10 of the best apps for education

As iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches become more integrated in the classrooms, educators and students are seeking ways to apply them to the learning process. Applications on all of these devices can assist in current classroom processes or present innovative ways to learn.

eSchool News' Jenna Zwang has assembled a list of education “apps” for Apple devices that are noteworthy. Five are free, and the other five range in price from 99 cents to $9.99. Enjoy!

Name: Word Lens
Best for: Language Classes
Cost: Free
Features: Instantly translates signage from one language to another through the camera application
How to Use: Language teachers can use this program for scavenger hunts





Name: Molecules
Best for: Science Classes
Cost: Free
Features: Allows users to view and manipulate three-dimensional models of different molecules
How to Use: Visual learners can see how protein molecules are composed and can download new molecules from the RCSB

Name: Blackboard Mobile Learn
Best for: Students and teachers whose campuses already use Blackboard
Cost: Free
Features: Course listings, organizations users are involved in as well as access to any readings
How to Use:Users can enroll in any classes or organizations that they have registered for and download any assignments their instructors have posted



Name: Today in History
Best for: History Classes
Cost: Free
Features: Lists notable events in history as well as important figures who were born or died on a specific date
How to Use:Use for trivia quizzes or facts of the day



Name: Math Ref Free
Best for: Math Classes
Cost: Free
Features: A free version of Math Ref, this app offers 600 out of over 1,300 formulas, figures, tips, and examples
How to Use: Use as a formula study guide or to view graphs of different equations

Name: PI83 Graphing Calculator
Best for: Math Classes
Cost: $0.99
Features: With over 100 math functions, the graphing calculator is a clone of the TI-83 without the $70 price tag
How to Use: Use in place of any calculator to input data, make graphs or matrices


Name: Star Walk
Best for: Astronomy Classes
Cost: $2.99
Features: An astral telescope; Star Walk adapts its view to wherever the user holds it up to, highlighting constellations and planets
How to Use: Use for guided tours of the night sky or to find the location of any specific astral objects



Name: Cram
Best for: Anyone in need of test prep
Cost: $3.99
Features: Both teachers and students can create flashcards and tests and import and share them with others
How to Use: Use to study for standardized tests or exams, or create study materials for students


Name: Essay Grader
Best for: Teachers pressed for time
Cost: $5.99
Features: Providing instant results, eClicker charts the class responses, showing which areas are understood and which need more work
How to Use: Students select a response to a question composed by the instructor and are then able to participate without fear of being wrong, since only the teacher views the results

Name: eClicker
Best for: Teachers looking for classroom feedback
Cost: $9.99
Features: Essay grader comes with a bank of pre-written comments and helps teachers cut down on grading time without writing the same comments over and over again by hand
How to Use: After assigning a grade, teachers can then eMail the grade sheet directly to the student or export it to the computer for editing and printing

Source: Jenna Zwang, eSchool News

Tool for students' self-publishing

URL tool for students to publish their own writings:
http://coolcatteacher.visibli.com/share/DgYva2

PBS LearningMedia - Digital Resources

With thousands of digital media resources to hook every student and classroom, this new service, free to educators everywhere, is your destination for curriculum planning. Dive in through a robust search that delivers what you need, when you need it.

Ecology, Grades 4-6, http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/content/idptv11.sci.life.eco.d4keco/
Discover how all living and non-living things interact in an ecosystem. Learn about biomes, the food chain, ecosystems, and more in this info-packed video. Watch now.

Amazon Rainforest, Grades K-5
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/content/tdc02.sci.life.oate.rainforest/
One quarter of prescription medicines include rainforest plants. Understand the major threats to one of earth's most fragile ecosystems, home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Learn more.

Frozen Frogs, Grades 6-12
The common wood frog displays an amazing adaptation for surviving harsh, cold winters. See how it’s able to freeze solid without damaging its cells, and then resume function in the spring. Learn more.

Guess How Whales Hear!, Grades K-5
What does the ocean sound like to a whale? (It isn’t quiet). This resource reveals how one marine biologist used the scientific process to uncover what and how whales hear. Learn more.

Biomes, Grades 3-12
From grasslands to tundra, get the facts on biomes. This interactive features seven different biomes and includes maps, charts, photos, and essential information. Learn more.

Antarctic Ecosystem, Grades 5-12
Investigate the variety of organisms that inhabit the unique southern polar ecosystem. Explore the region's living bounty with this activity. Learn more.

Source: PBS