but you may not even know it!
So, what is App Smashing and how can it be used in the classroom?
Background – behind the concept
As teachers, we are very adept at finding alternative / cheaper ways of doing things. I’ve always referred to this as the ‘Blue Peter’ approach to teaching and learning i.e. the teaching equivalent of making Tracy Island out of sticky back plastic and glue.
An example of this would be combining PowerPoint and Movie Maker to create a Pecha Kucha
What is App Smashing?
The idea of app smashing was brought to my attention courtesy of a live google hangout via YouTube featuring Mark Anderson (@ICTEvangelist), Richard Wells (@ipadwells), Jenny Ashby (@jjash) and Joe Dale (@joedale) called ‘App Smash Live’. You can view the original online session here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX07m-wahOg
The concept of App Smashing, also referred to as 'App Synergy', was originally coined by Greg Kulowiec (@gregkulowiec). According to Greg, App Smashing is: “The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.” – Source: The History 2.0 Classroom: App Smashing Part 1
In his original blog post, Greg explains how to use Google Drive, Instagram, Explain Everything and Vimeo to create a web based timeline to capture students learning. You can view his original post here: http://kulowiectech.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/app-smashing-part-i.html
Mark Anderson, Education consultant and Apple Distinguished Educator, expands on Greg's original definition by describing App Smashing as:
Since Greg’s original post, App Smashing has gained in popularity - so much so, it even now has its own hashtag - #AppSmash
Some great examples of App Smashing can be found on Richard Wells blog: ipad4schools.org. In addition to providing examples of App Smashing, Richard explains the benefits of App Smashing as well as offering useful advice for successful classroom use. To find out more, visit Richard’s blog: http://ipad4schools.org/2014/04/19/why-app-smash/
Want to find out more?
Useful Links :
- Edtechteacher: Unleashing Creativity: Greg Kulowiec App Smashing – from Beth Holland - Greg Kulowiec asks the question: “Why limit our students to one tool at one time?”
- Edtechteacher: App Smashing from Greg - An introduction to App Smashing from Greg Kulowiec
- Ipad4schools: Why app smash? Lots of great examples along with useful advice for App Smashing in the classroom from Richard Wells
- APP SYNERGY: THE ART FORM OF APP-SMASHING - An intro to App Smashing from Lisa Johnson
- #AppSmashLive – A review and write up - Overview of App Smashing courtesy of Mark Anderson