Mobile Learning Services Releases Trio of Apps for Teachers to Support Common Core; 21st Century Learning
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The release of three mobile apps that can be used in the classroom or home to aid in reading and writing of students K-8.
- (1888PressRelease) February 18, 2013 - Mobile Learning Services has released its third app, CompareNContrast, to help teachers integrate Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning practices in their classrooms.
The trio of iPad apps: Tools4Students, ReadNRespond and CompareNContrast, offer teachers reusable graphic organizers, critical thinking question templates and digital "compare and contrast" worksheets that can be adapted to any reading material or lesson.
"These apps are a framework for teachers -- to be used over and over again -- that can be applied to any lesson plan," said Katherine Burdick, founder of Mobile Learning Services and a former teacher. "It's also a non-threatening way for a teacher to start using technology in the classroom, because they're used to seeing these worksheets on paper."
The apps, 99 cents each on iTunes, are eligible for the half- price volume discount for educators when purchasing 20 or more units.
Tools4Students offers 25 graphic tools to help students organize their thinking while reading or writing. ReadNRespond has six sets of 20 critical thinking questions that can be applied to any content, such as a book, movie or presentation. CompareNContrast has 35 sets of photos that students can analyze by listing similar and different traits within the app. "These types of tools are used frequently in a classroom. Offering them on a mobile device not only saves paper and toner, but allows a teacher to personalize students learning without stigma," Burdick said. "Advanced students can be assigned higher-lever thinking tasks, while remedial students can complete more basic tasks within the same app."
All three apps reinforce skills used in standardized tests. They allow for differentiated instruction, or reaching kids of multiple abilities in one classroom. They foster personalized learning, by allowing children to choose their own tasks. They employ critical thinking skills, an important component of Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning.
Mobile Learning Services apps can be used by an individual, in a small group or whole class situation. Results can be emailed, printed, stored on the device and may be shared through a projector with a larger audience.
Burdick, a former teacher, has developed educational products for Pearson Education and Scholastic, Inc. She was most recently vice president of product development for Learning A-Z.
Mobile Learning Services was created by a former educator to bring technology into the classroom in an easy-to-use way. The company creates apps that teachers can use to foster critical thinking skills and implement the Common Core State Standards and 21st Century Learning practices.
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