iPad Evaluation

iPad Evaluation

2 different Apps

• ·         iCell
• ·         Building Titanic

     It is obviously safe to say that the world we live in is bombarded by mass amounts of technology. Whether it’s considered a burden or an aiding device however, is solely left for the determination of the user. There are individuals who use certain technological advancements to prompt and keep in operation major businesses, which is a great use of the material. However, there are also individuals who choose to use technology solely for entertainment purposes, or simply to waste time.  I am not writing to critique or criticize the use of technology in any form, in any way. I am simply writing to present the simple fact that the use of electronic devices are definitely changing the way we go about doing certain tasks. In one major instance electronic devices are completely replacing the use as well as the availability of text books. With the modern iPad students have the ability to explore certain resources more fully as well as in an interactive environment. Students are allowed to download educational apps (applications or programs) to further the research that they may be conducting. There are certain apps that allow students to dissect a human cell as well as the cells of animals and bacteria.

     I was recently assigned to explore two applications that were available on an iPad, ones that not only entertain but that would also be beneficial to the classroom. As I began my journey through the “I” world I explored an app called iCell. As mentioned previously, this was the application that enabled students to explore the segments and microscopic pieces of individual cells. I started by exploring the human or animal cell. I was immediately presented with an animated replication of a cell. I began the exploration by merely tapping a piece of the cell. Once I had done so I was given information about the functions and responsibility of that elemental piece of cell. (For example: cell membrane- is a protective covering of the cell itself and acts as a barrier that allows certain materials to pass with its walls). One thing that made this application so beneficial is that the information given could be set for the appropriate grade level.

     Another app that I was able to explore was called, “Building the Titanic”. The application took students through the entire process of building the cruise liner the Titanic. The program started with a picture of two different men. When the student tapped the men’s picture information about the gentlemen and what their responsibility was concerning the giant ship. At the bottom of the screen a timeline was displayed, spanning the years 1907 to 1912. When a chosen date was selected the student was immediately taken to the events, related to the Titanic, and the progress of the ship was reported. When I clicked on the date March 1909 I was told that this was the day in history that the Titanic was started. I was taken to the Belfast ship yard and I watched as the first step of the ship was completed. All in all, this app was very educational. However, I felt that it was really lacking the necessary entertainment elements that many students are hungering for. It was definitely a higher educational application. Technology is without a doubt advancing, and there is simply no stopping it. So, I guess the idea is to incorporate it in everything we possibly can, including education. With this being said it is important, however, to keep that element of education in the technology that we use. I explored two apps that were entertaining as well as highly educational…so it can be done.