Evaluating apps for learning

Technology integration isn’t about the app or device but more about how aspects of knowledge come together to enhance learning.

To truly use technology well to impact learning;

• You need to be an expert teacher fully aware of pedagogical practices that impact student learning. Formative Practice, Visible Learning etc
• You need to be an expert in your subject matter, the content you want students to know. You know your stuff!
• You need to have an understanding of technology tools. You explore the #edtech world because it’s where our students live and what they need!
• You then need to be able to connect Pedagogy, Content and Technology together. mash it up!

That’s why frameworks like TPACK & SAMR are great ways to support all teachers to become aware and proficient with technology to enhance learning.

Ruben R. Puentedura’s Weblog – The SAMR Model – Dr. R. Puentedura

TPACK model by Koehler & Mishra – image by @ICTAVANGELIST – Mark Anderson

Developing tools to assess apps are a great way to help put the focus back on learning rather then what the app can do. Thinking about learning first and how the app can assist in students achieving the desired outcomes is critical. A great exercise is to have your team assess a range of apps and then create an app guide (iBook, blog, etc) which takes the hard work out of finding an app. All staff have access to this app playbook which outlines how the app can enhance student learning.

Possibly think of using subheading like:

About the App – Brief info about the app – its URL

Assessment – How the app could be used for formative & summative assessments

Learning – How it hits Blooms taxonomy?

SAMR – Where it sits on SAMR?

Here are some tools that we are using:

Tony Vincent’s – Learning in Hand
Kathy Schrock – iPad app evaluation

My own App evaluation

This template is used to give more detailed information about the apps ability to enhance learning, teaching and assessment against 21st century thinking skills, higher order thinking skills, assessment ideas and general.

Luckily we have brilliant educators who share and help facilitate the learning of all students.

The Padagogy Wheel – Download the PDF here.

Developed by Allan Carrington Designing Outcomes Adelaide South Australia Email: allan@designingoutcomes.net

Happy app finding

Dean