Pogg

Price: Free
Category: Special Education, English Language Development
Grade(s): k-8
Devices: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
Standards:
App will assist students who need practice with their oral language and vocabulary.
English Language Arts:
Grade k: Listening and Speaking, Written and Oral English Language Conventions


App Description:
The app offers two pages of practice; spelling and pictures.  When the user clicks on the "pictures" button from the home page they arrive at a page that has a variety of words with pictures. If the user selects one of these picture buttons they will arrive at a screen with an animated video of Pogg performing the action or introducing the item in the picture.  If the user clicks on the "spelling" button from the home page, the user will arrive at a page that prompts them to answer Pogg's question: What should Pogg do? The user must then practice their spelling skills and type a one word command using the key pad provided.  When the user has typed their command and clicked on the green "Go!" button on the bottom of the keypad, an animated video of Pogg will appear where he will perform the command.

Home Screen:

Uses in the Classroom:
Special education teachers can utilize this app with their students who need more practice speaking and identifying items and actions.  General education teachers can use this app younger students who need practice using English vocabulary as well as practice speaking. This app could be used effectively one-on-one or in small groups however, it is important that teacher or aid works with the students through each step of this app.  If students were to work in pairs with one device, the students could practice their oral language skills by narrating Pogg's actions.  The students would then need to take turns narrating the actions and identifying the vocabulary.

Possible Assessments:
There is no designed assessment for this app therefore teacher would need to create their own form of assessment to pair with the use of this app.

Possible Issues/ Difficulties when using these apps with students:
This app could not be used whole group.  In order to most effectively use this app, it would need to be used in a one-on-one interaction or in a small group.