My Top (free) Apps

Junaio 2.0

posted 14 Dec 2010 19:59 by Charlie Barrow
This Augmented Reality takes POI AR apps to the next level by using a technology called 'Glue' which allows not only images and text to be attached to each Point Of Interest, but also video and 3D models. The app uses the camera to recognise trigger-images and load the attributes associate with them. It also allows video to be overlayed to the trigger-image meaning that it appears to float, sometimes subtly animating the image. Loads of wonderful potential for any teachers fluent in programming xml code. However, for the rest of us Junaio have developed a non-programmer version.

At the moment, it only allows video and 3D models to be attached but hopefully images, text and floating video will arrive soon.

Stickybits - reclaim corporate packaging

posted 8 Dec 2010 19:04 by Charlie Barrow   [ updated 8 Dec 2010 19:23 ]
This is fantastic! The idea is this: scan any barcode, attach your own content as 'bits'. Bits can be text, image, audio or video. I can't wait for an excuse to use this. Why not use it with a recycle & reuse project. Wouldn't it be nice to scan a barcode from a can of coke or bottle of water and see children's ideas of how the packaging could be reused or turned into something else? Please post a comment here if you use this with your class. I'd be really interested to see how it is used.

Wikitude

posted 18 Mar 2010 22:40 by Charlie Barrow   [ updated 18 Mar 2010 22:51 ]
Wikitude is one of the many emerging AR apps that layer virtual data on top of the image from the camera. Using the accelerometer within the device combined with the gps, this app detects where you are and where your facing and displays points of interest nearby. Very similar to Layar but the beauty of this is that the content can be user generated via wikitude.me. Sets of waypoints (known as worlds) can be created in google earth and then the saved .kml file can be uploaded with an icon. I have created a world called Hampton Court Palace 2010 and will be tried out my year 4s on 31st March.

GPS Tracker

posted 26 Feb 2010 23:29 by Charlie Barrow
GPS tracker is the only app that I have found so far that allows you to track your device in real time remotely. I've had a few issues with the syncronisation of data from phone to website but on the whole (and for free!) it's pretty good. I'm currently planning a year 4 maths lesson on compass points where part of the class go on a treasure hunt with the LSA in the park next to the school, while the rest of the class take turns in giving NESW directions over the phone and tracking the progress.

My Tracks

posted 26 Feb 2010 23:26 by Charlie Barrow
It's not surprising that the best app that works seamlessly with Google Maps and My Maps is My Tracks. It's a GPS tracker made by Google that tracks your route, speed, distance and other useful data and then gives you the option to upload it straight to your own Google Maps account. I use it for cycling but it can be used for many educational purposes. Have you tried GPS tracking to enhance a geography field trip? Great evaluation tool.

beebPlayer

posted 26 Feb 2010 23:22 by Charlie Barrow
Not affiliated or endorsed by the BBC in any way but what a genius! This developer has created, after ironing out a few creases, a pretty reliable app that streams BBC iPlayer straight to your phone. Sucks battery life but if you need to watch Eastenders whilst on the train home, it's perfect.

PicSay

posted 26 Feb 2010 23:19 by Charlie Barrow
Pic say is a great little app to accompany your phone's camera. Adjust basic image controls like hue, contrast, brightness levels as well as also adding text, speech bubbles and quirky graphics. Great if you would rather not have to transfer image files to your computer for manipulation only to have to upload them to your web gallery straight away. Cut out the middle man.

 

Shazam

posted 26 Feb 2010 23:09 by Charlie Barrow
An absolute must-have app. This app takes a short recording of any music you point your phone at and checks it against what can only be a huge database of music to give you the track, artist and you tube & amazon links. I've used it in a noisy reggae club, with the radio at home, on handsfree in the car and out and about and it works. Ever wanted to use the soundtrack to a video in your teaching but without the dialogue or noise that comes with it? Try this, it might help.