Lindsey Kickert
Ashley Mora
Mobile App Critique
1) Identify and describe a mobile app you have located and used.
a) The app is called iMathematics. The author of this app is Antonio Giarrusso. There is a free version of the app with limited features and there is a $2.99 version with more features. This app is available for the iPhone, iPad, and android. The website is in Italian so it may not be helpful for most students: http://werasoft.com/app/imathematics/
b) The purpose of this app is to help students study mathematics. The intended audience of this app would be high school students in math classes: pre algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra 2, statistics, trigonometry, and calculus. It could even be used by college students who need a refresher for their math classes. Once a student selects a topic, which includes arithmetic, algebra, plane geometry, solid geometry, analytic geometry, goniometry, analysis, trigonometry and probability, within the app they can select a subtopic to study. Each subtopic provides a definition, properties, useful resources, tips and tricks and flash-quiz. Each of these subtopics allows students the chance to learn and refresh a topic in mathematics. Students can then add a topic to their favorites for quick reference, add their own notes, print the provided notes and share the notes on Facebook and Twitter. There are also Utilities that the student can use. These include: calculator, equation solver, fraction approximator, graphic calculator, advanced calculator (connects to WolframAlpha), system solver, matrix solver, and quick form (glossary). The free version only allows its users to use the following Utilities: calculator, equation solver, fraction approximator, and advanced calculator. These Utilities provide students with more resources to help them solve a given math problem. The advanced calculator connects to WolframAlpha. If a student inputs an equation they get a graph, alternate forms of the equation, real and complex solutions and a number line. Students can also search a given topic which makes this app a quick reference for students who misunderstood a concept in class or would like additional practice.
2) Critique the app
a) Strengths
i) Favorites button: This can be helpful for students who use this app as a reference associated with their math class. As they are talking about a topic in their math class they can put the topic in the favorites section for quick access while doing homework and studying for a test.
ii) Add your own notes: If this is a tool that a student uses to study with they can input their own class notes to expand the given definition and properties.
iii) Print option: If a student does not want to look at a small screen while they are studying, they can print out the given notes and then write on them too.
iv) Post to Facebook and Twitter: Students can help other students study if there is a common misconception within the class.
v) Utilities: calculator, equation solver, fraction approximator, graphic calculator, advanced calculator (connects to WolframAlpha), system solver, matrix solver, quick form (glossary)
vi) Search button: If a student knows a given subtopic but does not know where it is located they can quickly search the subtopic.
vii) WolframAlpha
The overall idea of the strengths for students is that they now have an additional resource to utilize. Although the app cost $2.99, the idea of having all this information in the palm of your hands is useful. Students would be able to use this to study on their way from/to school, on bus trips, or even a few minutes before a test. Since technology is huge with students, being able to use this for math may increase the chances they will study. The utilities serve as a great way to check homework. As a future teacher, we think this app can be beneficial to us as well. It is a great way to refresh on material we have not taught in awhile. Along with that we can promote technology with math in an appropriate matter.
b) Weaknesses
i) Italian language throughout: proportion and properties, combinations
ii) Price to get all of the features
The biggest weakness of this app is the price tag of $2.99. Although it may not seem like a lot students would like to see the price free. As teachers, we need to consider not all students have phones that have the capability to have apps. Although we can let students know about this, it may beneficial to find an alternative for students who cannot use this app. Also as a student it can be frustrating to look something up and see it in another language. As a teacher it will be important to look at almost every aspect and keep a list of errors. That way when students question it you are aware and can direct them to another resource.