there's an app for that

Dr. Ruth McQuirter-Scott spoke of the ultimate dilemma of Language classes to us today - the importance of vocabulary within the curriculum and in the classroom. Spelling tests can only go so far; I remember memorizing the list and only remembering half of the words once the test was over and done with. With information and content moving at such an alarming rate, it's become crucial and a personal mission of mine to have a classroom that doesn't necessarily "test" but goes over the content in an engaging manner so that the students will walk away with something more than, "Oh, I for sure aced that test!" 

Fortunately for teachers of the digital age, there's an app for that. Dr. McQuirter-Scott provided us with a three-page list of apps to use in the classroom, ranging from free to a few dollars and that range from a variety of topics with an emphasis on vocabulary. Instead of making learning new words a chore, these apps are designed to have that 'fun' component while still teaching at the same time. Perhaps it could also change that hesitance of seeing iPods in our class if apps such Build a Word, Grammar Dragon (there's dragons!), or Words Shaker HD were used on a steady basis.

There almost doesn't seem to be enough time to investigate all of these apps. If only there was an app for adding extra hours in a day!