recommend that readers of edu.Mac.nation visit IEAR.org, subscribe, and contribute their ideas for application reviews.
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- [Education] iPod Touch in the Classroom- Do’s and Don’ts: “Learning in Hand Blog” by Tony Vincent Tony Vincent, from Learning in Hand, has compiled an excellent...
Scott Meech
/ March 23, 2009Thank you very much for the positive review of our new resource. We are very excited about the beginning of this new resource as well. We believe the IPhone / ITouch / IPod and other similar devices have educational value and a place in the classroom. The problem is that we have a large depository of “educational” stuff created for these devices, but are they really educational? Most of these applications get labeled as educational, but that doesn't really mean they are educational. Well, this is just the beginning for sure.
Here are combined resources:
http://www.iear.org
http://ieducationappsreview.ning.com
http://iear.wikispaces.com/
Your continued feedback is greatly appreciated!
Mike
/ March 23, 2009I agree 110%.
There is certainly the need for discourse regarding educational uses of
touchscreen devices such as the iPhone and iPod Touch. The applications that
are out there vary greatly in quality, both in design as well as educational
benefits. Each are designed for a different purpose and I think it is
important that sites, such as yours, continue to question and assess the
educational quality of what is present in the application store. Reviews
will not only will help the educators, but also assist developers who are
looking to work on an application that they hope will meet an educational
goal.
Thank you for setting this wheel in motion!