How I Use It
This is a flashcard app where students can access groups of flashcards that have already been made or they can create their own. Students were given a choice on which app to use. They could use Quizlet or they could use Brainscape. Students typically chose Quizlet because of the ease of use and because Quizlet had more choices when it came to how they could study. For example, Quizlet offered some game options for students to play instead of just using typical flashcards in a sense. Students used this app for reading vocabulary terms that were necessary for 7th and 8th grade.
My Take
The product overall is a decent product. I am a huge advocate for free apps to use in the classroom and this is free. However, there are in-app purchases which can become costly. The design of the app is appealing and it is beneficial to the learner that they can access their flashcards among multiple platforms. Also, the mastery feature the tool includes can be helpful so students don't see the same flashcard over and over.
Students had mixed opinions on ease of use. Using it myself with other colleagues we all agreed this would be a great tool for the high school and college level. As you get below high school, it can become more difficult for students to use, especially students who are not so familiar with technology.
Students and I were shocked there weren't pre-made flashcards that dealt with grammar. We also saw SAT practice cards, but not ACT practice cards. Students and I felt there should be more options when it came to the free material offered by this app.
Overall, the intent of the app is great, but I am not convinced it appeals to students below high school and it should have more options when it comes to how students study instead of just the flashcards themselves, especially if you are trying to appeal to elementary level students.
