Aurasma by Jessica

Name of App: Aurasma

Cost: Free

Devices: iPhone

Good

The innovative use of augmented reality, 3D imagery, it creates an interactive learning platform for students or individuals who may positively impact from the options available.  The use of the back-phone camera, allows the opportunity for personalised videos to be featured in designed content.  Otherwise there’s the opportunity to use general images which can be motion activated using a QR Reader. 

In all, the use of this app is positive, as it can be used for multiple purposes-educational or entertainment.  It can enhance learning through interaction.

Negative

The app requires the user to download a QR Reader to your device, to allow the content created to be viewed.  Therefore, this can be a little confusing to begin with.  Functions created may not always be suited to peoples’ tastes.  Therefore, the app offers the option for content to be changed and updated. 

The app requires WIFI or fast internet speed, so may not be accessible to everyone. 

An example:

Top Gear recently used one in their new monthly magazine.  The benefit of using Aurasma, offers client’s a more immersive experience into business activities.  If you’re able to, why don’t you have a look?

Efficiency – 9

Functionality – 7

Design – 7

Overall – 8/10

Popplet by Chloe

Name: Popplet

Cost: Free

Available on: Apple Only

Popplet is known for being one of the simplest tools to capture and organise people’s ideas.  Popplet is a giant mind map, which is helpful for students when planning assignments and revising for tests.  This an adaptable app, that can be used on all devices. 

To use the app: a question or statement is placed in the middle of the page, then lines can be drawn off it.  These ideas can be linked through images or text made available on the app.  I would recommend this app, as it will help students organise and plan ideas. 

Pinterest by Emily

Name of App: Pinterest

Cost: Free

Available on: Apple, Android, Windows Phone and Online

The app I chose was Pinterest where people upload images, gain ideas and share comments with one another. The app would be perfect for those that are into design, art and even technology. People could progress their work and for me personally i enjoyed sharing images and liking similar posts. The layout is simple, easy to use and could be used in a variety of different ways. I would recommend this app. 

Notes by Liam

Name of App: Notes

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple

What was good about this tool?

- Easy to use
- Installed on every iPhone by default
- Can be used on multiple Apple devices and shared across other platforms (but mayn't be able to edit)
- Easy to share notes = great for collaboration!
- You can draw on the note which is great for quick notes and diagrams

What was bad about this tool?

Its only available on Apple devices - but other operating systems have their own version.

How did you use this tool? 

- Creating a christmas list!
- Storing important information such as assignment meetings and student innovator deadlines.
- Making other lists - I also use it to make general lists for outside college.

Would you recommend this tool? 

Yes I would recommend this app, it is great for collaborating with other students and for making lists on the go for things that you need to do for assessments.

Adobe Spark (Video) by Bekii

Name of App: Adobe Spark (Video)

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple

In this app you can create slideshows of your pictures and add in your voice over.

This app is great for making presentations not only for your subjects but also for your memorable events. The only issue is if you don’t like the sound of your own voice you might need to go find a buddy who will record it for you as there is no option to just add music etc.

I also found that the app had quite a few random glitches where it would shut down and all your progress would be lost. Hopefully this will be fixed in future updates.

I would recommend students and staff to give it a go and let your creative side take over, you could end up creating a wonderful slideshow to look back on in years to come. It could also be useful for teachers to provide ‘lecture’ type PowerPoints especially those in art or photography where you can record questions and comments for students to listen to.

Inspiration by Bekii

Name of App: Inspiration

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple

This app was recommended to me by another student in the College Sixth Form. Essentially, you can create mind maps or essay plans and save them to your phone/tablet. There are many pre-set templates which can help guide and structure your brainstorming. There is the ability to add audio and images if needed as well.

At first it is a bit confusing to understand how to create and edit your mind map so I would advise taking a few minutes to play around with the functions first, however after a couple of minutes it is really quite simple.

I would recommend this app to any student, especially those who have trouble structuring an essay or linking concepts.