For many of us, deciding which applications to use and pay for can be struggle.
For one, we may need to justify why we want to buy an app when there are so many free apps or free versions available.
For another, it can be difficult to understand why some companies can offer free applications and others just can’t or don’t.
Have you ever wondered why some apps are free whereas you have to pay for others?
It can be super tempting to expect all applications to be free. Especially because there are so many that are free.
However, this expectation is just unrealistic for us as consumers to have.
Let me explain what some of my experience with EdTech companies has taught me about FREE vs PAID apps.
It takes a lot of time and energy to create an app.
People don’t just toss an idea out into the universe and then it magically becomes so.
Nope.
It takes a great deal of time to bring an app from idea to reality.
If everyone could create an app, then everyone would.
But alas, not everyone has the unique skillset or expertise to create an app.
It takes expertise in coding, graphics, user interface, program development, and even knowing who to work with to bring the idea to life.
App developers should be compensated for the time they spend creating an app.
The equipment needed to create good apps that are easy, fun, and /or necessary are not free or cheap.
Oftentimes, app developers have investors. Many investors expect to receive a return on their investment.
If an app developer is able to offer an application for free, even for a brief period, that’s great!
When it comes to choosing apps, and which to purchase using library funds, it’s important to know whether or not it’s worth the money.
Any app worth your library funds should be highly engaging; promote collaboration, creativity, and/or problem solving; have ideas to get you started so you’re not wasting time with that!
Nearpod offers interactive features that invite students to respond in multiple formats.
It also allows you to decide if and when students learn at their own pace.
Additionally, there is built in assessment that gives you both formative and summative data.
It was the Virtual Field Trips that sold me.
I am a huge horror fan. I have seen every Saw movie. So when I saw that BreakoutEDU is essentially Saw but without all that blood and gore, I was sold!
Honestly, if you are a fan of escape rooms, students collaborating, problem solving, critical thinking, and curriculum connections then BreakoutEDU is for you and your students!
Scavenger Hunts are a lot of fun! That is exactly what Goosechase is, a digital scavenger hunt.
I love using Goosechase during book fairs, citation lessons, and library skills activities.
Classcraft is a gamified learning platform.
It allows you to create learning quests for students. Think of a personalized learning path that outlines what students will do to learn a desired skill.
As they complete learning tasks throughout the quest, they earn points. Points allow students to upgrade their avatar.
In addition to that, you can award points for behaviors to individual students, teams of students, or the entire class. Students love the points and avatars!
Classcraft is a great way to teach library skills or provide students with enrichment opportunities in the library after they complete their work.
Blooket is a quiz game app similar to Kahoot.
What makes Blooket stand out is that there are different game versions that students love to play. They love to choose an avatar or Blook, that represents themselves during play.
I love it because in the end, it’s not about how much you know. It’s about how much you know and the skill you apply to the game. Because whoever has the most points in the end wins!
All of these tools have great FREE versions and resources.
Their free version will make you and your students want to upgrade.
The additional features are worth it and reasonably priced. Because most #edtech tools are created by former educators, they get the budget season and price things to make it appealing (aka cheaper) to buy now for next year!
