Mobile

Ten apps you should have for your classroom:

//Each of the following is an app I have on my Android phone. They are all compatible with Apple iOS as well! //

**1. Socrative -** This mobile quiz building app allows you to create and manage quizzes from your computer, tablet, or smart phone. Students can take quizzes or respond to questions such as exit tickets easily on their own devices. Socrative will allow you to download the results in a spreadsheet, or it will email you your students' responses in an easy to read format. This can greatly cut down on the paper you're using--and it's FREE!

**2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary -** Students can use this free app to look up words for vocabulary lessons, or when they are unsure of a definition. This app also has a pronunciation feature that is very useful when exploring advanced texts. In addition, the app has a wider range of words than those in the standard print student edition of their dictionary.

**3. Epson iProjection -** Epson has developed an app that allows you to connect your device directly to your classroom projector using BlueTooth technology. The app is free, but there is a catch. The projector must be new enough to be compatible. If yours is compatible, however, you can control presentations from you tablet or smart phone without the hassle of walking back to your desktop to click. It will also be great when students are presenting projects to the class.

**4. Twitter -** This may seem like a no brainer, but everyone should have the Twitter app. Not only is it convenient and easy to use--it also allows you to quickly share photos from your mobile device. Just imagine if a student creates an awesome visual aid. Instead of calling their parents to describe it, snap a photo and tweet them! This app is also free!

**5. Poetry from the Poetry Foundation -** Students can use this app to search for poems and to find new poems based on tags. A shake of the device scrambles the search topics. I just shook my phone and it rolled to "contentment" and "youth." Another shake takes me to "nostalgia" and "celebrations." Everyone from Coleridge to Yusef Komunyakaa is represented in the results list. If a student likes one, he can save it to his favorites to write about later. Free access to a treasure trove of poetry.

**6. Springpad -** Organization is made easy with this (also free) app. It resembles Pinterest, in that you can save pages or links to notebooks, much like boards. However, you can also create to do lists, create events, or even shop for products. You can easily share your content with other users. Signing up is easy and free. This could very easily be the one place you keep track of absolutely everything.

**7. Common Core by MasteryConnect -** This app contains the Common Core Standards in a very user friendly display. Users choose to look at the standards or the resources, and then select a subject and grade. It's free and simple. This will be so much faster than flipping pages in a heavy binder. Not to mention lighter!

**8. Easybib -** This app will revolutionize creating bibliographies. Students can download this (free) app, scan the bar code on the book they're referencing, and the citation will be created for them in MLA, Chicago, or APA format. They can also choose to look up the book, if scanning isn't possible. The app is limited, however, when it comes to online or periodical research. These sources are not supported.

**9. Evernote -** Much like Springpad, this app helps you stay organized. You manage content in notebooks, in which you can post events, reminders, photos, videos, and other files. This would be a great app to help students keep track of assignments, due dates, and other information. And, of course, it's free!

**10. TED Talks -** This free app takes you to a collection of amazing, inspirational, informative, and entertaining videos on a variety of topics. Not only can this app give you a boost when you're feeling glum, it also contains a plethora of enrichment opportunities. Students can go beyond the basics of a topic by watching an expert talk about what is actually currently going on in the field. This app serves as a great way to explore new content from TED.