Characteristics of Good Apps

Student fit

• Developmentally appropriate
• Matches curricular needs (content)
• Meets students needs (at their level)
• Progresses at a gradual pace
• Provides challenges (at the right time)

Flexibility

• Multiple tools with multiple uses
• Can be individualized and adapted to students' needs
• Can work with a variety of ages
• Options to enlarge text, highlight, etc.
• Allows students to respond more than one way
• Accessible to ALL types of learners

Responsiveness

• Interactive
• Provides feedback
• Provides reinforcement (rewards)

Interface

• Visually appealing
• Clean interface
• Not over-stimulating
• No pop-ups or advertisements

Usability

• Easy to use
• Provides instructions
• Includes a video tutorial

Sharing/Reporting

• Products can be shared with others
• Can show progress--use reports for data driven instruction
• Students can see visual graph of progress

Effectiveness

• Promotes academic gains
• Does what it says it does
• Motivating
• Connects to the curriculum

Purchasing

• Affordable
• Allows a free trial
• Avoid in-app purchases