IEAR Tips and Tricks #4

The licensing of "apps" for schools is very interesting to say the least.  At this time, the majority of schools using "app" devices such as the iPod Touch and now the iPad, are purchasing their apps under one school account.  This allows the school to purchase an app from the iTunes store and distribute that app to all devices that are synced with that one account.  This allows schools to leverage the power of apps in the classroom with a very cost effective model unheard of before the iTunes app store!

Apps like "AlegebraPrep: Factoring" as recommended through the TCEA in their spreadsheet of apps cost $3.99 at this time.  Is this app really worth $3.99?  Some teachers have found this app to be very useful while others might not.  If school districts had to pay $3.99 for that app for every device, than it wouldn't happen!  Many apps are great for "small bursts" of activity and they are not meant for an entire 40 minute lesson.  Purchasing these apps would just not be cost effective. 

Tip #4 A:  A strategy that I think all schools should take on is to keep an eye on "FreeAppADay" to keep their costs limited while leveraging some fantastic apps.  While there are lots of apps that are "game" focused and really useless in the classroom, periodically, there will be a gem.  This website is focused on helping app developers to get the word out about their apps.  Basically, app developers will advertise their app with them for a day and promise to make their app free for that day.  That is a serious return on investment!

An example to put in context is the app, HOW2Draw Manga that was recently posted.  While I can't guarantee that this app is school worthy or even useful in any way, I can guarantee that schools would more than likely never investigate it if it cost a few dollars, especially, if the license agreement forced schools to pay for each device it was synced with! Besides, who doesn't want to learn how to draw manga cartoons better?  I kid ... I jest ... but you just never know what is going to be applicable in a classroom setting when you have creative and interesting teachers! 

Tip #4 B:  If you want to provide teacher's the ability to purchase apps themselves, purchase iTunes gift cards and distribute those to the teachers.  Just make sure the gift cards are in the name of the school's iTunes account and the district will now own all of those apps to sync on any of their devices. 

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Comments

[Erin]

I use freeappalert.com to keep track of free apps... It is like Christmas every morning.

[Scott Meech]

Great addition to the concept above with freeappalert.com ... Thanks a lot Erin!