Animal Watch Vi Suite

Animal Watch Vi Suite is an interesting app I discovered for the iPad.  This particular app is actually created for students with visual impairments but it is also great for use in the math classroom with ELL students or students who are below grade level in reading or math.

The app was created by people at the University of Arizona to help build their algebra readiness skills while learning more about animals.

The first unit introduces students to the Giant Panda.  They learn about how one looks, its weight, what it eats, and it's life span.  The unit provides a description and drawings on the creature before discussing its diet and facts about its life such as they are good swimmers but do not have a permanent den.  At the end of the unit, there are three word problems centered on the Giant Panda. 

What is nice is there is a digital pad to enter the answer.  If the answer is wrong, it provides immediate feedback  while telling you to try again.  There are two hints available should the student need it and there is a scratch pad should a student want to use their finger as a pencil to find the answer. 

Each problem allows the student three attempts to solve each problem before giving the answer.  The problems on the panda include one where they have to read a graph to find the answer so its not just finding the correct information in a word problem but it also uses word problems to introduce graphical information.

Some of the skills covered are multiplication and division via the Black Rhino, converting between systems of measurement using the Burmese Python, the California Condor provides experience in statistics while the Cheetah provides practice on fractions, percentages, and rate-time-distance problems.

Furthermore, Geometry is experienced by learning about the Gray Wolf, Hippos cover solving expressions with variables, Honey Bees let students experience probability while Poison Frogs cover adding and subtracting fractions or working with mixed numbers.

On the other hand, learning about Polar Bears help students become better at adding and subtracting integers while the Sea Turtle and Snow Leopard Units help students become better at forming fractions or adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.  The last unit or White Shark has students practice multiplying and dividing fractions.

I love the way the developers have created an app which integrates reading, science, and math into a cross curricular situation.  This is an app, I want on my classroom set of iPads because my students need practice reading in addition to working word problems.

Check it out if you get a chance and best of all, its free.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.