My Take
Overview
U.S. Presidents, an Android and Kindle app, is a flashcard-style quiz and learning tool. The information is rather shallow, dealing almost entirely with lower-order thinking skills such as identification and recall. If a teacher has as a learning objective that children memorize the presidents, then download and run with it. If, on the other hand, a teacher wishes to teach and practice higher-order thinking skills, conduct primary source document analysis, or otherwise construct lessons along the Common Core model, then this app is probably not for you.
Concerns
My primary concern is with the shallow level of learning available here. I am not a fan of flashcards. Rote memorization is not the basis for lifelong learning or problem solving.
Sample Uses
As a sponge activity, this flashcard app will do. Also, if one wishes to brush up on their Trivia Crack skills, this app can be interesting to pass the time. Otherwise, I do not see many academic uses for this app.
Do I plan to use it?
No. Not with my US History students, nor my APUSH kids.
Commitment and Learning Curve
Low-Medium. It depends upon the purpose for which one uses the app. It is simple to download, but requires time to use.
Best for ES MS or HS?
MS
How I Use It
As a sponge activity, this flashcard app will do. Also, if one wishes to brush up on their Trivia Crack skills, this app can be interesting to pass the time. Otherwise, I do not see many academic uses for this app. Do I plan to use it? No. Not with my US History students, nor with my APUSH kids.