Apps

For Reflection and Discussion

Smartphone and computer tablet apps are used for many things, such as school. I use note taking apps to help me take notes in my classes so that I do not have to write all of my notes. The iBook app comes in handy for class sometimes so that I can read articles, like PDF files, that are assigned by the teacher. Slide Shark is one of my favorite apps because it allows me to open up PowerPoints from teacher’s websites. This app is helpful when the writing goes off of the PowerPoint slide and you cannot see it on the tablet. Another app that is extremely helpful is the email app. With it, I am constantly receiving notifications and I can check my email wherever I am.

Apps have changed me more as a consumer than as a student. Apps have made the functions of school work easier for me as a student; however, I believe that apps that connect me to social media have had more impact on me. I only use a few apps for school and I do not use them all of the time. The apps that I use all of the time are social media apps. I say that apps have changed me more as a consumer because I can always find out what my friends are doing and what is happening in the world. I feel that more of my time is being devoted to searching social media rather than school work. Apps can be beneficial and help support learning; however, I believe that for me apps have poisoned my study habits.

I believe that apps can be both tools for teachers and for students. While teaching, apps can be used during the lesson. For example, I have an app that is called Virtual Manipulatives. This app can be used in a math class to help students learn fractions in a new way. Teachers can use apps to help them come up with a new and interesting way to teacher their students. Students can use apps, especially apps that teachers recommend, to help them practice activities at home that they could not before. Apps can be beneficial to everyone who uses them and should not be defined as only a tool for certain people.


Sources:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193
https://www.slideshark.com/campaigns/slideshark-free-trial.aspx?tx=gg_ad_phrase_SSTE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/virtual-manipulatives!/id471341079?mt=8