Educational Apps for Class

Having explored some of the many different online tools and apps available, I found many do not fit with certain subjects or are specialized in their class fit. I looked at two that work in a design or creative professional classroom environment. These are some thoughts on them.

In-Class Version

The Educational Scenario:

In one lesson, the class is learning about typographic anatomy, which plays a part in projects and later concepts for type classifications. The subject matter can be straight forward, but not always attention grabbing, leaving the students with a lack of interest since they are not entertained.

The Tool:

Kahoot.

The quiz option helps the problem of low student participation early in the class. They usually have much higher participation rates later after they have become comfortable in the classroom.

It will also help the class as a whole in seeing how terms are applied when they need to choose their own for their first project. The questions in this case, would be mostly recall and understanding of the definitions. It could also bring in application of the terms later with classification lessons.

Challenges and Solutions:

The initial challenge was finding a tool that would be of benefit. This first needs to have the quiz set up with terms that would be applicable to this class and lecture, which may involve a quick turnaround since it is early in the quarter, and I have not learned the students yet. Knowledge of the material helps.

Phone solutions were essential, as the school did not have clickers or build in systems to use.

The next part would be to consult with other faculty to see if we could implement one system such as Kahoot and be in agreement. This allows the students familiarity with one format.

Recommendations:

Have the questions relevant to the specific lecture, not just for participation activities. This can allow the students to see how to evaluate the material and give the instructor relevant feedback on the student’s knowledge and interpretation. This can also be a guide on how the questions are chosen. Write them to see what you what to ensure the students understand the most in the lecture.

Results:

To early to tell on long term success, but a quick quiz can show improved attention. It warrants further exploration when it can be fully integrated into the course lecture and not a last minute testing of the system like this was. Improved responses showed lack of knowledge based on one viewing. It can lead to changes in the lecture format to show weaknesses there, while using a better incorporation time frame.

Online Version

The Educational Scenario:

This would be applied to a lighting class for video students. This class has hybrid qualities. Part of the projects outside of the classroom involve recognizing interesting light and identifying storylines to go with different light situations. One activity is finding examples of good light in naturally occurring places that could be reproduced for a movie scene.

The Tool:

GooseChase

This is a scavenger hunt tool that can be given goals of specific lighting scenes. By making a competition out of it, the students can be energized into looking at different scenes in a timely fashion.

Challenges and Solutions:

A major challenge is the price. Several hundred dollars for an event makes it more suitable for corporate retreats and marketing. The free version limits to 3 teams or individuals. In this case, the class tends to be small and can be divided into 3 teams reasonably well.

Other challenges, consistent with my classes, is finding tools that fit within my subject matter. Most are specific to higher end imaging and design programs that don’t fit the majority of apps.

Recommendations:

Do not try for a large group and plan out small groups carefully. This might be a fun way for after class activities or even having students set up hunts within their small groups. Give goals that can have different and creative interpretations in the images to capture and upload, allowing for critical thinking skills to be used.

Results:

Initial testing seems to show an improved interest in the activity in finding light scenes. The class does not run in the Spring, so a full classroom usage will have to wait.

The ability to download the content to a final review makes for a fun follow up to the activity which can be posted online for students to view and comment on. Through their comments we can see how their interpretations compare to other viewpoints and perspectives. It can also allow for different interpretations of the goals to find that lead into the discussions.