'Chess Academy for Kids FREE is an excellent iPhone and iPad application offering an easy introduction to chess, created with children in mind. The app is designed to teach chess in an engaging, step-by-step, rewarding way, where learning is well balanced with practice. The app is a tool for older children aged 8+ to teach themselves the rules and basic strategies of chess, as well as for younger children aged 5+ to start out on a chess adventure with adult help. The application consists of two modules: - Chess tutorials, which include theory, examples and tasks for beginners, - A 1v1 game mode (AI mode available in FULL version) Chess tutorials include over 30 interactive tasks that explain and demonstrate in practice the basic movements of pieces. The game mode has a nicely designed chequerboard and pieces, with a comprehensive and user-friendly dashboard, allowing children to easily "navigate" through the app and change settings. ' This is a free app with offers for In-App Purchases.
Type of Material:
Tutorial
Recommended Uses:
Introduction to the game of chess
Technical Requirements:
This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The app is designed to teach chess in an engaging, step-by-step, rewarding way, where learning is well balanced with practice.
Target Student Population:
Ages 7+ and up; Upper Elementary School, Middle School
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
none
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The free version with 30 tutorials is very basic. Users have four choices within the App: Tutorials & Practice; Practice; New Game; and Previous Games.
Concerns:
Some basics are actually addressed in the full version ($4.99).
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
With 30 tutorials in the free version there is enough to get a start on learning some chess moves. Downloading the full version ($4.99) opens up all 140 tutorials. Users choose a character and then must decide to play the computer or another human. Prompt are provided that show all the move options for each player.
Concerns:
Incorrect answers are not explained. Users are told they failed.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The interface of the app is clean and easy to use. There are no external links that could be distracting. The app allows for play between two players (passing and the playing). Show last move and show available moves are features that will help young players learn the games.
Concerns:
There is no sound in the app, even when a user successfully completes a move or task.
Creative Commons:
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