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November 23, 2014
Aggravating app that doesn't live up to the hype
I wanted to purchase and review this app because I thought that it would be a good tool to increase depth of knowledge and practice for advanced learners and those in the programming/robotics club that I manage. Instead it was a struggle to get students to use more than once and when they did attempt to use the tool, it was a lesson in patience. The help feature is not integrated well and therefore is less than helpful. I would not recommend this product.
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November 10, 2014
Applying Apparatus
I like the app, Apparatus. I think it is a different approach to learning concepts on gravity, force and movement. As a teaching tool, it does need a bit more refinement as I found it too time consuming to learn and get up an running. I think it is nice to have it as an option available to students, as many apps are similar, run of the mill and ordinary. I like the obstacle of failing and the many reattempts and the practice of trying to get it just right since these are key components in building grit, perseverance and resilience in our kids. This could better serve students by pairing up a frustrated student and a student that readily understands Apparatus in a reach one-teach one learning model. In addition, more technical support should be provided. As a teacher, I had difficulty staying motivated until a student explained what I would need to do in order to be successful. For purchase, I would avoid because of the fore mentioned problems. However, as a free app I would be inclined to make it available.
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