Assessment Task 1.5

 A++ Writing prompts bundle

In years 7, 8 and 9 there is a lot of focus of writing skills with a big emphasis on sizzling starts. The app A+ writing prompts is an app that is available through the Apple App store for ipad and iphone use. It was purchased in a bundle for $8.99 AUD and included Character Prompts, Party Prompts, Dramatic Plus. It is extremely to use these apps, with a swipe, tap or shake you can generate new prompts.  Whilst not all of these apps can be specifically used in the English classroom, they can certainly be used in other subjects that you may be substituting for or even subjects that you do not specialise in such as drama.

The A+ Writing Prompts takes the trouble out of setting up writing exercises for children. Instead of making up your own examples or having the kids pick unimaginative writing prompts for themselves, the app (under scenes) randomises place, character, object and mood in order to give an exciting and challenging prompt for the student to use, especially if you want to do a quick five minute exercise.

Character Prompts is useful in adding depths to students writing- instead of writing about Harry who liked cats, the app gives you additional information such as height, weight, eye and hair colour, ethnicity and distinguishing features. You can also take it further in the info tab by giving the character a bad habit,  a hobby and a favourite saying. If used in Drama, you can have students improvise a scene based on the character you give them.

Party Prompts would be useful at the beginning of term when everyone is learning about each other and icebreakers are needed. Questions such as “What foods do you dislike most” can help students get over their fear of talking in front of their peers. There is also a tab in sketches that would be interesting as a class activity as it provides a genre and three pictures to inspire a story.

 

There is also the option under (texts) to get a whole idea to base a story on, such as “An unstable scientist keeps cloning cats and eventually changes their DNA.”

It is possible that I’ve not chosen a very good technology to write about this week but I’ve certainly found one that I would use in the English Classroom.

In regards to the SAMR model, I think it only covers Substitution and Augmentation. 

Substitution: I can only think of the app as a direct Substitute for picking random ideas from a hat/bucket.

Augmentation – the app can be connected via vga cable to projector and you can have the whole class write a short story via a prompt found under ‘texts’.

Realistically, unless the prompts are frequently updated- it is unlikely that you will be able to use the app all year with the same students.  However it can certainly be reused every year if you are teaching the same grade and even brought out as a refresher aid.

I don’t believe that the apps reach the Modification or Redefinition level of the model but that doesn’t take away from how useful the app can be in a classroom setting.