Final Thoughts By Bekii

I joined student innovators because I believe that introverted students find it difficult to ask questions to teachers and interact socially so having access to useful apps will make their eduction time easier and give them support throughout the academic year. The most useful app I discovered was BBC Bitesize as it has the ability to create a personal profile to track progress and weaker areas. The app is also available as a web version for those unable to access the app. I've enjoyed looking into different types of apps that I wouldn't have otherwise given a second thought and to be able to publish reports to advise others on which ones may be worth spending time on and which ones may not will hopefully help struggling students to survive their time in revision. I hope to continue next year in order to pursue this further and gain more insight which will help later in life with the career i wish to pursue.

BBC Bitesize By Bekii

Name of App: BBC Bitesize

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple, Android & Online

What was good about this tool?

It is aimed at GCSE level and is split into separate years, subjects and topics with a miniature test at the end of each sub-topic to test your knowledge. You can also choose which exam board your school is using for each subject and all your selections are recorded to your profile. There is also pre-made flashcards which you can use for quick revision and videos to go into depth on topics you are unsure on.

What was bad about this tool?

There was some activities that required you to use paper instead of the app which i feel didn't suit the purpose of the app. There was also missing subjects that are not deemed as 'core' such as spanish and geography. the app also doesn't work without internet so cannot be used on the go without 3g.

How did you use this tool?

I think this app is useful if you know which topics you are weakest on in order to refresh your memory and is best suited to those sitting their GCSEs.

Final Thoughts by Liam

The reason that I continued being an Innovator is because I enjoy testing out new apps. I also enjoy being a student innovator because I like testing out apps which could improve peoples learning and I like it when my posts get a lot of views. My favourite apps that I have tested this year would have to be Yammer I like how it could improve communication in the college, also I like OneNote and how easy it makes storing notes it (although iPhones already have a notes app). Office Lens is a popular app this year it has had a lot of views (which makes me happy), this is due to how useful the app is since you can convert a photo into a word document or a PDF. I think being an Innovator has helped me by finding apps that improve my learning and productivity while at college.

Red Herring by Liam

Name of App: Red Herring

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple, Android, Kindle and Windows Phone

What was good about this tool?

Its fun because you can chose from 3 levels of difficulty so you can chose the level that right to you. This app lets you learn new words and interesting facts about some of them, The aim of the game is to group all of the categories of words together. This game is suited to people who are doing English or would like to improve it. Its a simple quick game I've enjoyed it and found it to be addictive.

What was bad about this tool?

Theres a lot of puzzle packs that you have to pay for.

How did you use this tool?

I recommend this tool because its a fun and easy way to learn new words and expand my vocabulary.

Vicky's Final Thought

Technology is being used more and more every day by everyone around the world. I was inspired to be a Student Innovator due to the fact I knew there were apps out there that can make a huge difference in students life. I wanted to help and make a difference in someone's education, to help them enjoy college. 'My Study Life' has been one of the best apps I found that definitely has helped students in my college already, I had them approach me to ask me about the app and how to get grips of it which made me feel like time spent this year really wasn't wasted as students have taken on the presentation on board I have done earlier on. I will continue using this app and similar to it in my future studies and I hope more students step up and take up this role that I have been doing.

To know that I've done something in order to help someone in their learning environment has made me realise that these years in college were worth it. I hope to continue helping people as I meet them throughout my life to help them and make their work/study life much easier with technology we are provided today.

OneNote by Liam

Name of App: OneNote

Cost: Free

Device/s used: iPhone

Available on: Apple, Android, Windows Phone, Online (through Office 365)

What was good about this tool?

This app will allow you to have different 'notebooks' on different subjects/ topics which is good as you can organise your notes you may have saved in different places. It uses your Office365 account that you got linked on your device (if you use other apps e.g. OneDrive), if not you can just sign in and it will link straight away, that means that your notes are available across all your devices.

Within each note you can have writing, lists or a photos, so it would be good for check lists, revision and notes in lessons. You can invite people to your notebook and you can copy a link to it in order to collaborate better, this will benefit you if you are working in a group. Also you can do voice recording if you find it hard to spell.

What was bad about this tool?

Found nothing bad about this tool.

How did you use this tool?

I would use it for check lists and quick memos. I would definitely recommend this app if you like writing notes down as it is good for class notes and to dos!

Glogster by Bekii

Good points:

• Can link to computer, iPad, iPhone with one account and the posters are automatically transferred between them all
• You can import pictures, videos and add text
• There are a small variety of templates you can use for a limited number of subjects
• Can be used for both leisure and revision purposes
• You can print the posters straight from your phone etc

Bad points:

• There is only a limited free time before you  have to sign up for a subscription which costs around £2.29 per month or £22.99 for a onetime payment
• It is not clear how to attach videos or links to the poster, even I couldn’t figure it out after many attempts
• There is limited space and tools that you can use so can only be used for very basic posters
• You have to save the photos to your device in order to upload them so pre-planning is useful otherwise it can get very confusing

I would not recommend this app as there is a hidden cost and limited things you can use it for which personally does not seem worth the hassle for a poster you can easily create on Microsoft Publisher etc.