Apps to Support Reluctant Readers

When we started this assignment Mackenzie and I were a little disappointed. As secondary teachers we looked at all of the fun, animated, engaging apps that were available to the elementary teachers and were very jealous. We tried to think of apps that would realistic in a secondary setting, but we also tried to infuse some fun as well!

At the secondary level most (but not all) of the focus has switched from remediation to compensatory strategies. Nearly all of our apps aim at getting reluctant readers to not only read, but enjoy reading and to allow all students to access the content that is necessary at the secondary level.

Here is a sample of what we found:

	App: Google Drive Price: Free Description: Google Drive is on online storage drive that you can use to store files, pictures, video, or documents. Who would use this and why: This app is very useful as a way for teachers, schools, or school boards to share resources. Once resources are digitized, they instantly become more accessible to all students. Google Drive is a way for teachers to share those resources with their students and each other.
	App: Gutenberg Pro Price: Free Description: This app gives readers FREE access to over 40,000 books and more than 6,000 human-read audiobooks (some students like this feature better than Siri reading to them). Who would use this and why: Especially at the secondary level, students are expected to learn massive amounts of content. Often they are expected to read novels for various classes and the Gutenberg project gives students free, digital access to some of the materials that schools (and universities) use. This is an app that learners can use throughout their life.
	App: Sporting News Price: Free (but can pay for extra content) Description: A customizable sports magazine that allows students to read about their favourite teams, leagues, and up to date sporting news. The magazine is fully customizable and has a visually stimulating layout. Who would use this and why: Often, trying to get boys to read can be a challenge. Usually this is because they do not see the purpose of reading something that they are not interested in. A lot of boys LOVE reading about sports—I am convinced that they would do it all day if they could! Sporting News gives students (and not just boys) access to interesting and current sports news, scores, and statistics. The app is also accessible because you can use the “speak” accessibility feature.
	App: Tools4Students and Tools4Students2 Price: $0.99 each Description: Ready made graphic organizers that students can use to organize their learning. Who would use this and why: Many students have a hard time remembering and synthesizing what they read. Tools4Students is a great way for them to organize their thoughts and to keep a record of what they are reading. Can also be used as an assessment tool by teachers.
	App: Marvel Comics Price: Free (but you can pay for extra comics) Description: This app gives students access to high-interest reading materials. Marvel characters are incredibly popular right now and this app gives students the opportunity to read about these characters in the way that they were originally intended to be viewed—as comic books! Who would use this and why: Some students who have no interest in reading traditional novels may come across as being weak readers. In reality, we just need to find content that engages them. Graphic novels and comic books are usually high interest and visually stimulating.
	App: News360 Price: Free Description: This personalized news filter allows its readers to personalize the content that it gathers from all around the internet. Who would use this and why: This is the ultimate way to gather content that students want to read. Students choose categories that suit their interests and the app organizes the content in an easy to view format. Students can share stories or save them to read later. This app also uses the “speak” accessibility feature.
	App: Duolingo Price: Free Description: A fun app for learning another language. Who would use this and why: When I think of reluctant readers, I actually think of a group that is usually forgotten; I would use this app with my International students. The program is fun, easy, and very visual. Categories and vocabulary are current and can help with the academics in school as well.
	App: SwipeSpeare- Modern Shakespeare Price: Romeo and Juliet is free, but you can purchase other plays. Description: This app allows you to read Shakespeare as he wrote it, but gives readers easy access to a modern translation with the swipe of a finger. There is also a built in Shakespeare dictionary, biography, study guides, and lesson plans. Romeo and Juliet is free, but other plays are available for purchase. Who would use this and why: One of the most feared English units is always Shakespeare. However, using some of the technology that we have available to us can actually make it fun and easy to understand. In addition to “Shakespeare in Bits” I really like this app. Students can read the play in either the original version or the modern version or both. This app also uses the “speak” accessibility feature which will help all students access the text.
	App: ITunesU and IBooks Price: Free Description: These two apps allows students to access digital content. Digital books are more engaging and accessible than the traditional paper print. Who would use this and why: Although I am sure that everyone knows about these apps, their power may not be fully understood. Students can gain access to millions of high interest novels, graphic novels (such as the super popular “Walking Dead” series), textbooks, magazines, etc. through these apps. ItunesU is also a great resource for finding enrichment materials that are engaging for students. Once materials are accessed through ItunesU or Ibooks, students can access the materials by using the various accessibility options available through the Ipad.
	App: Science360 Price: Free Description: An app created by the National Science Foundation provides viewers with easy access to articles, news stories, videos, and various content about engaging science topics. Who would use this and why: For any student who is interested in Science, this app is heaven. It has a highly engaging interface and amazing content. There are thousands of videos and you can use the “speak” accessibility feature. There are links to current and interesting science stories all over the world. It almost acts as a interactive textbook for students!
	App: CBC Hockey Price: Free Description: Hockey news as it happens. Students can read articles, follow players, analyze statistics, and view scores using this all Canadian app. Who would use this and why: In this country if you don't know your hockey news you can miss out on a lot of conversations. This app is highly engaging for students—it may not meet any outcomes, but it will get them reading (and more importantly loving reading). Students can also access the text by using the “speak” accessibility feature.