I was extremely surprised that there were so many cheap, easy and fun apps that were available as aids to learning in and out of the classroom.   The availibility and agency offered by these apps is brilliant.

Using apps such as skitch, piccollage, symbollab, epic and chatterpix, is simple and effective.  They are relevant and engaging to the twenty-first century student.  I, on the other hand, harbour a certain reservation bordering on animosity when it comes to apps and teaching.  I have had great experiences, however they have been interrupted by some nightmares.  As one may assume, a nightmare, either an undesired experience when sleeping or a metaphor for a disaster, most often afflicts on an individual, a stress response.   As such my negative experiences with apps have caused an apprehension regarding their use.

I was so happy that we were going to have an expert go through the ways in which to incorporate apps into teaching.  I looked forward to shedding my phobia  around tech apps, and as such increasing the tools in my teaching tool box.  I found our expert’s clear instructions and passion for edutech inspiring.  Before I knew it I was using the apps with considerable effectiveness.  I feel more than capable of implementing these resources into my practice.   I feel that they will bring a level of engagement, relevance and a medium for creativity and expression that I and my students will value greatly.

I plan on incorporating skitch and picollage into my next practicum as a worthy tool for demonstrating learning.

Thank you so much for the seminar, it really allowed me to move past my somewhat irrational apprehension regarding app employed student programing.

Zak