June 2014 APP ED REVIEW – Rubric-Assessed Math Apps

There are Lots of App Reviews on the ‘Net, but how Many are Assessed with an Excellent Rubric?

Are you looking to energize your mathematics lessons and engage students? We here at App Ed Review have the resources for you! Each and every app reviewed by App Ed Review is analyzed against a comprehensive rubric in a consistent, informative manner by a panel of state-certified teachers. But that's not all … each app review also includes 3-5 instructional ideas for how to integrate any app into your class!

For this month's Roundup, we've highlighted four of our favorite apps for the mathematics classroom.

Math

Functioning as a personal tutor for students and an instructional resource for teachers, Math. by YourTeacher is one of the highest rated mathematics apps we’ve analyzed. Scoring an 8.1 overall, this app teaches everything from 5th grade math to college-level algebra courses and standardized test prep. Math. caters to 21st Century learners by differentiating the instruction for students. Sets of videos explain a mathematical concept in a mini-lesson using an easy-to-follow whiteboard delivery format. From there, students can solve problems and take practice tests that include hints, as well as audio and text feedback for how to solve problems. Whether you are a teacher or a student, Math. by YourTeacher is a go-to app for mathematics! For its full review, click here.

Numbers

Numbers from Apple brings the functionality and number-crunching power of your Macintosh's Numbers productivity software and puts it in the hands of your students in a portable, touch-based app! Users touch different cells to input data or functions. Users can calculate equations like sums and averages, solve trigonometric functions, or find the answers to financial problems. Charts, tables, and images can be included in Numbers spreadsheets to easily display and communicate information. With scores of 8.7 for Design, 8.3 for Instruction, and an 8.1 overall, Numbers is the #1 app for your classroom data collection, calculation, and mathematics project-based learning assignments! Click here for its full review and instructional ideas.

MyScript Calculator

Do you need an app-enhanced calculator? If so, the MyScript Calculator app is for you! With this app, you will be able to write in any math equation, problem, or function you can conjure with your fingertip and watch as MyScript Calculator solves it right before your eyes. A word to the wise, though, you will need to use your best handwriting. On the App Ed Review Rubric, MyScript Calculator earned a 5.0 for instruction, 8.3 for design, and 8.7 for engagement. When using this app with students, we highly recommend that it is used with a specific purpose, such as a tool for helping students solve problem. If you would like additional instructional ideas for how to use this app, click here.

Sushi Monster!

Sometimes students need a chance to take a timeout and review some previously acquired skills. If your elementary math students need this opportunity, we recommend they play a game of Sushi Monster! This app uses a game-base format so students can review basic addition and multiplication skills. Essentially, students must solve math problems quickly in order to feed the monster sushi (thus, the app’s namesake!). Sushi Monster scored a 7 our 10 on the App Ed Review Rubric, with its strengths being its engagement, design, and content being appropriately matched to its target audience. For ideas about how to use Sushi Monster in your classroom, click here.

That’s all for this month’s Roundup. If you would like more information about any of the apps mentioned in this Roundup or that are on the App Ed Review website, please contact us at info@appedreview.org. And remember, the app is in the eye of the beholder, so beholden it effectively!

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