Peer Review

The Everything Machine App for iOS

Material Detail page

Bookmark

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: In this award-winning app, kids use a simple visual programming language to combine your device’s camera, microphone, speakers, gyroscope, and screen to make a light, a stop-motion camera, a kaleidoscope, a voice disguiser, a cookie thief catcher, or anything else you can think of!
Type of Material:: Simulation
Recommended Uses:: Teachers can use this app to teach visual programming, machine building, and logic while enhancing students' imagination skills. The app would be best used individually or in pairs/small groups.
Technical Requirements:: iOS 8.0 or later Compatible with Apple Watch, iPhone (4 or higher), iPad (2, 3, mini and Air), and iPod touch (5th generation). The app is optimized for iPad 2 and iPhone 4s or higher. 156 MB
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The Everything Machine is an open-ended building app that introduces kids to programming and circuitry. Kids assemble parts such as: power, inputs, controls, modifiers, detectors, routers, logic gates, and outputs. Machines vary from simple to sophisticated, limited only by the user's imagination. The major learning goal is to increase the user's understanding of visual programming languages, machines, logic, and problem solving.
Target Student Population:: This app seems best suited for K-8.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic knowledge of iPhone, iPad, iPod or iWatch. If using the camera/microphone functions, an understanding of how those items work on the device.

Rating:
Strengths:: Kids are empowered to build anything they can imagine using the hardware and sensors already on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The content is presented simply but clearly. Children drag and drop items in sequence to form machines from light bulbs to color-talkers to music makers. This app would best fit in science, computer technology or gifted/talented programs. It would also work well in a thematic unit on programming, circuitry or machines.
Concerns:: None noted.

Rating:
Strengths:: Learning objectives are clear and straightforward: The Everything Machine allows kids to use a simple visual programming language (basically drag and drop on the screen) to create any machine they can imagine. Target learners should be self-directed students able to work independently or in pairs as machines can be joined. This app does give teachers the ability to have students create without having to have the materials in the real world; it would be a good prelude to makerspaces for older students. A clear instruction manual is available (free) to download in nine languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. According to the reviews, most learners pick up this app rather quickly. YouTube video examples are available as well to help teachers with learning goals. The challenge with this app is writing the learning assignment. The app focuses on creative design and play; anything can be created, with the only parameters being the pattern that students must follow. For example, light switches must have the pattern of battery + toggle + light. Teachers could perhaps craft lessons where students had to create machines with a certain number of items or steps.
Concerns:: None

Rating:
Strengths:: Buttons and layout are consistent and beautiful. Support is available at hi@tinybop.com or support@tinybop.com; users are encouraged to tweet their inventions to #tinybop Parts have labels in 40+ languages; parts drag and snap together easily. The app has features that integrate with the device's camera, microphone, speaker, screen, gyroscope and more. Devices (and machines) can be linked. Family Sharing is included; the app is multi-user as well--each user can create and save their own machines. Example machines are included to help users get started.
Concerns:: Some users noted issues with sound.

Other Issues and Comments:: The app has a stringent privacy policy: http://tinybop.com/privacy No third-party advertising, no collection or sharing of personal information about children. If the camera or microphone are used during the app, the information is not collected or distributed outside the app. Last updated 12/8/15 Users are encouraged to submit feedback to improve the app. Cost of app: $2.99 (January 2016)
Creative Commons: