Capability Four ResourceS

Explain Everything

URL: http://explaineverything.com

Age recommendations: Year 2 and higher

Accessibility: A software application available through the application stores of all major mobile devices. Cost: iOS $3.99 or $1.99 (VPP). All other applications are free to download but require a subscription fee

Description: This resource is a screen-casting tool that can be used by students to create, save and share annotated images and screencasts.

Curriculum Connections:ICT general capabilities: Creating with ICT Level 3. “Create and modify simple digital solutions, creative outputs or data representation/transformation for particular purposes” (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014)Represent and solve problems involving multiplication using efficient mental and written strategies and appropriate digital technologies (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014, ACMNA057)

 

Critique: Explain Everything is a versatile application that promotes constructivist learning as students involved in the planning, construction and sharing of meaningful learning products and are required to think critically about their own skills and understanding before, during and after creating a screencast (Coutinho & Rocha, 2010). Explain Everything could be highly beneficial when used to demonstrate complicated theories and processes such as how to complete mathematical problems and explanation texts (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014a; Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014b, ACMNA057). However, Explain Everything can produce highly sophisticated products and is not always intuitive, so it would be best introduce to students in Year 2 and above with significant teacher modeling to ensure efficient and effective use.

 

References

 

   Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority. (2014a). Information and Communication Technology General Capability (ICT) Continuum. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/generalcapabilities/information-and-communication-technology-capability/continuum#layout=columns

 

   Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority. (2014b). Foundation to Year 10 Curriculum: Mathematics (ACMNA057). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/generalcapabilities/information-and-communication-technology-capability/continuum#layout=columns

 

   Coutinho, C., & Rocha, A. (2010). Screencast and vodcast: an experience in secondary education. Retrieved from http://repositorium.sdum.uminho.pt/bitstream/1822/10592/1/paper_33491.pdf