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Apps José Antonio Alcalde “An App a day keeps boredom away” For some years I have started all my lessons talking about something in English for a few minutes. The aim is to quickly engage my students into listening to something funny, amazing, interesting, shocking and the like. First it was historical events (Today in History ) , then it was about maps (What a map! ) and finally about curiosities around the world ( It's a small world ). But times are changing and now I am afraid I am becoming more of a geek. Applications or just Apps came a few years ago and they are here to stay. My students are familiar with them and I know that this will catch their attention for sure as they may already use them or be about to (if they find them interesting). The selection down here is completely random and I only tried to include different fields of life (education, health, leisure, etc.) Some run on Android and/or iOS, some are free and others not, and the standard rating is between 1 and 5 stars. I always insist on the fact that these apps, apart from the quality content, need a great name and logo to catch our eyes!! iDoceo is the app that I use more as I have it to plan my lessons, keep track of my students' tests, grades, etc. It is a must for teachers of any level. Powercam is one of the hundreds apps available to take pictures and edit them later. It includes many tools and effects for photography fans! AHomeIcon is the perfect way to customize the different icons you use everyday. It is highly advisable for visual people or those with lots of apps on their screens. Evernote is really handy for disorganized people as you can take notes about everything (shopping list, to-do lists, calendar events, etc.) Dragon Dictation is perfect for lazy people who hate typing. This is a voice-to-text app available in different languages. Just relax, lie down and dictate whatever is in your mind! Yo is still puzzling many users around the world. The idea is to always send a “Yo” message to your contact meaning whatever is in your mind. Simple or absurd?? iCell is an app ideal for science students as it will provide them with useful information, images and all about the world of cells. I’m Rich!! is an application destined to make you feel richer due to the fact you can pay a high amount of money… It cost $999.99 in the App Store and eight people decided to download it the first day. Storybook Reading is the perfect way to record yourself reading a book with pictures so it can be played later again and again. Whats App is one of the top ten apps downloaded around the world. It is the perfect way to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues through text, pics, audio or video. With Dog Translator you just record your dog barking and the app “analyzes” the bark and gives you the English “translation”. How reliable can it be?? Zedge is a mobile content discovery platform and community where users can download content to customize their smartphones and other mobile devices (wallpapers, ringtones, alert tones...) Hopsctoch is an app to teach everybody the ABC of programming. Lessons are meant even for young kids!! Bigoven is great for cooks and amateur chefs and it gives you 250,000+ recipes. This digital cookbook can also help you to cook with just leftovers from your fridge or pantry.

Some Apps to talk about in class

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Here is a list of assorted apps to talk about in the English class.

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Page 1: Some Apps to talk about in class

AppsJosé Antonio Alcalde

“An App a day keeps boredom away”

For some years I have started all my lessons talking about something in English for a few minutes. The aim is to quickly engage my students into listening to something funny, amazing, interesting, shocking and the like. First it was historical events (Today in History ) , then it was about maps (What a map! ) and finally about curiosities around the world ( It's a small world ). But times are changing and now I am afraid I am becoming more of a geek.

Applications or just Apps came a few years ago and they are here to stay. My students are familiar with them and I know that this will catch their attention for sure as they may already use them or be about to (if they find them interesting).

The selection down here is completely random and I only tried to include different fields of life (education, health, leisure, etc.) Some run on Android and/or iOS, some are free and others not, and the standard rating is between 1 and 5 stars.

I always insist on the fact that these apps, apart from the quality content, need a great name and logo to catch our eyes!!

iDoceo is the app that I use more as I have it to plan my lessons, keep track of my students' tests, grades, etc. It is a must for teachers of any level.

Powercam is one of the hundreds apps available to take pictures and edit them later. It includes many tools and effects for photography fans!

AHomeIcon is the perfect way to customize the different icons you use everyday. It is highly advisable for visual people or those with lots of apps on their screens.

Evernote is really handy for disorganized people as you can take notes about everything (shopping list, to-do lists, calendar events, etc.)

Dragon Dictation is perfect for lazy people who hate typing. This is a voice-to-text app available in different languages. Just relax, lie down and dictate whatever is in your mind!

Yo is still puzzling many users around the world. The idea is to always send a “Yo” message to your contact meaning whatever is in your mind. Simple or absurd??

iCell is an app ideal for science students as it will provide them with useful information, images and all about the world of cells.

I’m Rich!! is an application destined to make you feel richer due to the fact you can pay a high amount of money… It cost $999.99 in the App Store and eight people decided to download it the first day.

Storybook Reading is the perfect way to record yourself reading a book with pictures so it can be played later again and again.

Whats App is one of the top ten apps downloaded around the world. It is the perfect way to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues through text, pics, audio or video.

With Dog Translator you just record your dog barking and the app “analyzes” the bark and gives you the English “translation”. How reliable can it be??

Zedge is a mobile content discovery platform and community where users can download content to customize their smartphones and other mobile devices (wallpapers, ringtones, alert tones...)

Hopsctoch is an app to teach everybody the ABC of programming. Lessons are meant even for young kids!!

Bigoven is great for cooks and amateur chefs and it gives you 250,000+ recipes. This digital cookbook can also help you to cook with just leftovers from your fridge or pantry.

Page 2: Some Apps to talk about in class

Cow Toss is an absurd non-free app which allows you to toss a cow anywhere on the screen. This game will allow you to see how the cow falls in 3D!!

The Mitosis app is a good tool to use if you are learning about it in your high-school biology class.

Packing Pro is a must for frequent travelers. If you are tired of forgetting essential things in your journeys, try this app for a change.

Epic Win is a mixture of role-play, to-do list, etc. Some people think it is ideal for ADD & ADHD kids who can go through their daily routines in a very different way.

3D Brain app allows you to rotate and zoom around 29 interactive structures in the brain. Isn't it cool for science class?

Hold On!’s main intention is to see how much time you can press an on-screen button. It saves your results, and you can make competitions with your friends. Seriously??

Pocket Universe is your app if you want to see more than blinking lights when looking at the sky. Just point your iDevice to the sky and discover what you are looking at.

Flight Track is an app for frequent fliers. It will give you reliable and updated information on your flight (gate number, delays, last-minute changes, etc.)

Babbel is ideal for foreign language learners. There are several languages available and from beginner to advanced level lessons are on offer.

Khan Academy is super for self-learners as it offers zillions of lessons on virtually any topic. It will show you statistics about your progress.

Amazing Sandwiches is an app for those who need new or different ideas for pizzas, burgers or sandwiches.

Everest is a goal-setting app that lets you break down goals into steps and reminds you to complete them. You can also save photos, thoughts, and quotes around your journey; copy other users’ steps and goals; and get encouragement via comments.

Procreate is a powerful illustration app. It is ideal for digital artists as it offers multiple techniques, tools, special effects, etc.

Pocket is a web-clipping app. When you see something that you like on the web you can save it for later reading, even if you are off-line.

Grammar Girl is a different way to solve language doubts through photos, podcasts, etc.

Litz is an app used to teach speed-reading to young learners. It goes from single words to paragraphs.

With PetPlay Pen adopt up to 3 virtual pets to play games with, feed, and take care of. The app shows you stats for each pet and has a virtual store with over 90 gifts and treats to buy your virtual pets!

Shazam uses a smartphone's built-in microphone to gather a brief sample of music being played. It compares it against a central database for a match. If it finds a match, it will tell you the artist, song title, and album.

Tenuto app teaches music students the basic of the theory of music with 15 customizable exercises from beginner to pro level.

Zoombie Booth 3D is a bizarre app that will make the zombie version of any picture. The 3D element means that the image becomes animated, growls, and will ‘bite’ your finger if it gets too close to their mouth!

theScore is an amazing app for sports lovers. It will keep you updated on scores from different sports around the world: NFL, UEFA, NBA, MLB...

The Behr ColorSmart app (iPhone/Android, free) lets you preview colors within generic room images as well as calculate how much paint you'll need.

Is it dark outside? This is a stupid app that, depending on your location and time zone, will tell you if it is dark outside or not.

Human Body app will teach you everything about our body, its functions, etc. Learn more about it while waiting for the bus or queueing for the cinema tickets.

Help me! is an app that will call 911 when you launch it. However it is highly probable that it will take you longer than just calling by yourself!!

Runkeeper is great for those who want to keep track of their running, hiking, cycling, etc.

Page 3: Some Apps to talk about in class

Line is another communication app. Some say it is the direct competitor of What's app but it isn't that spread worldwide.

Birth Buddy is an “interesting” application that allows you to have the “same” feeling than having a baby (contractions, breathing rate, etc.)

Angry Cat offers you an amusing selection of angry cat sounds. Upgrade to the paid version if you don’t want the ads. Rarrrrrrr! Hissss!

Pou is a popular game app which features an alien character that resembles a triangular potato (when original color is not changed). In the game the character can be fed, cleaned, exercised, and put to sleep.

Virtual Frog Dissection allows students to simulate the experience of a classic animal dissection via your cell phone. Learn the same without actual killing and disgusting messing!

Meteor Counter app from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will help you count meteors during a meteor shower.

Cook Mood has unique recipes from all over the globe. It asks you what you are in the mood for, and refines your search so you can cook for your mood.

With Beeminder you set goals like losing weight, quitting smoking, etc. It gives you a financial incentive to meet those goals: if you don't, you have to pay real money starting at $5, $10, and $30.

iVoodoo app is for those who need black magic to solve their problems. Just add the picture of your worst enemy like in a voodoo session. No guarantee it will work though...

Hang Time is a crazy app when you have nothing else to do and you do not love your cell phone very much. Throw your phone as high as possible and catch it later. It will record the time lapse in between.

Gene Screen is an app that helps you learn how recessive genetic traits and diseases are inherited and how certain diseases are more prevalent in different populations.

Eden Garden helps you with gardening by uploading an image of your yard, and scale it to size. Then search for decorative plants by name, height, hardiness zone, color, blooming season, sun exposure, or type, and place them in your virtual landscape.

iNaturalist lets you record observations from nature and share them with the iNaturalist online community. You won't ever be alone again when going to see nature!

Pocket First Aid and CPR app has clear and concise instructions for adult, child and infant CPR, as well as 34 videos and 46 high-resolution illustrations.

Sketchbook app offers you sketching freedom coupled with useful ways of exporting drawings on different canvas sizes and at different resolutions. It is certainly useful for designers, artists, architects...

Scratch the Chalkboard is just that, the hair-rising noise effect of somebody scratching a board. Sure you will get a lot of enemies with this app!!

MoodTune treats depression, stress, and anxiety based on neuroscience research (depression is related to reduced activation in certain brain regions). By doing 30 minutes of exercises per day, you can help increase activation.

MyPetED is a great tool for pet owners. Create a profile for your pet with all of its vital information, vet appointments and vaccinations, store your vet’s contact information, adopt a pet, find a vet, find a lost pet, and more.

iFart is the app for those who love toilet humor. You can choose different effects and laughter is guaranteed, at least for some time...

Periodic Table of the Elements app is a must in any science lesson. It is just the digital version of the old one!

Instagram is great for sharing pictures and videos around the world. This app is one of the top ones for millions of people.

Classify It is an app to learn more about the different kingdoms in Nature. Perfect for your next Trivial Pursuit game!

Proloque2Go app is a full-featured augmentative and alternative communication solution for autistic children who have difficulty speaking.

Ghost Radar is mainly software that shows your position and possible ghosts near you. Another stupid application that takes up your mobile’s space!

Gorilla Workout is like having your own personal trainer who has built a customized exercise routine based on your skill level and goals. Users are presented with a set of exercises each day, targeting different muscle groups and working towards losing weight, building muscle or gaining energy.

Pimple Pooper is a disgusting app. The point is to squeeze pimples on the face displayed on the screen. Who really likes to do this??

Page 4: Some Apps to talk about in class

Expedia an app for travelers and holiday makers around the world as it will find for you the perfect hotel, restaurant, flight, etc.

iCommunicate for iPad allows you to create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, visual schedules and record custom audio in any language.

In Army First Aid you'll find basic first aid information as well as instructions for rescue carries and transportation. There are also categories for dangerous and poisonous animals and plants to help you survive

Lose It is a comprehensive food and exercise tracker with a comprehensive database of foods and activities. Beyond the preloaded food, Lose It also supports entering your own food items or recipes

Gate Guru will offer you great tips and lists of services to help you navigate the world's best and worst airports.

iComm app lets you load picture and audio and record your own voices. It is ideal for children with autism, cerebral palsy, apraxia and down syndrome.

PocketYoga puts your favorite yoga instructor directly onto your smartphone. There are three different styles, each with three different durations and three different difficulty levels.

AutoCAD 360 is a useful app for architects as it shows plans and projects in 3D.

Ask a Vet allows to you ask questions of a real vet. It can take several days for a response. The first question is free and then you have to pay per question.

Fruit Ninja is another game app. It is one of the most downloaded ones in the world. Your aim is to slice fruit like crazy!

My Talk Tools Mobile app for iDevices enables people with communication difficulties to express their needs and desires to those around them.

Viator app shows you deals and discounts either nearby or in the place you're going to visit next time you are traveling.

iDestroy is an app to liberate adreline as you cut, squeeze, mash, shoot or blast bugs on your phone screen. Digital brutality a la carte!

Kayak app started as a flight searching site but now has incorporated hotels, car rental, etc. Another must for frequent travelers.

AwayFind acts as a gate between your email inbox and you, that lets through only message you want to see and alerts you of their presence by phone or text message.

Dashlane lets you quickly access securely stored passwords and other confidential bits of information, like credit card details whenever you are on-line.

With Lift, you create habits like “floss” or “hug my wife” and check them off each day you perform them. It then tracks how many consecutive days you’ve performed a habit and how many days overall.

Global Cuisine is an interactive 3D globe which shows you food information from all over the world! Just rotate, zoom-in, spin and play around with the globe to learn about each country’s unique dishes and culinary history.

Gogobot offers interesting things to do for any type of traveler across a wide range of cities around the world. It has suggestions for family friendly activities, stuff for outdoorsy people, in addition to the typical shopping/eating/site-seeing agenda.

With Fitocracy, users can join a vibrant community of fitness enthusiasts of all levels. You don't just track your workouts, you can share your accomplishments with other users, earn points and interact with people that have similar goals.

StarWalk is an amazing app for stargazing at night but it can also help you orientate if you are lost.

iStalk Tracker app is for those with bad memory as it tracks back your movements in the last hours, days, weeks... or maybe you want to spy on someone?

Swim Coach Plus app allows coaches to record HD video, then provide swimmers with technique analysis of their stroke in real-time or slow motion.

MotionX GPS delivers terrain maps, route trackers, and even maritime charts, complete with the option of saving the maps for offline use.

Poop Scoop is a perfect app to map dog droppings you see around. You can share and warn other people about it. Be on the alert!!

TripIt connects to your email accounts to compile all your travel information for you automatically. It searches our confirmation numbers for flights, hotels, rental car reservations, and even restaurant bookings.

Page 5: Some Apps to talk about in class

iFood.tv app includes 40,000 trustworthy recipe videos to help improve your cooking skills and satisfy your culinary curiosity. This app works if you’re more akin to watching video whilst you follow along in your own kitchen.

Knots 3D app teaches you how to make those knots via an interactive 3D interface. They can come handy for fishing, making a shelter or makeshift strechter.

Unstuck is an app that helps you resolve problems, get motivated, or deal with other “stuck” moments. You get tips, advice from other users, and digital coaching.

Dog Whistler: Use your iPhone to train your dog! With this simple dog whistle app, you can set the whistle to a frequency your dog will best respond to.

With Pet Names you can choose from over 3000 pet names. Browse by pet type, name popularity, or alphabetically. You’re not even limited to cats and dogs!

Lose Weight Hypnosis is a miracle app. It is supposed to make you lose weight by looking at the hypnotic image on the screen for 45 minutes. Who needs exercise or diet with this app??

BootPrint Pocket Survival app records the location of the last working cellular signal you received via GPS so you can backtrack to it and (hopefully) make a call.

NASA app is great for space enthusiasts and curious minds as it packs a wealth of news stories, features, images, video, and information about the space agency's activities.

With Stress Check you can measure your heart rate variation using the camera and light features on your smartphone. You can then use the Stress Doctor app to reduce stress.

Freestyle Swimming was developed by Great Britain Olympic swimming coach Ben Titley and features technique tips performed by elite swimmers, land-based drill examples, core strength drill examples, and interviews.

World famous Dropbox is a must in your app list. It allows you to save documents, pics, video... on the cloud and have access to them on-line anywhere.

Hangouts belongs to the communication apps. It is an instant messaging and video chat platform developed by Google.

My Razor is another dumb app which pretends you are shaving. If you pay, apart from the noise, you will get other effects like the cut hair falling on your phone.Really?

With Happier you share positive moments in your day with a simple note or photo. It is a way to boost your happiness. You also get support from the community, who can “smile” or comment on your updates.

With Petcentric you can find pet friendly hotels, restaurants, and bars in your area. Also locate local vets, dog parks, pet stores, animal shelters, pet sitters, kennels, groomers and more.

Myeatbox is pretty much a Pinterest for foodies. You can use this app to show off your culinary prowess, document your diet or just to share happy food moments with your loved ones.

Lumosity offers online brain training exercises that can improve your memory, attention, flexibility, problem solving, and speed. You can upgrade your membership to get more games and track your progress.

Akatu Fake Shower is perfect for those who want to make parents believe they are taking a shower (or using the flush) with very realistic water noise.

Rate my Puppy is a social networking app for dog lovers. Upload your dog’s photo to see what others think of him or her. View, vote on, comment on, favorite, and save photos of adorable dogs from all over.

Pic Stitch lets you stitch different images together into one collage quickly and easily. It has tools for editing the photos as well.

Instapaper strips out some of the annoying ads, images, and extra junk on a Web page so that it's easier to read on a small screen. It saves Web pages and content for you to read later by downloading a simplified version of them.

Yelp turns out to be an invaluable tool for finding businesses nearby, especially when you're in a town you don't know well.

Angry Birds is perhaps one of the most famous game app in the world. Who hasn't ever played them??

Viber belongs to the communication apps. It allows you to text and call people for free. Nice!

Temple Run is a famous video game app. It was so popular that they make a sequel.

Pinterest is like a virtual bulletin or cork board that allows users to find and curate images and videos.