Apps+Reviewed

=APPS REVIEWED=


 * = Note Taking ||= Art ||= Math ||= Religion ||
 * = Study Aids and Graphic Organizers ||= English ||= Performing Arts ||= Science ||
 * = Utilities and Productivity ||= Foreign Language ||= Physical Education ||= Social Studies ||
 * = eReaders ||=  ||=   ||=   ||

Note Taking Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Note Taker HD || 4.99 || Allows handwriting, annotation of pdf's, notes are tag-able, can email notes || No typing, handwriting recognition is poor, no notebook organization, can ONLY email notes ||
 * Sundry Notes Free || FREE || Allows typing and handwriting, has loose notebook structure, embedded calculator, notes are tag-able, embedded internet search without leaving notes, can "snip" images through browser, can add personal photos to notes, allows for voice recording, can email notes, send to cloud storage (sundrynotes.com) or iTunes (on a computer), can import from Dropbox, Evernote, Google Docs or iTunes || Difficult to switch between typing and handwriting, notebook structure is very loose (no section dividers), handwriting and highlighting recognition is poor, cannot send BACK to Dropbox, Evernote or Google Docs, cannot import PowerPoints, difficult to find information (storage limit?) on website, have to initiate sync (not automatic), Pro upgrade costs $4.99 and only removes watermark and allows background image chages ||
 * Evernote || FREE || Syncs to cloud automatically, can email in notes or images, notes are tag-able and searchable, can create "loose" notebooks || Only allows 40MB/month, can pay ($4.99/month or $44.99/year) for 500MB/month and local storage to work offline, no handwriting, notebook organization is loose (no section dividers) ||
 * Notes Plus || 4.99 || Can type and handwrite, handwriting recognition is okay, palm rejection available || Have to work to configure palm rejection, no notebook organization, page moves around a lot, ||
 * Penultimate || 3.99 || Handwriting only || No left-hand palm rejection, no typing, cannot import pdfs, etc into the app ||
 * Smart Note || FREE || Allows notebooks; good selection of page styles; notes can be locally saved, emailed, exported as pdfs or HTML, can do voice recordings, can import pdfs, notebooks are tag-able and searchable by tags and content, || Screen does not rotate to landscape mode in pen mode - only in typing mode, palm rejection is aggravating, difficult to switch between pen and typing modes; the "Smart Write" within the text box is reminiscent of a Palm Pilot ||
 * Noterize || 2.99 || Can ONLY import pdfs and PowerPoints; can import files from Dropbox and documents folders(?); allows for right and left hand palm protection; can use "Note set" to make a notebook; can annotate PowerPoints; can record audio; files are shared as pdfs through email, Google Docs, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Docs folder, NoteTaker HD, QuickOffice, iAnnotate PDF, SmartNote || DOES NOT import Word (text files) or Excel files, Refers to online Dropbox instead of local copy (requires wi-fi); handwriting is poor; palm protection is a little glitchy; Cannot create sections within notebook; limited selection of page styles; cannot send notes to Pages or Keynote; ||
 * Underscore Notify || 1.99 || an note taking app – uses an extensive range of formats ( word, excel, powerpoint, PDF) || includes WIKIPEDIA as a search reference option ||

Study Aids and Graphic Organizers Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * WolframAlpha || 1.99 || Good for quick reference, narrows down information better than Googling, gives solutions (for checking answers) || LINKS TO WIKIPEDIA!!!! Eliminates the teaching-moments of good research, their FREE website does the same as this paid app, gives answers - NOT details for solution ||
 * Flashcards Deluxe Lite || FREE || can download pre-made flash cards from Quizlet.com || Free version limits to 4 decks and 4 cards per deck, must pay ($3.99) to have unlimited cards, pre-made cards are from unknown sources and curriculum, ||
 * Inkling || FREE || Provides ways to annotate digital textbooks; Includes for free Elements and Rules of Writing (but not MLA) || Required to use their digital textbook library which has only VERY limited college curriculum as of now; textbooks are very expensive when purchased as a whole ($150 for Biology), can buy chapters individually ($3.99/chapter); ||
 * iThoughts HD || 9.99 || Shares through email, wi-fi direct transfer, photos, Dropbox; can add notes || no outline function, have to add ideas individually (could not figure out how to rapid add); limited colors, shapes and icons; cannot hide notes; not nearly as powerful as Inspiration ||
 * Idea Sketch || FREE || switched easily between graphic and outline modes, 1st and 2nd level added and linked fine, started having problems with 3rd level info; can email, save to photos or send to Facebook || could not create any additional info past third tier without individually adding but then cannot link; limited icons and colors; cannot edit in outline mode ||
 * Wikipanion || FREE || Link to WIKIPEDIA || includes WIKIPEDIA as a search reference option ||
 * Converter || 1.99 || converts mass, distance, currency, area, temperature ||  ||

Utilities and Productivity Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Pages || 9.99 || the word processor is very similar to MS Word and can read existing word documents that are stored in Dropbox or on the school server. While printing has been achieved due to the new operating system, || Pages does not interact with note taking app (to our knowledge) and we question how students will be able to store their work other than emailing it to themselves or using the DropBox program. ||
 * Keynote || 9.99 || the presentation program that is similar to Power Point can read existing Power Points and offers a number of templates to create new presentations. ||  ||
 * Numbers || 9.99 || the spreadsheet program that is similar to MS Excel can read existing spreadsheets and create new ones. || We have not had time to fully test its ability to manipulate data via formula- that work is ongoing. ||
 * Dropbox || FREE || Accesses Dropbox account; can get files out as follows: Document files go to Pages, Docs to Go, Quick Office, Sundry Notes; PDFs go to: Quick Office, Noterize, Note Taker HD, iAnnotate PDF; PowerPoints go to QuickOffice, Noterize, Keynote, Docs to Go; can only create folders not documents || The ability to send BACK to Dropbox depends on the app used to edit/create the files; ||
 * Docs to Go || 9.99 || Dropbox can save files in here; can create files in Word, Excel formatting; can sync docs to other computers through a free account; can upload to pages, quickoffice, sundry notes or print central; can add bulleted lists, change paragraph indents, fonts, colors, etc; has find and replace. Word count || Only app that sends files in here is Dropbox; premium upgrade ($7.99 through the free version, $16.99 from app store – Premium allows for PowerPoint) ||
 * File Browser || 2.99 ||  ||   ||
 * iAnnotate PDF || 9.99 || can fetch from web, AJI PDF service (?) or “set up new account”, uploads to iTunes, Quickoffice, Noterize, NoteTaker HD or smartNote; can highlight, write underline or scratch through; can add flags and stamps (arrows, smiley faces, grades (A+ through F-), some numbers (-3, etc.) || more complicated than it needs to be (has a 37 page users guide!), not worth the money – the note taking apps that do take pdfs annotate just fine and aren’t this expensive. ||
 * Dual Browser || FREE || browse to webpages side by side, can set search engine (Google, Yahoo or Bing) || works fine. ||
 * Google || FREE || Voice search; links to personal Google accounts to access Google apps: Gmail, calendar, docs, books, translate, news, maps, you tube, earth., etc. || None, works well. ||
 * Google Earth || FREE || quick loading, can search addresses, can search from addresses saved in contacts, can search major monuments || Google Earth is an underutilized app at SSA, but this iPad app is a watered down version on the full (free) online tool on a full laptop, many of the features are stripped away: layers (street view, for example), accessible tours, self recorded tours ||
 * Dragon Dictation || FREE || Understands speech with a few mistakes, can set contacts up to be recognized, can email text or post to Facebook or Twitter; can use "advanced" commands for punctuation, format, etc; || Can only email text; have to learn "advanced" commands to get formatting ||
 * Print Central || 9.99 || Print to ALL printers. Print direct to most WiFi/Wireless printers without additional software. Print to ALL printers and any document type via your Mac/PC. Print remotely over 3G and in corporate/other networks where WiFi is not available. View, store & print email, documents, files, attachments, photos, contacts and web pages on your IPAD ||  ||
 * Quick Office || 19.99 || “best full-featured MS Office suite”, can edit Word, Excel, files can browse thru (almost) traditional looking file tree, can get files thru Dropbox, Google Docswi-fi transfer, iTunes sync; can open email attachments; saves back to Dropbox; || would like more time to investigate, but so far... limited functionality in Excel (highlighting of multiple selected cells, for example); crashed when uploading to Dropbox! ||
 * Adobe Ideas || FREE || A basic whiteboard, can change pen color and thinkness, can draw on photos || Doesn't do much other than serve as a whiteboard ||
 * EClicker || Free for Students / || is a personal response system that allows teachers to poll their class during a lesson. It provides teachers with the real-time feedback they need to be sure their messages are being received. ||  ||
 * WebEx || FREE || You can expect high-quality multi-stream video conferencing, zoom into video, toggle between video and shared content, even host meetings. ||   ||

eReaders Top
taking in the text, works well, beautiful ereader, can search the text || books cost the same as "paper books", can not annotate in handwriting ||
 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * ibook || Free but nonpublic domain books are not free || beautiful interface, limited highlighting and note
 * Classics2go || Free || Beautiful rendering of public domain books || can not highlight, annotate, would need to check translations ||
 * Nook || Free but books are not free || nice rendering, better selection of books than ibook, can highlight and add notes, can search the text || highlighting is choppy and can not handwrite notes in the book, ||
 * Course Smart || FREE ||  ||   ||

Art Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Doodle Buddy || FREE || basic drawing app, lots of icons that make sounds when used, several backgrounds included, can draw on photos, can download additional backgrounds || elementary drawing game, no application in high school math or art ||
 * Photoshop Express || FREE || Very basic editing options: can crop, straighten, rotate or flip; cahange exposure, saturation, tint or contrast; change to sketch, soft focus or sharpen; add limited effects and borders || very watered down version of the current software in use, Digital Art would need a better program or a computer lab to function as they do now ||

English Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Story Kit || Free ||  || very marginal, not great, it is an iphone app, can make a basic book with little you can do with it ||
 * Accella Study Vocabulary || Free || makes flashcards out of SAT voc words, will quiz students with SAT words, good standarized test study app || none except that it will aid SAT study prep ||
 * Shakespeare in Bits || 14.99 || audio visual depiction of the play, has text next to a comic like graphic, can click on the words in the text to get a modern translation, graphic rich character map and character description, has analysis || is it the correct translation? Where is this information coming from?? ||
 * Romeo & Juliet 2.0 || .99 || original text and modern translation side by side. Maker is Lit Charts || Free on internet, who wrote this translation? Where is this information coming from? ||
 * Lit Charts || .99 || "alternative to sparknotes", || free on the internet, who wrote this? Where is this information coming from? Website does not state where the content comes from. ||
 * Literary Analysis Guide || 1.99 || graphic organizer of literature terms, definitions, and examples, || nice but is it worth the money? ||
 * Max Journal || 1.99 || journaling app that can include pictures || can only type, no handwriting, only export via email if you have your email pushed through Apple ||
 * Essay Grader || 5.99 || can click on preset comments to grade essays, can type comments as well. Has the capability to email the comments to the student but could not make that work. || also aval. for pc and mac, could not determine where the grade "form" went, states it needs itunes for sharing the file, would still need the printed essay to correct to return to students so they can see mistakes. ||
 * Dictionary.com || FREE ||  ||   ||
 * Natalie Brooks || Free || ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- brief story with search puzzle game || elementary school app- not appropriate for high school ||
 * Recorder HD || 2.99 || allows students to audio record notes, would be beneficial to auditory learners, states it can transfer via email only if you are using apple email push, Only exports to itunes, not to a note taking app. || policy questions regarding taping teachers in class, would need to address students that wish to only record classes and not take notes. ||
 * Free Books for Education ||  || Recommended by Maureen Brim from Apple- could not find it ||   ||
 * ibrainstorm || Free || basic "piece of paper" to brainstorm on, can put post it notes on it, can email if use it with apple push email, and can send to photos, || can't send to a note taking device, From a review: "no cues on how to use this except cryptic icons", only has black ink, no outlining feature ||
 * Alice for the ipad || Free || Lite version is free, there is a cost version, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, this is a new take on the pop up book || ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ||
 * Creative Writing- End Writer's Block || Free || USELESS!!!!!! || iphone app, directly from the app- "**setting an intention is probably the most powerful and effective way to ignite change and take control of your life. Intentions speak directly to your subconscious and when you set an intention, you will find that the the Universe seems to work on your behalf and amazing things will start to occur" //THIS IS SCARY!!!!!!!!//** (COMMENT FROM TRACEY) ||
 * Useful English Phrases || Free || lists phrases for public speaking and conversational phrases || iphone app, this information could easily be found on a website ||
 * iknow Phonics ||  ||   || ELEMENTARY LEVEL - NO REVIEW NEEDED ||
 * Twitter ||  ||   || Can't use twitter at school ||
 * Spel it Rite || Free || Says words and you have to pick the correct spelling of the work, so far it is basic words but it is a game to go over commonly misspelled words || iphone app, limited use ||

Foreign Language Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Spanish Audio Flash Cards || FREE ||  ||   ||
 * French Audio Flash Cards || FREE ||  ||   ||

Math Top

 * **App** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Graphing Calculator HD || 1.99 ||  ||   ||
 * Quick Graph || FREE || can switch between 2D quadrant and 3D (x, y, z axes), can rotate 3D graph to see from another angle, pretty intuitive, good graphics. || to graph inequalities, must pay for $1.99 upgrade, would not want to rely on this as the main graphing calculator (replacing the TI-84) since the iPad cannot be brought into standardized tests, nice as a supplement, though ||
 * iMathematics || FREE ||  ||   ||
 * Pocket CAS || FREE || offers 11 tutorials to teach use of this app, can calculate and make graphs, can add units and make unit conversions, includes algebra and calculus functions || Not very intuitive, too many directions and short-hand methods needed to do basic math, ||
 * Math Reference Free || FREE || a reference for formulas/theorems for algebra, geometry, trig, probability, calculus and physics || only works in vertical mode, not meant to explain the use of the formulas, just list them. ||
 * Calculator Pro || FREE || When iPad is vertical, calculator goes to simple operations; when iPad is horizontal, calculator goes to scientific mode; has all basic exponential and trig functions, degrees and radians || Order of operations is glitchy (ex. can't do 6*pi, but can do pi*6); PRO upgrade ($1.99) includes extra themes (not worth the $$); Why isn't this included in the original settings? ||
 * Easel Algebra Lite || FREE ||  ||   ||
 * Doodle Buddy || FREE || basic drawing app, lots of icons that make sounds when used, several backgrounds included, can draw on photos, can download additional backgrounds || elementary drawing game, no application in high school math or art ||
 * Intro to Math || 4.99 || Did not download, see challenges || From description, screen images and reviews: Montessori curriculum, Elementary math, number tracing and counting ||
 * Math Board || 3.99 || Did not download, see challenges || From description, screen images and reviews: elementary math app for basic 4 operations ||
 * Math Sheet Calculator || FREE || basic calculator with simple trig and exponential functions, updates solution as you work through order of operations || I can't figure out how to type in some functions (ex. the cube root of 8) ||
 * Proportion Solver || FREE || solves proportions, that's all || does not explain or show the steps taken to solve, have to clear each cell individually instead of clearing all cells simultaneously, not worth it. ||
 * WowMath.org - Calculus || FREE || videos work through examples, gives some practice problems with solutions worked out || iPhone app, when zoomed 2x to fill iPad screen, resolution is lost, Free version only has 9 videos, would need to purchase full versions ($0.99 each - there are 2) for the full app; professor has his videos on YouTube (for free) and a website with videos and classroom notes - could use now ||
 * Number Line || FREE || play with placing a mix of fractions, decimals and percentages in order on a number line, numbers turn green when placed correctly or red when placed incorrectly, good for Algebra 1 students who don't have this concept down. || iPhone app, original size is small but can zoom in with lost resolution, ||
 * Fraction Factory || FREE || play with placing fractions on a number line between 0 and 1, gives feeling for approximate values, good for Algebra 1 students still struggling with Fractions || iPhone app, original size is small but can zoom in with lost resolution, seems to only have 1 level ||

Performing Arts Top

 * **Apps** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Reel Director ||  || has basic editing features (clipping, cropping,, can pull music from iPad's iTunes library || very few options, no advanced features (speed, green screen, multi layered audio tracks), very glitchy - had once been able to render movie, but cannot now (after OS 4 updated?), can't preview movie until it renders (time consuming), videos are for a different version and offer no help... ||

Physical Education Top

 * **Apps** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||

Religion Top

 * **Apps** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Bible || FREE || from www.youversion.com, multiple versions/translations available to download for free || Have to connect to wi-fi to download different translations (but once downloaded you have offline access), ||

Science Top

 * **Apps** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Elements || 14.99 || shows a physical 3D image of each element, gives: atomic radius, crystal structure, orbital configuration, atomic weight, density, melting/boiling point, electronegativity; % in universe, sun, earth’s crust, ocean, humans; || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">too expensive – doesn’t do enough extra to justify price, links to WolframAplha which links to WIKIPEDIA!!!!! ||
 * Periodic Table || FREE || free; gives: element name, symbol, number, family group, metal/non-metal, state @ room temp, electronegativity, radioactivity, orbtal levels, graphic with orbitals; can color code by group, metal/non-metal, electronegativity, radioactivity, melting/boiling point, state @ room temp; additional info (details) gives above plus melting/boiling point, density, % in earth’s crust, ionization energy, year of discovery, atomic weight, info re: name, symbol and family || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">does not rotate into landscape mode, ||
 * The Elementals || FREE || None. || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">crashed each time I tried to open ||
 * EleMints 2 || FREE || Groups are color coded, a click on an element gives name, symbol, atomic number, metal/non-metal, rounded atomic weight, can click for additional info BUT... || Additional info links to WIKIPEDIA!!!!!! ||
 * Molecules || FREE || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">allows user to control rotation; can change between ball and stick, cylinder and space filling mode; goes to RCSB Protein Data bank to pull info or custom location; info gives atom count, sequence, author and source info || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">sequence given, but can’t tell what the color coding means for each molecule ||
 * 3D Medical Images || FREE || free, high-quality graphics, can switch into index or search after selecting an image, links to to 3D4Medical.com || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">home page is not sorted into categories, cannot get into search or index w/o clicking on an image first, can click on an image to get description, but descriptions give very little info, ||
 * 3D Brain || FREE || nice 3D images of brain, can rotate as you wish, can select certain structures to focus on, can show labels, can get additional info, links given for additional info, links to medical journals given || loses labels when rotating brain ||
 * 3D Cell Stain || FREE || <span style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Cell - can rotate cell, has videos of cell stains; Stain – can stain 4 different cell structures || 3D Cell - label view is not rotatable; Stain – limits to 4 stainable structures, I would need more knowledge of the stain types, videos may only be applicable to AP students (they seem more on a college level) ||
 * (Pocket) Heart 3D || 1.99 || Did not review, has mixed ratings || iPhone app: In general, other iPhone apps lose resolution as they are not made for the larger iPad screen ||
 * Science Vocabulary || FREE || good app, source is www.visionlearning.com, vocab for earth and life sciences and chemistry, shows links to other vocab at bottom once a word is chosen || very little physics vocab ||
 * Finger Physics Free || FREE || incorporates physics concepts into a game || includes ads, it’s a game (i.e. addictive time waster), would be difficult to integrate educationally into class ||
 * Planets || FREE || can determine your location and give 2D and 3D images of constellations and planet locations in night sky, has rotating globe that shows day/night, can show times at which planets are visible in the sky, provides details on each planet || not sure of app's application to SSA (does anyone do a planet unit?), but it's free... ||
 * Starwalk for iPad || 4.99 || Did not review, has good ratings || Did not review ||
 * Newton's Cradle || FREE || allows you to virtually play with a Newton's Cradle || Pointless. Not worth the storage space when we have an actual Newton's cradle in the classroom ||
 * Coaster Physics || 0.99 || great simulation; provides graphic of speed and acceleration, energy, and g force as the ride progresses. Can build own rollercoaster || would use the existing simulations; building a simple coaster is easy and concept learning can be maintained; building a complex coaster would take a long time – lessons can better be demonstrated with existing simulations. ||
 * Video Science || FREE || many good videos for teachers to get quick videos for demonstration or lab purposes, was pleased with instructor, group has a web site: www.sciencehousefoundation.org || Better use for teachers than students, can get to videos online (app not necessary - can be used now!) ||

Social Studies Top
ipad curriculum || not challenging at all for high school students || American History documents and speeches nice collection of these resources, organized by period || most of this information could be found free on the internet, not much video of recent events For example: the website livingroomcandidate.com gives much more video. ||
 * **Apps** || **Cost** || **COMMENTS** || **CHALLENGES** ||
 * Pearson Beyond Textbooks || Free || history games that will connect to a
 * American Dreams || 1.99 || collection of text, audio, and video of
 * The US Constitution || Free || text of the Constitution and Federalist Papers with nice graphics, basically just a collection || same text as one would get in a book or website- not interactive ||
 * Civil War- America's Epic Struggle || 4.99 || best history app found so far. Very nice collection of Civil War resources including audio and video, could develop a Civil War unit from this ||  ||
 * Westward || Free || wonderful for elementary school || not appropriate for the high school curriculum ||
 * Lincoln Letters Lite || Free ||  || just a collection of Lincoln letters with some multimedia. The lite version only shows an intro video. The reviews state it is not worth the cost for the real version. ||
 * History Tools || Free ||  || was recommended on a top app list but the reviews stated that it was very glitchy "can't be downloaded properly", "can't delete" so I chose not to corrupt my ipad. ||
 * WorldBook This Day in History || Free || brief statements of events that happened on this date in history, fun and nicely laid out, sponsored by World Book || just a basic listing of events of the day ||
 * Today in History || Free || list of events that happened this day in history; can sort into world events, famous birthdays, deaths, holidays; can share interesting events through Facebook or Twitter || just a basic listing of events of the day ||
 * National Geographic Atlas || 1.99 || n.g. wall maps that can be zoomed in and out, handy atlas, brief country facts, could be useful || not much in the interactive range and need to download new maps which takes a bit of time ||
 * National Geographic Geo Bee || 1.99 || nice game, but... || cannot customize questions or fit questions specifically to units being studied. Not worth it. ||
 * Maps of the World || FREE || scanned maps from UTexas Library; good selection; can search or sort by category or era; can zoom; || requires wi-fi connection to access info; downloads take a good bit of time; search takes a long time ||
 * World Countries || FREE || gives "Fact Book" for each country that includes flag, coat of arms, global location, population, etc; has country maps, continent maps and world maps || REFERS TO WIKIPEDIA!!!!! More of an Elementary app; iPhone app. In general, other iPhone apps lose resolution as they are not made for the larger iPad screen, screen stays the size of the iPhone, ||
 * GeoPhoto || Free || looked promising but...... || COULD NEVER GET IT TO WORK, WOULD NEVER DOWNLOAD THE PHOTOS ||