Appsmash via Symbaloo

 Using Appsmash in the library


This week I went down the rabbit hole of using appsmash as a way of introducing students to apps and tools in order to create an organized and safe space to learn and connect apps. 

Using Symbaloo

    Here students can get an overview of all of the apps and tools they need for their assignments as well as get a quick glance at a dashboard of predetermined links.  Similar to bookmarks students can create an Appsmash (webmix) for personal links, school links, or even game links.  Several of the pre-created webmixes I found also had links to their own personal library catalogs, libguides, and 

This was a great way to start a learning board for the classroom or library.  Upon creating a board I was given existing helpful tools and space to add my own.  Additionally, I could view and save pre-created webmixes for any topic I wish.  

I also felt that this was a great way to introduce myself to some new apps that I hadn't known about before.  Below are some apps I would like to add to my library Symbaloo.

LibriVox - This app provides tons of audiobooks for students and teachers alike.  Many of the books are geared towards older kids.  I couldn't find many picture books in the catalog but there is an option to create your own read-aloud if needed for a lesson or distance learning.  Be aware of copyright issues when recording a read aloud.

TeacherTube - In the past I have used youtube (or safetube for an ad free and safer version) to show relevant videos.  TeacherTube provides videos created by teachers for teaching.  Search for specific lessons or general topics to get an idea of videos to share with students safely and efficiently for any unit you might want.

LightBot - one of my favorite coding apps for any level of education (even I love playing).  This is a fun app that teaches students how to code by making a robot move around the board.  Levels get increasingly difficult and students are constantly challenged.  knowing my current student body beginning these lessons at the end of 2nd grade or beginning of 3rd grade works best.  As always not every student will take to the game but there are several coding apps out there. 

Code.org - This application offers lessons for students of all ages (including kindergarten).  As the original Hour of Code provider, it offers tons of skill levels and interests for all students.  

Typingclub - One of the things I think is lacking in the classroom curriculum is instruction on how to type efficiently.  As technology and digital assignments become more of the norm than the infrequent students will need to learn how to type.  This is a lesson that lends itself perfectly to the library setting.

SpeakPipe - Often students are more comfortable speaking than writing responses. This can be used for quick book reviews or responses to a prompt.  Simply hit record, speak up to 5 min, and then copy the link to share your response with anyone you choose.

Piktochart and Canva - These are both great tools for creating posters, infographics, flyers, or other visual media for students to use as presentations.  They can be used by students to advertise clubs, fundraisers, or as a way of demonstrating learning of a topic.

Bubbl.us and Mindmup- This app is an easy to use way of mind mapping at the start of a research project.  Students can input their main idea or topic and then brainstorm topics that they can further research and write about.  In my personal opinion, Mindmup, produces a more appealing visual representation.

Google StoryMap/Tour Builder - using google maps and earth you can create a visual representation of where characters visit in your favorite books.  

Don't forget to check out these other apps mentioned by classmates:

GimKit - similar to Kahoot with power up options

Blooket - similar to GimKit

Game Salad - teaches foundations of coding

QuiverVision - 3D augmented reality coloring app

Explain Everything - interactive whiteboard

Big Huge Labs - photo manipulation

Doodle - online meeting scheduling tool

Timeline - 

Dance Mat Typing - typing practice, good for younger elementary students

Typing Pal

iCivics - civics and government instruction

Remind - group text messaging app - for older students

Toontastic 3D - draw, animate, and narrate 3D videos

Or these old favorites:

Bitmoji

flickr - image catalog easily searched by color, topic, allowances, etc.

Padlet

Diigo

Epic

ClassDojo

BrainPop! and BrainPop! Jr

Google Expeditions

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