Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Got a Minute, Literally? Watch the Stick Pick Demo Video


This one-minute video succinctly demonstrates the core features of Stick Pick: the first app of its kind to let teachers (or students) tie Bloom's-style or ESL-style questions to each individual learner's cognitive or linguistic level.
Teachers: if you're hoping to use your summer to gear up for the next school year, take one minute to familiarize yourself with Stick Pick. Watch how easy it is to ask the rightstudent the right question at the right time.
Stick Pick is available in the iTunes app store for $2.99 (iTunes Link)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Stick Pick Now Available in the App Store


June 2, 2011, Corona, California -- Noteworthy Education teacher-tool app for iPhone called Stick Pick, created by sixth grade teacher, Buzz Garwood, is now available in the App Store worldwide.

Stick Pick is the first app of its kind to allow teachers to tie leveled question stems to the cognitive or linguistic needs of each individual learner. It all starts when a teacher names an on-screen soup can (class) and then fills it with popsicle sticks (students). During setup, teachers choose a category of question stems they wish to target for each learner: either "higher order thinking" (based on Bloom's Taxonomy) or "English as a Second Language" skills. Teachers can then set the degree of difficulty for each learner.

Once a class is set up, teachers can randomly (or intentionally) draw a student's stick from the soup can with either a "swipe," "tap," or a "shake." Subsequently, a customized set of appropriate question stems appears on the screen. Teachers can then scroll through these question stems until they find one they would like to form into a complete question. After a student answers a question, teachers can either mark the student's stick as "used" (which sends it to a used soup can) or reset the stick (which places it back in the new can).

The app goes one step further by giving teachers a third option: to assess each student's response. This is accomplished by touching the "assess" icon (in the form of a check mark) and then tappping the corresponding "correct," "incorrect," or "opinion" button. Teachers can then rate each student's answer by selecting 0-5 on a Critical Thinking rubric (for the higher order thinking question stems) or an Elaboration rubric (for the English as a Second Language question stems). Student data is automatically saved within the app and can be conveniently e-mailed to the student's parents or the principal by pressing "Send."
“Wow!!!  I was blown away with the unique combination of stimulating technology, and with the level of understanding, application, and assessment of Bloom’s Taxonomy. This app goes far beyond the concept of using technology for the sake of technology…it is truly using technology to enhance instruction and student engagement.”

-Dr. Robert Taylor, Administrative Director of Educational Services, Corona-Norco Unified School District, Corona, CA
Students in small groups can run the app, too. Imagine a table group of young learners with iPod touches or iPads asking one another deep, targeted questions based on Bloom's Taxonomy, all with the swipe of a finger!
Stick Pick is a handy tool for any teacher device. Stick Pick can guide classroom discussion and formative assessment in really helpful ways.  Teachers can mark sticks so that they aren’t constantly calling on the same students or asking students the same questions over and over again.
Stick Pick provides the right question for the right learner at the right time.
Device Requirements
* Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad
* iOS 3.2 or later
* 5.7 MB of space

Pricing and Availability
Stick Pick for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is only $2.99 (USD) and available exclusively through Apple's App Store.

Stick Pick: http://www.stickpickapp.com
Purchase and Download: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stick-pick/id436682059?mt=8&ls=1
Screen Shots: