Smart phones are becoming increasingly popular. Now that they are becoming more affordable, it is not that uncommon to see people in every economic bracket with one. The PEW Research Center has completed surveys about the demographics of smart phone users.
I heard about using cell phones as a tool during tutor training at the Adult Literacy League. But after the trainer explained how she came to it, it made complete sense. Her student wanted to practice the new words he was learning, but didn’t want to be embarrassed as a grown man using flash cards. After many trail and error experiments, they found an application that would work well for both of them. I decided to compile a list of 4-5 applications for the most popular smart phones. I suggest that you try out a couple and see what works for your student. The gFlash allows you as the tutor to upload a list of words for your student to use, or you can download a list already made by someone else. All of the Dictionary.com applications include audio so users can see how the word is spelled and hear how it is pronounced. Is there anything else you would add?
IPHONE
Flash cards + $0.99 English Voice download- FREE
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flashcards/id408490162?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
Dictionary.com (includes pronunciation button) – FREE
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dictionary.com-flashcards/id446342262?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
Math games- FREE
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-math-flash-cards-app/id412496588?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
World Lens (Translates street signs) – FREE
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/01/07/10-of-the-best-apps-for-education/2/?
Top 50 iPhone apps for Educators
http://oedb.org/library/features/top_50_iphones_for_educators
ANDROID
Spanish-English Dictionary ColorDict Dictionary- FREE
http://tech4world.net/the-best-android-applications-for-education.html
Math Wizard- FREE
http://www.appsnews.org/2010/06/mathwizard-android-app-review/
gFlash (create your own flashcards)- FREE
http://www.androidapp101.com/gflash-android-app-1381.html
Dictionary.com(includes pronunciation button)- FREE
http://www.androidapp101.com/dictionary-com-flashcards-android-app-2161.html
BLACKBERRY
gFlash PRO flashcards (create your own or download someone elses)- $4.99
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/134?lang=en
Math Flash- FREE
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/28944?lang=en
Student Notes (good for those studying for the GED)- FREE
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/37789?lang=en
Learn to Write- FREE
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/27646?lang=en
Dictionary and Thesaurus.com- FREE
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3626?lang=en