There are mobile applications for devices such as the iPad that can help elementary-school students become critical thinkers, says teacher Diane Darrow. She suggests eight such apps to develop the "remembering" phase of learning -- included in Benjamin Bloom's continuum of higher-order thinking and learning. Darrow suggests teachers use Word BINGO to help students recognize words; Rocket Math, a program that uses math to teach about rocket design; and Shake a Phrase, an app that helps students understand sentence structure
Researchers studying the use of iPads in classrooms in California's Encinitas Union School District say the devices generally are favored by students and parents. In the district, where every student in grades 3 to 6 has an iPad, 90% of students said the technology has helped them learn -- especially when used in math lessons. However, some parents say they want to ensure the technology does not replace hands-on learning, and teachers say the iPads can be distracting for students if not managed properly.