I have young children who are using many of these apps, so I used the criteria provided by team 06 and reflected on some of the apps that my 3 and 5 year old play with. Many have great songs, visuals, original ideas. Some are almost ‘digital worksheets’, which my children seem to love. However, the app that really stands out for me after seeing it in use is this insanely simple Finger Count app.
The game consists of the player touching the screen and each touch creates a bubble with the next number in correct sequence and a voice that says the number. The player can then touch any of the bubbles to pop it and have the number said again. The numbers are intended to be popped in reverse order, so if you pop 9 before 10, it says ‘nine’ but the 10 disappears. The description does not sound riveting, I know, but here is what I love about this app:
- Simplicity – One of the criteria provided to use this week was to ‘think small’. I think that this game does that very well. The goal of the game is to simply count from 1-99 and back down again. The simplicity of the game keeps the focus on the learning rather than other distractions like songs and stickers. Although the learning and mastery goals may not be clearly outlined in the game, they are intuitive and easily mastered.
- Target Audience – This game is targeted at small children who are learning to count. The absence of background music, easter eggs, varying paths is well suited to their learning goals.
- Flexible – The game can be used in a number of ways. The player can simply explore, or play it, but a parent or teacher could use the platform to modify the game to suit the players needs. I noticed my son use the game for a purpose not implicit in the game. During our Christmas Advent calendar time, he would use the game to determine which square was to be opened next and whose turn it was.
- Cost – The full version is only $0.99. A good value for a tool that is so diverse.
I would (and have) recommend this app to parents and educators of small children. A great example of how simple is sometimes the most effective.
I agree that simple can often be very effective. I have added fingerCount to our list of apps on the Weebly site. Based on your review and my own research, I think it could be integrated in a Preschool, Kindergarten or Grade 1 educational setting. Not only will it allow children to work on math and alphabet skills, but fine motor skills as well. You mentioned your children really enjoy the game. How would you see it being integrated in a classroom? Thank you for the great addition to our growing list of educational apps.
Monique
Simple Design is really the most effective when considering graphic interface, material, and function. The more apps that I look at the more I notice I tend to like the ones with simplistic designs and uses the best! Another interesting point you mentioned about FingerCount is the absence of background music, I wonder in this target age is that something that is considered with regards to allowing the child to focus better and ward off distraction. Food for thought!