MindSnacks Spanish

App Title:  MindSnacks Spanish - Language Learning Program

Grade Level: Late Elementary to Adult

Cost: $4.99 

Purpose: A+

Purpose Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish is a very unique language learning application that focuses on vocabulary, spelling, grammar, visual learning, and context. With 50 levels of language content, you can play fun games and learn on the go. Each level offers up to 25 Spanish words/phrases and includes pictures and audio to assist in the learning process. The app’s personalized learning algorithms use powerful memorization techniques to help make sure you are actually learning the material as you move through the app. Six games are included (although you do have to unlock some based on skill level!) in order to address vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and conversational skills. MindSnacks even keeps track of your scores and learning progress so you can easily see how much you have learned.

Program Functionality: A+

Program Functionality Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish was super easy to start using (all you need is an email address). Since the app was meant for individuals to learn on their own, it starts with the basics: numbers. After a quick lesson, you can practice your new skills with a variety of games. As you earn high scores and beat the clock, you unlock different games to keep you engaged.

Overall Educational Value: A+

Overall Educational Value Rationale: MindSnacks Spanish is an excellent tool that is both instructional and engaging in the educational setting. Students can use it individually to learn and teachers can use it to reinforce previously taught skills or introduce new Spanish language skills.

Recommendation: As I offer a recommendation, I think it is important to note that I am not bilingual and I have not taken a basic Spanish class in over ten years. In fact, I actually designed my own undergraduate degree so that I wouldn’t have to take a foreign language in college at all (and yes, that was a lot of work to avoid a foreign language class!). If MindSnacks Spanish can grab my attention, keep me engaged, AND teach me a new language, then that says a lot! I shared the app with with a fellow educator in my building who teaches Spanish; she is now begging to borrow my classroom set of iPods to use the app with her students. Both she and I would highly recommend this language learning app for anyone interested in learning, relearning, or reinforcing their Spanish language skills. MindSnacks is advertised to be a "truly awesome mobile learning game" and it absolutely is!

Developer Video:

MindSnacks Spanish Teaser Video from Jesse Pickard on Vimeo.

 

Developer: MindSnacks

Developer Website: http://www.mindsnacks.com/ 

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mindsnacks-spanish-language/id385497068?mt=8#

Reviewer Name: Meg Wilson

Reviewer Blog: www.iPodsibilities.com (cross posted here)

Reviewer Twitter: http://twitter.com/iPodsibilities  

Other: Don’t forget to check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize these devices to the their fullest.  Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom, etc.