Website and app reviews

By Nigel Paull

Website and apps reviewed for school library staff.


25 awesome apps for teachers, recommended by teachers

blog.ed.ted.com/2015/09/19/25-awesome-apps-for-teachers-recommended-by-teachers
Educators who are familiar with the inspired ideas presented by TED will be delighted with the content of this TED-Ed blog, which showcases 25 pertinent apps relevant to various stages of education. Teacher librarians are recommended to investigate this indispensable resource and share it with other teaching staff.
SCIS no. 1744220

ABC vegie guide

itunes.apple.com/au/app/abcvegie-guide/id600755873?mt=8
All members of the school community will find this absorbing guide useful. Content includes recommendations for planting vegetables in local climate zones; information about growing seasons, harvesting times and keeping crops healthy; and other assorted facts.
SCIS no. 1744515

Best book apps for kids

www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-book-apps-for-kids
This comprehensive website lists exemplary book apps for infants and students in pre-school, primary, and secondary school. Examples include e-books, interactive books, and graphic novels. Details and device compatibility are listed for each app; however, as this is a US website, teachers are recommended to check individual apps to see if they are available locally.
SCIS no. 1744289

Book list

itunes.apple.com/au/app/book-list-bookshelf-manager/id476621639?mt=8
Applicable to anyone who regularly lends out their own books, this app allows you to keep track of your personal library. Similar to library software, books are scanned into your device, creating a catalogue record that allows you to monitor who has borrowed your prized books. Other features include art covers and the ‘shake to select’ random book selector.
SCIS no. 1744510

The Conversation

theconversation.com/au
The Conversation is a free independent source of news and views. Although emanating from the academic and research community, it is publically available, and promises ‘academic rigour’ with ‘journalistic flair’.
SCIS no. 1593557

Desert river sea

desertriversea.com.au
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) initiated this project to celebrate the range of visual traditions from the Indigenous communities of the Kimberley region in WA. The portal features information about artists and their works, art centres in the region, the Visual Arts Leadership Program, and the AGWA.
SCIS no. 1744315

DK findout

www.dkfindout.com/uk
Publisher Dorling Kindersley (DK) has developed a free, online interactive encyclopaedia for primary school students. This engaging resource allows students to select from a variety of vetted categories to explore the topic of their choice. There are also sections for both parents and teachers.
SCIS no. 1729733

eSafety issues

esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/esafety-issues
This website, developed by the Office of the Children’s Safety Commissioner, deals with many aspects of eSafety including cyberbullying, online gambling, sexting, inappropriate or illegal content, and trolling. The site offers background information and a variety of content for students, schools, and parents.
SCIS no. 1744317

Get started with LEGO robotics!

www.legoengineering.com/get-started
Schools wishing to develop a robotics program will find this website useful, as it includes detailed information about the various LEGO robotics kits that are available. The website offers product support, news, blog posts, and tips to manage a robotics program at both school and classroom levels.
SCIS no. 1744330

Guggenheim – collection online

www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online
The Guggenheim database allows users to view over 1,600 artworks from more than 575 artists, with relevant information about the individual artists and their works. Artworks are searchable by artist, dates, medium, movements, and venues.
SCIS no. 1744448

QR codes in the classroom

www.schrockguide.net/qr-codes-in-the-classroom.html
Kathy Schrock has assembled a comprehensive guide to using Quick Response (QR) codes in the classroom. Her website includes links to QR code readers and QR code generators, informative video clips, and resources that offer tips on how to use them in the classroom for a multitude of applications.
SCIS no. 1744455

Educational video sites

www.refseek.com/directory/educational_videos.html
Refseek have compiled a list of online video providers for primary and secondary teachers searching for educational video resources. Most of the websites listed are free and do not require registration.
SCIS no. 1744464


The internet sites selected in Website and app reviews are often of a professional nature and should be initially viewed by teachers and library staff to determine suitability for students. The links, content and addresses of these sites are subject to change.

Nigel Paull

Nigel Paull

Teacher librarian

South Grafton Public School

The internet sites selected in Website and app reviews are often of a professional nature and should be initially viewed by teachers and library staff to determine suitability for students. The links, content and addresses of these sites are subject to change.