Paper by FiftyThree is an iPad app that allows you to capture your ideas as sketches, diagrams, illustrations, notes. or drawing and then share them across the web. The app is free and the draw tool is free. Then you buy the other tools (Mixer, Color, Sketch, Write, Outline) as in-app purchases. You can buy them all at once with the Essentials purchase of $6.99 or individually at $1.99 each. (as of November 2013)
Type of Material:
The app is posted as a simulation but it can be better classified as instructional technology or a social networking tool. It is a electronic version of a journal, note pad, or sketch pad. The user can then share their work via email or a social networking site.
Recommended Uses:
Paper is excellent for diagrams, mapping out a plan, sketching and idea. Instead of grabbing that napkin at lunch to capture your idea, use Paper. It can also be used for drawings, sketches, and field notes. Collect ideas. Create amazing images.
The app can be used to write in-class notes, to create lectures, homework, share graphs, outlines, diagrams or sketches.
Technical Requirements:
An Apple iPad was an operating system of ios 5.0 or higher is needed for this app. Purchasing a stylus is recommended.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Paper was designed for touch-and-go creating on the go. Use it like a journal. Write, draw, outline, and color. There are no settings adjustments. The learning goals can be determined by the user or the instructor.
Target Student Population:
Faculty and students participating in art, geometry, physics classes at the middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate level could use the app. Students at all grade levels can use the app to take notes for all classes.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Users must be able to use an iPad, know how to draw, and be familiar with touch screen technology.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Paper makes its money solely on in-app purchases so the total cost for all the tools beyond Draw (Mixer, Color, Sketch, Write, and Outline) is approximately $6.99. it is a different business model from most apps. For this app, the approach seems to be working quite well. In June 2012 Paper was named recipient of the Apple Design Award for 2012. And then it was named iPad App of the Year for 2012 by Apple. And recently, The Interaction Design Association (IxDA) selected Paper as a winner in the 2013 Interaction Awards.
Teachers can use the app like a white board to share information with students.
You can actually focus on creating your artwork and not be distracted by so many choices or clicks to accomplish the tasks you want to do. There are no settings to worry about. With Paper you create journals and you can customize the covers of these journals. Tap to open. Pinch to close. The app comes with one journal full of visual examples modeling how the tools were used.
Concerns:
None
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
You can move and duplicate pages and journals with the multi-touch. Use two fingers to rewind to any previous point in time if you want alter or correct something. Paper works well with your finger, but for finer control you may want to use a stylus. You can also share your ideas instantly. Pages can streamed to Tumblr, sent over email, or shared with friends on Facebook and Twitter. For me, this app has been inviting, intriguing, and inspiring.
These attributes mean that assignments could be given to a group of students and yet the work can remain personal and customized for each user. Paper could be used easily across disciplines for field notes, group planning, and collecting ideas and plans. Journals can be created for specific topics or assignments. The journals allow visual record keeping on any given topic or whim. Because of the journal and idea-capturing approach this app holds broader appeal for cross-curricular connections.
Concerns:
None.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The clear and clean design of Paper by Fifty Three Design Studio is both intuitive and eye-catching. The focus is on what is being created so the user is not overwhelmed by too many choices or settings which could be distracting. There is an aesthetic sensibility with the work flow of this app. You can customize your journal covers with created images or import images from the Photo App on iPad.
The app has a touch screen and a brief video tutorial. The app has options to create and customize notes which would be attractive to students.
Concerns:
None.
Creative Commons:
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