Review by Dana Villamagna, Common Sense Education | Updated March 2013

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Timers4Me - Timer & Stopwatch

Name: Timers4Me - Timer & Stopwatch
Item: Timers4Me - Timer & Stopwatch
Rating: 3
Author: Dana Villamagna

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Let kids time themselves with lots of cool options

Subjects & skills

Grades This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.

2–12

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Pros: Multiple timers can run simultaneously, helpful for timing a few kids at a time.

Cons: Lots of customizing options with little instruction may confuse younger students.

Bottom Line: A customizable app with cool features that can help kids learn time-management skills.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Classroom uses for this free, handy app include timing multiple students at once on math drills; setting alarms with unique ringtones to indicate different activities; and using the stopwatch (that can include recording pauses). Timers can be tracked via an in-app log and shared via social media.

What Is It?

Timers4Me – Timer & Stopwatch is an app kids can use for productivity, motivation, and speed. Tap one of four main categories on the main screen –- timer, alarm clock, stopwatch, or log –- or select from any of your already-created timers or alarms. There are lots of preferences you can choose from. For timer, tap the "+" tab and select the number of minutes, target time, or custom. Alarm clocks can also be set with custom options, such as importing a photo from your mobile device to the alarm for a custom label that will appear when the alarm goes off. The stopwatch will record pauses, and all activity can be viewed in the log.

You can set timers and alarms with descriptive premade icons (such as homework or training) or use your own photos and images stored on a mobile device to label alarms with everything from another kid's photo to a picture of a relevant person, activity, object, or other visual prompt related to the timer or alarm.

Is It Good for Learning?

Timers4Me - Timer & Stopwatch was created primarily for use as a productivity tool. Still, kids can learn time management, working efficiently, and setting and using alarms on this multi-function app. The stopwatches and countdown timers let kids practice performing under time pressure on tests and timed tasks. Categorizing with premade or custom icons gives kids the chance to use and apply technology to increase productivity and organization.

Downsides: definitely the ads on each page and the ability to see but not use some of the icons that appear on almost every screen in the free version. A Plus version can be purchased for $1.99 with extra options, unlimited timers, and no ads. Overall, Timers4Me is a solid timer and alarm app for teachers to use themselves, for multiple purposes within the classroom, and to recommend to older students who can use it on their own for homework and other time-management needs.

Rating Details

Overall Rating

Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Kids can have fun setting timers and alarms with their own photos and icons as well as timing themselves and being timed on drills or tasks. Timing may engage some kids but may be distracting to others.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Designed as a productivity tool, this app can still help kids learn about efficiency and working under pressure through experiential use. Kids will be empowered by choosing customizations and can compete to beat each other's times.

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

One- and two-word identifiers accompany some of the visual icons to offer a few basic directions. A disappearing green line under timers gives kids a basic visual of the amount of time left.

Common Sense Reviewer

Dana Villamagna Classroom teacher

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Featured review by
Crystal D. , Classroom teacher

Classroom teacher

Great app that can use multiple timers simutaneously.

If students have a hard time staying on track, this app will definitely be a great tool for the instructor and the student. The app is completely customizable, as the user can upload personalized ringtones and photos. One draw back is that, while it may assist one student, it may distract another.

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