I recently purchased 6 ipod touches (with school funding) for my students to use in the classroom and I have noticed that I have been stressed about getting the best "apps" for education. I have been doing tons of research and testing individual apps to assess their value. I even attended an Apple Conference a few weeks ago about how to use effective Apps in the classroom. What I realized was that too much attention is focused on the "apps" themselves, and too little attention is focused on professional development for project-based learning, and how to use "apps" as an option for projects.
In this uncertain world, where technology is constantly evolving, we should remember that the number one app that we must be able to successfully operate is our brain. We must be able to use our brain in order to ask questions, collect information, discover answers, and create solutions to prepare for the difficult challenges that life throws at us.
All I ever hear when someone has a problem is, "there's an app for that". Well guess what, we as teachers need to prepare our students for the 21st Century Workplace, and there's no app for that. It's so easy to get wrapped up in this 21st century technology craze, but its important for teachers to remind students that technology is not always the answer to everything. Therefore, I have created the one "app" that solves all of our problems. Its called MyBrain and its currently the most underrated app off the market.
Pros of MyBrain
- MyBrain is readily accessible when I need it
- MyBrain is completely free
- MyBrain can be used for every level of Blooms Taxonomy
- MyBrain will always keep up with technology
- MyBrain will never crash on me
- MyBrain is customized to my needs
- MyBrain can solve all of my problems
- MyBrain will never run out of "storage"
- MyBrain can download other apps, if needed
Cons of MyBrain
- MyBrain can end up in the "cloud" every once in awhile
- MyBrain still needs to recharge at night
- MyBrain regularly needs to be updated with new data and information
It seems as if the pros outweigh the cons and I give MyBrain a personal rating of 5 stars.
The Practice of "Appstinence"
Aside from MyBrain, I would like to challenge my students and colleagues to practice (what I call) "Appstinance" for one week. I define "appstinence" as the act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite or desire for mobile applications or "apps" on smart devices. The challenge would be for students and teachers to go without using "apps" for a whole week. Students and teachers would have to rely on their brains for one week without the assistance of technology devices. Are you up for the challenge?
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