algeboats light and note taking

I put some kids on Algeboats lite this morning and they liked it.  Basically a boat comes to the dock with an expression such as x + 3.  On the dock are bales with various numbers on them.  Across the top are flags with numbers.  The student loads a bale on board the boat which fills in the x value and then the student attaches the flag to the mast which has the correct total.  Because it is an expression, the students have several different possibilities depending on the value they choose for X.  I like it because they see they can have different answers based on the value they choose for the variable.
In other classes, when I say its time for notes, the students are opening up their notes app and taking notes.  Some write in the notes and others watch as I explain the notes, then take pictures and import them into their notes, annotate and reread.  Today, I had a student ask if she could take pictures of her notes on her phone so she could refer to them tonight when she does her homework.  This is an awesome step for her.  I feel as if the students are making good progress in learning that mobile devices are tools and not toys.

Middle school Algebra 8th grade.

The app shows up as Math 8 on my ipad.  it is an app that has a lite version and a paid version.  It has a monkey on the face of it and is a game where you tilt the ipad to move the monkey to the right or left.  If you get the monkey in the right spot, it gives you a problem. After 8 problems it gives you a score.  Each of the 4 topics has 3 levels  and you can do all three levels to become quite familiar with the process.  The four topics that come with the free versions are 1.  Words to expressions, 2.  Evaluating Expressions, 3 solving 1 step equations and  4. 2 step equations.  If you purchase the paid version, you can get linear equations, multi-step equations, solving inequalities, systems of equations, rational equations and exponential functions.
I think the free app will really do lots of good in my class as I can see having my students practice changing words to expressions using this app.  Since many are ELL, this will allow them to practice the topic in a fun filled way.  Actually all 4 topics are ones that my students need practice in.  I can see even using this app in Algebra II as a review for solving one and two step equations.  I like what it has to offer and I can use it for Pre-algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II to reinforce the skills. 
I think my students will enjoy using this program and will practice the skills since it is a game and it will prepare them better to do the actual work associated with the topic when I finally hand out practice sheets.  The company that makes this also makes a middle school grade 7 and 6.  I looked at those and just looking at them, grade 7 has students practicing using negative and positive numbers. 
I plan to download the grade 7 free app to check it out.  I just discovered there is a way for students to e-mail scores to the teacher so that I can monitor their progress.  The full versions are 99 cents and allow you to access all levels, not just the first four.  Furthermore, they are labeled the same except with the word pro. 
I am going to recommend getting this for school in the fall and I am going to integrate it into lesson plans.