Peer Review

TeacherKit App for iOS

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Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: TeacherKit is a personal organizer for teachers. It can be used to organize classes, keep attendance, use as a gradebook and record student behavior. Since it is useable on an iPad or iPhone or iPod, it is easy to keep up to date and portable for teacher use This is app is free and has had over 500,000 uploads and is available for international use, having numerous languages built into its capacity Storage of data can be in a DropBox so memory is freed up on the electronic portable devices.
Type of Material:: App for iPad, iPhone or iPod.
Recommended Uses:: Record keeping for teachers with an iPad, iPhone or iPod.
Technical Requirements:: Requires IOS 5.0 or later. WiFi, Edge, or 3G network connections sometimes required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: • The learner will be able to create classes and gradebooks for class use • The learner will be able to manage student records such as attendance and behavior
Target Student Population:: Teachers. While all teachers can use this app, it is probably most useful for classroom teachers. This app could be helpful for several areas: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Must have the equipment, download the app, and, for some of the part to work, have a network connection. Teachers would need knowledge of storing and retrieval of data from DropBox.

Rating:
Strengths:: All-in-one app, similar to a teacher's grade book but with added features such as the ability to import pictures and keep notes on behavior. • Flexible use – very portable for teachers on the go since it can be used on iPad, iPhone or iPod • Articles provided that explains process to build gradebook, seating chart, etc.
Concerns:: • Lacks clear directions for use and user has to maneuver throughout the Support section or use trial and error method to begin application of app • Little demonstration of how app works provided • Relevancy for teachers may not be in tune with US school districts but international need as many US schools have been changing over to portable access of grading and attendance • Concern for substitute teacher access as it is password protected to record attendance and grades – making tracking and uploading of information a challenge when teacher returns to the classroom • Some of the articles or resources do not open There is no current version for a PC or Mac.

Rating:
Strengths:: This app is a productivity tool. It helps the teacher with the great deal of record keeping required of most professionals today. • Features provided in Information Sections: new features, classes and Students, seating Charts, Attendance, Gradebook, Importing and Exporting • Once program is learned, easy to maneuver
Concerns:: If the device is lost, others might be able to see confidential information. There is a password required, but if the teacher is using it and puts it down with the app running, then it can be picked up and viewed. Of course this is true of a pencil and paper grade book too.

Rating:
Strengths:: Easy to download and use. • Pictures of students can be incorporated along with attendance data right into seating chart view yet most teachers should know what their students look like • Quality and appearance is appealing • Portable to different devices
Concerns:: Update may be required to use the app. New features are listed but not connected to clear directions of application.

Other Issues and Comments:: The app developers promise to continue making improvements. International capacity is built in to support several language formats.
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