Hi, my name is Lisa, and I’m an app hoarder.

Everyday, I watch my PLN Twitter stream and subscribe to app review blogs all in hopes of snagging a FREE app.

I download, download, download. All with good intentions, of course. That app may be good for grade 3. That app may be good for science. Oh, my. Can’t let that app get away. It may be useful to someone at some point! And right now it is free.

I do try my best to try out the apps, but there are so many. I keep adding them to the iTunes account; however, there isn’t enough time in the day to get them installed on the iPads and figure out which app would match which teacher’s style and curriculum. I admit it: I just can’t keep up. I’m trying to drink from the fire hose.

I read some good advice recently… and unfortunately, I’m not sure where as my mind is filled up and clouded with apps (and allergies- that’s another issue)… but someone said just find a few good apps that work across grade levels and subjects. Then give those apps a chance. Show them to teachers. Get people thinking about the possibilities. Try the apps out with students. Experiment. Hopefully, this will lead to the discovery of new applications, and of course, learning.

Going in this new direction, I only have loaded a few (well, a decent sampling of) external apps from my extensive downloads on our iPad Minis. Instead of making particular subject matter folders of apps (which would be bursting at the seams… and I’m pretty sure they all wouldn’t fit any way), there is a folder titled: Create.

The Create folder contains:   Animoto, ComicBook, iMovie, My Story – Book Maker for Kids, Pic Collage, PicPlayPost, ScreenChomp, Story Creator, and Tellagami

These are apps that I think can be used in multiple ways to help students analyze and even synthesize their learning. Some of the choices are based on last year’s trials as well as other teacher’s recommendations. (Yes, a couple are similar types of apps, but I think I will have more of a chance to evaluate which one works best. Then I’ll slim things down more.)

So, I am moving forward. Of course, I can’t help myself and still will LOOK at those free apps and reviews- just in case. (Did I mention I still have dozens of laundry detergent caps and shoe boxes still stashed away from when I taught first and second grade in the late 90’s?! You know- I may need those some day!)