Letters+&+Writing

Daniella Sada Erika Gonzalez __ Letter & Writing Apps __

3 apps:
 * 1) Alphabuild
 * 2) ABC Easy writer-Painting HD Free Lite
 * 3) Alphabet Fun

1. Alphabuild

The first app we chose is Alphabuild, which helps children learn to form letters in a fun and interactive way, where you have to build letters by catching different colored shapes with a light field. We believe that this is a very educational app because it makes children identify the lines which form the letters in a very entertaining and unique way. We thought it was very friendly-user and easy to use. Each time the user completes the given tasks he or she receives a reward that encourages the children to continue learning.

The application counts with different special features. The ones that got our attention were the ability to control the game speed while tilting your device, a detailed and easy tutorial section, and the options the user has to customize their app with different game screens. We think this app easily accomplishes what the ASFM rubric refers to as "Student Engagement".

We went through some of the reviews given to this product and most of them were completely positive. They all agreed on this app being a unique and fun way for kids to learn.

http://www.appitic.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=97&sobi2Id=2479&Itemid=88

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2. ABC Easy writer-Painting HD Free Lite

This second app was another choice of us because of the age limit and the fact that it has no cost at all. First, kids from 2 years and up can use and interact with this app. Its design is easy to read and use. On the other hand, this was one of the few apps that being available free, would still count with the standard quality we were looking for. We also chose it due to the fact that it has been tested and approved by a wide audience. The pronunciation is clear and easy to understand.

One of the main aspects where we would have expected a bit more was in the engaging features for children that the first app clearly contained. After testing the app in the iPad we noticed that there is no feedback if you trace the letter wrong and we think it will help children notice if they´re making a mistake. However, we think the "App Content" for a free app like this one would be a very good deal.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abc-easy-writer-printing-hd/id435318741?mt=8

3. Alphabet Fun

This last app was more expensive but we thought it would still be a good choice. This app has been used by educators all around the world. The feature we liked the most was that you could learn in english, french, and even german. With a similar approach as the second app, this one lets the user trace and write letters and complete words. The audio has a very good quality and the feedback is great.

The price is a bit high, but it's a entertaining way to familiarize children with words, numbers and colors. This tool would be perfect for young students who are starting to write and I would definitely use this in my classroom. The students will likely be engaged because of the easy and intuitive way to use it, as seen in the video post.

http://www.appitic.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=97&sobi2Id=781&Itemid=88

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