3 iPad apps to assist teaching mathematics

Mathboard

Featured in the recent iPad TV ad "Learn".

This is the best integer practice app or program I have found in 34 years of teaching math. - Tim Seiber, Math Teacher

MathBoard is a stunning app for teaching addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. The number of customization options available make this a brilliant app for making math fun for elementary school children. -www.androapple.com

MathBoard has charm without losing track of its fundamental purpose (Arithmetic drills). - MacWorld (4 out of 5 mice)

MathBoard is a fantastic math learning tool for your iPad. -- MathBoard is appropriate for all ages from kindergarten (with simple addition and subtraction problems) to elementary school where learning multiplication and division can be a challenge. You can control the range of numbers you want to work with, the amount of questions you want to answer and even assign a time limit per quiz. MathBoard will make learning math fun. 

MathBoard features:
- Random problem generation (up to 250 questions per quiz). 
- Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Squares, Cubes and Square Roots
- Number ranges are configurable from -9999 to 9999, including the ability to require certain numbers to be in each problem.
- Intelligent "wrong" answer generation makes guessing more difficult. Includes the ability to omit negative answers.
- A quiz can be timed, and timing can be set as a countdown timer or elapsed time.
- A quiz can be saved making it simple to replay a similar quiz or the same quiz at a later date.
- Wrong answers are reviewable with both the incorrect and correct answer visible (and equation displayed). You can even generate a quiz from just the wrong answers.
- Problem Solver for Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division will explain the required steps to solve these types of problems.
- Quick reference math tables for Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication.
- LanSchool EdApp certified.
- Supports VGA/HDMI/AirPlay Output.

Wolfram Alpha Algebra Assistant

Taking algebra? Then you need the Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant. This definitive app for algebra--from the world leader in math software--will help you quickly solve your homework problems, ace your tests, and learn algebra concepts so you're prepared for your next courses. Forget canned examples! The Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant solves your specific algebra problems on the fly, often showing you how to work through the problem step by step.

This app covers the following topics applicable to Algebra I, Algebra II, and College Algebra:

- Evaluate any numeric expression or substitute a value for a variable.
- Simplify fractions, square roots, or any other expression.
- Solve a simple equation or a system of equations for specific variables.
- Plot basic, parametric, or polar plots of the function(s) of your choice.
- Expand any polynomial.
- Factor numeric expressions, polynomials, and symbolic expressions.
- Divide any two expressions. 
- Find the partial fraction decomposition of rational expressions.

The Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant is powered by the Wolfram|Alpha computational knowledge engine and is created by Wolfram Research, makers of Mathematica---the world's leading software system for mathematical research and education.

The Wolfram Algebra Course Assistant draws on the computational power of Wolfram|Alpha's supercomputers over 2G, 3G, or WiFi connection.

 Includes tutorials, lessons, quizzes, flashcards, decision trees, calculators, and glossaries for terms, formulas, and symbols. 

◊ “This app is the best statistics tool I’ve ever seen.” 
◊ “This could very well be the future of university textbooks.” 
◊ “It's a great tool to go to for an easy answer.” 
◊ “I can learn anywhere or anytime.” 
◊ “The quizzes help ensure I comprehend the lessons.” 
◊ “It gives real-life examples in each lesson and tables so I can easily reinforce the information I just read. 

The app was designed by educational psychology Ph.D.s, statistics teachers, and software experts. Many of us learned stats the traditional, boring way – through books and lectures. We always wanted more interactive, visual, and engaging ways to learn stats. Statistics has many abstract concepts so we use real-world examples to anchor your understanding. 

 Statisitics 1 for iPad

Includes tutorials, lessons, quizzes, flashcards, decision trees, calculators, and glossaries for terms, formulas, and symbols. 

◊ “This app is the best statistics tool I’ve ever seen.” 
◊ “This could very well be the future of university textbooks.” 
◊ “It's a great tool to go to for an easy answer.” 
◊ “I can learn anywhere or anytime.” 
◊ “The quizzes help ensure I comprehend the lessons.” 
◊ “It gives real-life examples in each lesson and tables so I can easily reinforce the information I just read. 

The app was designed by educational psychology Ph.D.s, statistics teachers, and software experts. Many of us learned stats the traditional, boring way – through books and lectures. We always wanted more interactive, visual, and engaging ways to learn stats. Statistics has many abstract concepts so we use real-world examples to anchor your understanding. 

Free iPad app giveaway for Teachers

Okay this is really simple.  Following yesterday's review of the iphone app 'This day in History' I have just been given 5 free codes for the app from the company that produced it. All you have to do is send me an email - kev@edgalaxy.com telling me of an app that you use for teaching.  First in best dressed.  Can't wait to hear from you.

iPhone & iPad Apps for Teachers: Today in History

Today in history is a dead simple way to get historical information instantly regarding events, births, deaths and special customs and events associated to the day. 

As a bit of history Buff it caught my attention because it is full of facts linked to Wikipedia and lets me find both nibbles and in depth information on thousands of topics ranging from the strange through to bizarre.

However as a literacy who is always looking for fresh and relevant ideas Today in History offers a wealth of writing prompt materials. 

For instance today November 22 is the anniversary of JFK's assassination in Dallas 1963.  This was a great discussion topic for my class to explore the notion of 'conspiracy theories and cover ups' that led my students to research why people go to such great lengths to cover up the truth? 

We discussed JFK and then the kids brought up Roswell...  We ended up writing a short essay on "Does society sometimes need protection from the truth?"

Anyhow.. If this sort of thing is your cup of tea then take a look at Today in History here. and let me know if you know of any other great History / Writing apps

5 iPad Apps Every Teacher Should Have

Just to wrap up our week of apps for teachers here are some favourites that will make your iPad a little more productive in the classroom.  Enjoy

iWork Until Microsoft release office for the iPad iWork offers the MS Works equivalent of a productivity suite for the iPad. Pages, Numbers and Keynote make for a fairly impressive productivity suite for $30, or $10 each.

Teaching & Classroom Resources @ www.theteachinglab.com

The Elements: A Visual Exploration: Sounds a bit pricey for a periodic table, but the vividly animated illustrations of every substance our world is made of more than make up for it. $14

Bento: Organize your Life

Mobile Air Mouse: Do you use an Interactive whiteboard and have wireless keyboards and mice floating around the place that either don’t work or you have to actually sit in front of a computer to type something on your IWB.  Download and install Mobile Air Mouse and you can use your  iPad to do everything on your IWB.   Now I sit with my students and run a lesson.  Media controls, Keyboard and Mouse.  My all time most used app at school on my iPhone.  Works through a wireless network and is pretty painless to set up.  Check out the video below.

DropBox:  I own a laptop, 2 desktop PC’s at home, have files on the network at school and now have some stuff on my iPhone and an iPad.   I was going crazy trying to keep track of it all.   Drop box allows you to sync everything without any hassle at all to every PC you use both locally and in the cloud and now best of all you can access all of your files through your iPhone.  Also you can create public folders for your students to access files from the web too.  It’s free - Absolute Gold

Pi83 Graphing Calculator A simple calculator isn't enough for most math students once they hit high school, so having a graphing calculator handy is always welcome. And since Pi83 Graphing Calculator, which mimics Texas Instruments' Ti-83 graphing calculator, costs just 99 cents.  Never be outsmarted by your students again.

WorldBook – This Day in History. This interactive calendar is powered by World Book Encyclopedia and features historical information for each day of the year.  Struggling for a lesson idea today or just need to fill in 10 minutes with some great facts from history.

Cram Cram is designed specifically to help students study for a big test. The app allows them to create multiple-choice quizzes and study guides with a flash-card-like system. The app even randomizes the answers to ensure students aren't memorizing a particular option.  Best of all for teachers it has a massive bank of online tests you can access and administer.  Don’t sit up all night planning or correcting a test again.

History: Maps of the World One of the most important tools any student can use is a historical map of the world to help them in both geography and history classes. That's where History: Maps of the World comes in.

After downloading the free app, users can view maps of all the continents at different points throughout history. The app features up-to-date maps showing current boundaries. But where it provides the most value is in its historical maps, which display boundaries and important places from periods throughout history. It's a great way to help students increase their effectiveness in geography and history class and a great discussion point in geography lessons.

Flash-Me - This educational iPhone App lets you use Cramberry (the amazing online flashcard maker) on your iPad. With Flash-Me, you can create, edit and study your flash cards on your iPhone.  These can be later shared with students in class.

Mathematical Formulas Mathematical Formulas is a must-see app for any math student. It not only helps users gain access to hard-to-remember formulas quickly, but it might also prove to be a handy studying tool.

Like me if you are not Rainman and your students hit you with something from left field in maths this is a great tool to get you out of what can be an embarrassing spot.

Anyhow I know some these are iPhone apps but I am sure that by next week there will be another thousand useful and useless apps that will take their place.  Enjoy your playtime over Easter with your iPad and let me know what you have found useful.

Create a Class Magazine Lesson Plan

I got this from a colleague of mine Mrs Barr.  It is a great collection of tasks and activities based around creating a magazine with all of the assessment criteria included so that students are well aware of their purpose.  This is a great resource for students of all ages.  Download it here.

3 Great IWB Resources for Teachers

SMART Exchange – This SMART Exchange site provides several lesson plans and activities for teachers to use in the classroom. SMART lessons are available for a variety of ages and subjects.

Topmarks – An awesome collection of free educational materials for IWBs, Topmarks is a great resource for finding IWB lesson plans and activities. This educational site also features teacher resources, educational sites for classroom, and homework help.

TeacherLED – This site is dedicated to making the use of Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) easier and more productive. This comprehensive site features resources to use with IWBs in math, English, and geometry.

Lesson Plan: Use Wordle to improve spelling

This is great lesson plan put together by one of my colleagues Beth Higgins.  The focus of the lesson to use Wodle to improve spelling in the junior years and is very easy to follow.  I hope you enjoy it and you can access it here.

Youtube's Official Teacher Channel Launches

First off all YouTube should be accessible in every school and if it's not be sure to speak to your technician about gaining access to it.  YouTube Teachers is a great new resource for educators that are learning about or want lesson plan ideas for ways to use YouTube in their classrooms. YouTube is one of the best educational tools for the classroom and YouTube Teachers is a wonderful place to learn about how easy and powerful video in the classroom can be. With videos, blog posts, and so much more - check out this fabulous resource.  Access YouTube Teachers here.