App Reviews

Creating Talking Stories with Pictello

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:39:03 -0500

As IEAR app reviewers, we sometimes stumble across an app that just oozes of potential but isn’t there quite yet. With a $14.99 price tag, Pictello, from AssistiveWare packs quite a punch with its unique opportunity to create and publish visual stories. However, IEAR app reviewers can't help but notice there are some critical features that are missing from the app at this time. Meg Wilson (@ipodsibilities) and Jeremy Brueck (@brueckj23) share their educational insights into the positive features of the app, provide possible areas of classroom application, share their Pictello story codes and point out some places where they hope to see Pictello grow in future releases and updates.   From the AssistiveWare website:
Pictello is a simple way to create talking photo albums and talking books on your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Each page in a Pictello Story can contain a picture, up to five lines of text, and a recorded sound or text-to-speech using high-quality voices. Stories can be shared using iTunes File Sharing or via WiFi with other Pictello users through a free account on the Pictello Sharing Server.  Pictello is developed for all ages and skill levels, so it is easy to use and requires no reading skills to locate and read stories. Pictello offers an easy visual story creation wizard so everyone can use pictures and sound to share important moments in their lives. An advanced editor gives full control of the editing capabilities.
Initial Impressions of Pictello
brueckj23: User interface seems pretty well designed. Easy to navigate, even for my 3 year old. iPodsibilities: Agree, easy to use and easy on the eyes. I like that you have the choice of a wood or black (apple) theme. brueckj23: It was confusing to have text boxes for header/footer on each page and then the option to add text or audio to the same page after. I initially tried to “write” the text for page 1 of my story in the header/footer sections. iPodsibilities: I think that the header/footer is meant to offer a choice, but I agree with you. It wasn’t clear about what needed to go where. “Top Label” and “Bottom Label” didn’t make sense to me as a storyteller. brueckj23: I don’t like how you have to use pictures that are saved on you iPad. This means I have to have my story “written” and “illustrated” before I create my Pictello storybook, make sure the images are synced via iTunes. This just doesn’t seem to be the way I want to create.  iPodsibilities: Like you, I didn’t like that I had to use photos from my photo section. It would be nice to go to the Internet or create your own pictures within Pictello, without using multi-tasking to get what you need as you go (or pre-planning completely) brueckj23: I was able to use multi-tasking to create pictures in DoodleBuddy, save them and then add them to a story. How about a way to search and import Flickr CC photos?  iPodsibilities: That would make it much better! brueckj23: Although this app is kind of branded as “for iPad,” I think there is more potential if it is used with the iPod Touch. The ability to add your own photos with the built-in camera is really an advantage at this time.
Creating a Talking Story with Pictello
brueckj23:
■ Brainstormed story topic with my son, Aiden, and talked about what types of things we might take pictures of.
■ Used camera on my HTC Incredible to shoot photos and then email them to my GMail account.
■ Used 3G/wifi on iPad to open emails and download photos to SAVED PHOTOS on iPad.
■ Used the Wizard option to create book.
■ Aiden choose pictures for cover and each page.
■ He and I discussed what was happening in each picture and composed simple sentences.
■ I typed in top and bottom page descriptions.
■ Aiden recorded audio of text. I would read aloud, he would press record button and then repeat text. He loved the ability to have it played back to him and hear himself read. I found that I needed to compose short, succinct sentences to allow him to “read” them back accurately. I wanted audio to match text....too much control?
■ Created a free Pictello Sharing Server account.
■ Exported book to account and secured unique story code.
■ When I made revisions to the book and re-exported I received a totally different code.

iPodsibilities:
■ Used photos I already had uploaded to iPad, didn’t want to take time to find new ones before creating a story. I quickly added “labels” (text) just to try out the app.
■ Created free account, received code to share with others
■ I plan to use it with a student tomorrow. We will use a similar process to you and Aiden but with my iPhone camera instead.

Classroom Uses from iPodsibilities
1. social stories
2. sequencing events
3. task analysis
4. retelling events/summarizing stories
5. vocabulary stories/practice
6. picture schedules

Big Questions from brueckj23
1. Where do stories on the Pictello Sharing Server go?
2. Whose property are they when they are on the Pictello Sharing Server?
3. Why is the built-in opportunity to add a Creative Commons copyright to each book missing from the app while traditional copyright option is there?
4. Should updating a book on the Pictello Sharing Server really create a new copy with a new code or should the original story just be updated; should users have the option?
5. Can we please get the option view the book through a browser? It would be even better to be able to get embed code of the “Slideshow” version of the book for sharing beyond mobile devices.

Pictella Story Codes
brueckj23: 3491-6851 iPodsibilities: 8679-1240 
Report Card
Purpose: A
We both really like the purpose behind this app and think it has great potential. Talking books can be an excellent addition to any classroom. The ability to combine photos, text, and sound is a great way to create rich educational content.
Program Functionality: B-
We felt the app was well designed and easy to use, but it was a bit unclear when it came to entering in text. The biggest issue we had with the app was importing photos. We felt limited by the fact that we could only use photos that we had stored in our photo library. This meant we had to have the whole story preplanned before making it. We would like to see more options for importing photos in a future update. 
Overall Educational Value: B+
Pictello has many features that could make it a useful classroom tool. 
Recommendation: We recommend this app for personal use and limited school use at this time. We feel this app would be most appropriate to supplement or enhance classroom instruction. Students can use Pictello to demonstrate their knowledge of a historical reading or a short story. Teachers can demonstrate a step by step procedure or math problem. Special educators may find it useful for creating task analyses and social stories. Families could use Pictello to create a talking photo album about a recent vacation to share with others. Children will benefit from teacher or adult modeling of use, but most early elementary students should be able to operate independently after their first interaction with the app.   Cost: $14.99 Developer Website: http://www.assistiveware.com/pictello.php  ITunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/app/pictello/id397858008?mt=8  Reviewer Name:  Jeremy Brueck, http://brueckei.org/ Meg Wilson, http://www.ipodsibilities.com/  
This is cross-posted on IEAR.org 
Be sure to check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad to the their fullest. Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom or at home.

MindSnacks Spanish - Language Learning Program

Sat, 9 Oct 2010 19:58:51 -0400

App Title: MindSnacks Spanish - Language Learning Program
Grade Level: Late Elementary to Adult
Cost: $4.99
 Purpose: A+
Purpose Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish is a very unique language learning application that focuses on vocabulary, spelling, grammar, visual learning, and context. With 50 levels of language content, you can play fun games and learn on the go. Each level offers up to 25 Spanish words/phrases and includes pictures and audio to assist in the learning process. The app’s personalized learning algorithms use powerful memorization techniques to help make sure you are actually learning the material as you move through the app. Six games are included (although you do have to unlock some based on skill level!) in order to address vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and conversational skills. MindSnacks even keeps track of your scores and learning progress so you can easily see how much you have learned.
Program Functionality: A+
Program Functionality Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish was super easy to start using (all you need is an email address). Since the app was meant for individuals to learn on their own, it starts with the basics: numbers. After a quick lesson, you can practice your new skills with a variety of games. As you earn high scores and beat the clock, you unlock different games to keep you engaged.
Overall Educational Value: A+
Overall Educational Value Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish is an excellent tool that is both instructional and engaging in the educational setting. Students can use it individually to learn and teachers can use it to reinforce previously taught skills or introduce new Spanish language skills.
Recommendation: As I offer a recommendation, I think it is important to note that I am not bilingual and I have not taken a basic Spanish class in over ten years. In fact, I actually designed my own undergraduate degree so that I wouldn’t have to take a foreign language in college at all (and yes, that was a lot of work to avoid a foreign language class!). If MindSnacks Spanish can grab my attention, keep me engaged, AND teach me a new language, then that says a lot! I shared the app with with a fellow educator in my building who teaches Spanish; she is now begging to borrow my classroom set of iPods to use the app with her students. Both she and I would highly recommend this language learning app for anyone interested in learning, relearning, or reinforcing their Spanish language skills. MindSnacks is advertised to be a "truly awesome mobile learning game" and it absolutely is!
Developer Video:

Developer: MindSnacks
Developer Website: http://www.mindsnacks.com/
iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mindsnacks-spanish-language/id385497068?mt=8#

Reviewer Name: Meg Wilson
Reviewer Blog: www.iPodsibilities.com (cross posted here)
Reviewer Twitter: http://twitter.com/iPodsibilities
Other: Don’t forget to check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize these devices to the their fullest. Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom, etc.

Christian's Apostrophe Song App Review

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:06:05 -0400

App Title: The Apostrophe Song
Grade Level: upper elementary-middle school
Cost: $0.99  Purpose: A
Purpose Rationale: Singing and quizzing you on the proper location in a word for an apostrophe.

Program Functionality: A

 
Overall Educational Value: A
Overall Educational Value Rationale: The Apostrophe Song would be very helpful for studying for a test on apostrophes, and offers School House Rock like songs.
 Recommendation: I would like to see more features, and more questions in the quiz category. 
Developer: Cool Rules
Developer Website: http://www.coolrules.com
iTunes Link for Host Version: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-apostrophe-song/id386117016?mt=8

Reviewer Name: Christian, 7th Grade
Reviewer Twitter: http://twitter.com/iTookTheByte
Other: Cross-posted on www.iPodsibilities.com

FractionTime! App Review

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 19:09:17 -0400

App Title: FractionTime! for the iPad
Grade Level: grades 3-6
Cost: $1.99 (iPad) 
Purpose: A
Purpose Rationale: FractionTime! is a basic math app that can be used to practice or review fraction math. Students can quiz themselves on adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.

Program Functionality: B
Program Functionality Rationale: FractionTime! is a clutter-free, easy to use math app. The interface is simple and to the point: students use the keyboard to input answers to addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division fraction problems. FractionTime! includes the ability to adjust the difficulty and track results as you go. Depending on the orientation of the iPad, students can choose whether or not they want to view the number of correct/incorrect answers. The app functions just fine, but does requires a bit of mental math. While that is great for some students, other students may need a ‘scratch board’ area to work out the math.  
Overall Educational Value: B
Overall Educational Value Rationale: FractionTime! definitely has a place in the classroom. It’s simple and easy to use format allows many students to quickly practice fraction math, although I did notice that not too many students seemed engaged in the process. One of the best features is the ability to track student progress. However, it does not export the data it collects on students’ knowledge of fractions, so students will need to take a screenshot of their results to submit for data purposes.
 Recommendation: If you are an elementary school teacher or middle school math teacher looking for a quick and easy way to practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions this app can do the job.  Classroom Use Examples/Ideas: FractionTime! is a great way for teachers pre-test students’ knowledge of fractions, for students to practice basic fraction math, and for classes to use as a review before a test on fractions.

Developer: x19 Studios
Developer Website: http://www.x19studios.com/x19_Studios/Welcome.html
iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fractiontime/id368517084?mt=8

Reviewer Name: Meg Wilson
Reviewer Blog: www.iPodsibilities.com
Reviewer Twitter: http://twitter.com/iPodsibilities
Other: Don’t forget to check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize these devices to the their fullest. Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom, etc.

Tales2Go App Review

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:18:28 -0400

App Title: Tales2Go
Grade Level: K-8
Cost: Free app, $24.99 for a one-year subscription
 Purpose: A+
Purpose Rationale: Tales2Go is a subscription-based audiobook app that is bringing back good old fashioned storytelling in a whole new way. Instead of downloading individual audiobooks or borrowing CD audiobooks from the library, teachers and parents can choose to stream from a multitude of story choices instantly to their iPod Touches, iPhones, and iPads. And the Tales2Go library continues to grow with its popularity. This app’s motto is “Storytime, anytime” and it certainly lives up to it!

Program Functionality: A-
Program Functionality Rationale: Tales2Go is easy to install and it quickly guides the user through an account set-up process. In no time at all, the app offers you a wide variety of stories (and even some songs!) for your listening pleasure. Users are given a variety of ways to search through the stories, whether it be by Age, Series, Books, or Storyteller to name a few. If you are looking for something specific, that is easy to do too with the ‘Search’ function. Tales2Go puts itself at the head of the class with features like ‘Bookmarks’ and ‘Favorites’. The Tales2Go app is a free download in the App store and initially comes with a free 30 day trial. After the trial ends, users will need to purchase a year-long subscription in order to continue utilizing the app. It is important to note that it is $24.99 per device per year, not per iTunes account. This is currently the biggest downfall to the app. Many iPod and iPhone users expect to share apps with their family members and users should know that that is not an option with Tales2Go.

Overall Educational Value: A+
Overall Educational Value Rationale: This app has a wealth of educational value for teachers due to the ease, accessibility, and choices of audiobooks available. Tales2Go is an excellent way to differentiate instruction, accommodate students, and engage children when teaching literature. Some students are auditory learners who need to hear information in order to properly comprehend it and other students struggle with decoding to the point that it impedes their comprehension skills; Tales2Go is a great way to accommodate these students and many other students. The app is a very engaging way for children to interact with literature, mainly because of the use of professional storytellers. Another great benefit is being able to use the stories in conjunction with the actual book since the storyteller can model excellent proper inflection, emotion, and tone of voice for students.
 Recommendation: If you are a teacher or school district looking for a audiobook app that will allow you to access thousands of stories with the tap of your finger, I highly recommend Tales2Go for your classroom and school use. The subscription is a bit pricey when you look at it for school-wide use, but when compared with purchasing and storing the individual stories on their own, Tales2Go can be considered an excellent deal per device. I would highly suggest that a school begin with one or two devices in the library that could be signed out for classroom use. Also, special education teachers and administrators should certainly consider Tales2Go as an adaptive technology option for certain students with disabilities.
 Classroom Use Examples/Ideas: There are a variety of ways for teachers to utilize Tales2Go in the classroom. The app can be used to support a book by reading along as you listen to the story. This is a great technique for modeling reading, focusing on comprehension, and engaging more students. Tales2Go is also a great option for accessing literature in a quick and easy manner; it can easily be used for storytimes or as a classroom ‘free-time’ activity. Tales2Go could also be a part of a cool visualizing activity where students draw or write about the scene they just heard the storyteller describe. You can even let Tales2Go be a teacher’s ‘substitute’ and read to the class while the teacher monitors and assists students with the activity.

Developer: Tales2Go
Developer Website: www.tales2go.com/
iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tales2go/id343948867?mt=8

Reviewer Name: Meg Wilson
Reviewer Blog: www.iPodsibilities.com
Reviewer Twitter: http://twitter.com/iPodsibilities
Other: Don’t forget to check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize these devices to the their fullest. Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom, etc.