Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the resources that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful.
Today I'm covering a coding app - codeSpark (aka The Foos)! This app uses fun activities to get students coding. It appeals to both boys and girls with fun characters that doesn't slant one way or the other. Students can build obstacle course levels, raise pets, and go through the coding process with a police, construction worker, ninja, and chef theme.
Free! Setting up a teacher dashboard and account does not cost anything! If parents want to have an account for their children, the current price is $7.99 monthly.
Practicality
It is available on iOS and Android - so most tablets can support it. It requires internet access to run. So far as apps are concerned, this is fairly standard so no points taken away for that.
The dashboard is practical as well. You can bulk load student names, customize what activities can or cannot be accessed, view individual students' progress, and lock out accounts. They also provide access to unplugged lessons, lesson plans, and more!
Student Engagement
Three cheers for student engagement!! (hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!) From 1st grade to 6th, students often choose to play this app over free time with robots. They beg to play it in their regular classrooms (which I leave the decision up to the individual teachers).
The graphics are charming and not too "babyish" for the older kids, but the buttons and commands are great for pre-readers!
They also provide updates with new activities to hook the students all over again. At the current time, they are running a Snoopy themed snow ball fight as well as an adventure mode that drops crystals.
Nothing but good things to say from the student perspective.
Reliability
Practicality
It is available on iOS and Android - so most tablets can support it. It requires internet access to run. So far as apps are concerned, this is fairly standard so no points taken away for that.
The dashboard is practical as well. You can bulk load student names, customize what activities can or cannot be accessed, view individual students' progress, and lock out accounts. They also provide access to unplugged lessons, lesson plans, and more!
Student Engagement
Three cheers for student engagement!! (hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!) From 1st grade to 6th, students often choose to play this app over free time with robots. They beg to play it in their regular classrooms (which I leave the decision up to the individual teachers).
The graphics are charming and not too "babyish" for the older kids, but the buttons and commands are great for pre-readers!
They also provide updates with new activities to hook the students all over again. At the current time, they are running a Snoopy themed snow ball fight as well as an adventure mode that drops crystals.
Nothing but good things to say from the student perspective.
Reliability
If you're using the app, it has been as reliable as my internet connection. When I've had problems with my connection, it renders this app useless.
If you're using the lite version on desktop computers, I've had a couple instances where flash players/other factors have limited my usage with it. It has been a year or two since doing the web version, so they may have improved that component.
Academic Value
A STEM teacher's dream! The coding and analytical thinking skills are present throughout. Each level ties back to some type of technology standard. Basic math is used for purchasing upgraded items in the "store" and by requiring a certain number of gems to open certain doors (the greater than and less than symbols are used).
Final Score
What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!
With little negative feedback on each rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...
If you're using the lite version on desktop computers, I've had a couple instances where flash players/other factors have limited my usage with it. It has been a year or two since doing the web version, so they may have improved that component.
Academic Value
A STEM teacher's dream! The coding and analytical thinking skills are present throughout. Each level ties back to some type of technology standard. Basic math is used for purchasing upgraded items in the "store" and by requiring a certain number of gems to open certain doors (the greater than and less than symbols are used).
Final Score
What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!
With little negative feedback on each rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...
5 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!
I'd love to hear from you! Have you tried the Foos? Like it, love it, or want to try it?
Llama love,
Sam
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