Smartphones

=About= toc Smartphones have changed a lot in our daily lives such as the ability to send and receive email, edit office documents, and so much more. The device that changed everything is now changing the classroom. Smartphones are filed with powerful applications to engage students in interactive ways. Applications are transforming the ways teachers teach and students learn. There are applications to help students at every age and every grade level.

=Specific Tools= Below are some examples of smartphone applications that could be used in a classroom.



QR Code Reader
(What QR codes are...) [QR code readers can aid in teacher explanations of terms, paper quizzes, speaking and linking to media.]

How to Use
QR codes can be created via a number of online sites (Kaywa). Basically, to create a QR Code you find a page or website that you wish to use (or create a webpage), then go to an online QR Code generator, like Kaywa, and type in the website address, then click 'generate' and you have the QR Code. Once a QR code is created with a given link, the QR code can be provided in any format that will maintain the readability of the QR code itself (online, on paper, etc.). The QR code can then be scanned by a QR code reader, which will redirect to the desired link. [Link the QR code to videos, websites, pictures, explanations, quizzes, etc.]

Teacher Kit
The instructor can use Teacher Kit to track attendance with multiple classes. Students can be selected individually to note attendance, comment on behavior, record grades, and communicate with parents via email directly from the app.

How to Use
(Instructions on how to use the app) [Behavior notes Lesson plan organization Attendance Grades]

=Implementation Ideas=

English

 * Dictionary application - This app will define terms and can help with pronunciation, synonyms, antonyms, and more.
 * Word of the Day - This app gives you new vocabulary terms that you may not know to familiarize yourself with more words and expand your vocabulary.
 * Word boom - Word boom is an app that makes you critically think and come up with as many words as you can in a set amount of time. This can be used to help with recognition, critical thinking, word searches, unscrambling words, etc.
 * Audiobooks - This will read books to you and you can use this when you are on the go or cannot look at a real book, but want to read a book.
 * Kindle - This will read books to you and allows you to purchase the book electronically. You will not have to deal with the clutter of many books or the books getting ruined.

Mathematics

 * Calculator - Electronically calculates math problems and can be used to aid with homework or bill calculations.
 * ACT/SAT Math Booster - Tests your skills and familiarizes you with question types for the ACT/SAT. Can be used for practice on the go for these tests.
 * Math Formulary - Will generate any formula that you need and can be used if you forget what formula is for a problem.
 * Brain Lab - Used to test and increase you math skills. It tests your critical thinking, logic, etc. Can be used to brush up on your math and reaction times.

Science

 * Planet Finder
 * Google Sky - An app that shows you constellations, stars, and planets. Can be used if you are in an astronomy or science class and need help with finding stars or to help you find the direction of constellations and what they look like.
 * Google Earth
 * Physics simulator

Social Studies

 * Google maps - Shows you maps of any place you need, usually starts out from you location. Can be used to help you navigate, find a certain place, gas stations, etc.
 * Google earth
 * Civilization War - Game that lets you create a virtual war and conquer places. Can be used to familiarize yourself how war works and the laws.
 * Trivia games - Used to test what you know about certain topics. Can be used to reinforce what was just learned.
 * World Fact Book - Presents millions of facts. Keeps you up to date with the growing world and helps you learn new things.

__ General __
>> http://www.teachthought.com/technology/40-simple-ways-to-use-a-smartphone-in-the-classroom/
 * Some addiction websites to find more apps to use:
 * [|__http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2012/01/around-world-with-15-cool-geography.html__]
 * [|__http://blog.inomics.com/economics-apps-for-iphone-and-ipad/__]

>> http://thejournal.com/articles/2013/02/04/does-the-smartphone-have-a-place-in-the-classroom.aspx

=Opinions & Feedback=
 * General**
 * One of the positive aspects about having a smartphone is that there is almost an app for everything. If one need an app to change fractions to decimals, one could find more than one app to preform that action.
 * One of the problems with apps, is that if one has an iPhone app, he or she can not get a that same app for android.
 * A problem with the apps, is that sometimes they are a little buggy, and can be frustrated to learn the mechanics to play the game.
 * English**
 * Mathematics**
 * Teachers can create a poll and ask a multiple choice question and students can respond with their smartphones either through an app or they can text a specific number that is given through the poll to respond to the question.
 * Science**
 * Science**


 * Social Studies**
 * There seems to be a lot of good apps that can help one study for an exam. For example,[|50 States] is an app that allows students to review the 50 States and Capitols. there are apps like this for almost every historical subject, one can find on the presidents, facts about WWII, and etc....