Tangible Tech

When teachers are planning, I'm the first one to say "If it can be done more effectively while unplugged, do it." We need to face facts - sometimes the "old fashioned" way is better than high tech.

Sometimes, though, you can blend the two. 
Especially with the younger kids.

This post features some of my favorite tangible tech experiences that include hands on components, not just screens.

#1 - Osmo
By far my favorite tech toy for younger students... or really, all age students! Osmo takes the table in which the iPad/tablet is sitting and makes that table interactive. Using a periscope style device, Osmo has more than a dozen different learning games that students can play with, including tangrams, number and letter tiles, maps, coding, and even pizza toppings! I've blogged about Osmo several times but I will never tire of sharing this incredible platform.

#2 - Tiggly
If you are lucky enough to find a Tiggly set, they contain either number rods, vowels, or shapes. The tangible sets are amazing because you stick them right on the tablet screen and the apps "read the screen!" The Tiggly apps do not need the tangible sets to play, instead students use their fingers to engage with the games. My favorite game is Tiggly Chef Subtraction - if the kids need to subtract four, they put four fingertips on the screen. It's kind of hard to explain, but lots of fun to play! Oh, did I mention all the apps are free?!

#3 - Square Panda

In particular, the SquareLand and Phonics Playset. Remember those magnetic letters that were a childhood rite of passage for refrigerators? Well, this playset uses a letter tray where not only are letters recognized, the platform recognizes whether letters are facing the correct direction. It's a fantastic way to explore letters and phonics and basic site words beyond just clicking a screen. Plus, the reading games are adaptable, adjusting to how well the child is doing with the platform.

#4 - Plugo
Plugo has a unique twist on tangible games, with sets that involve STEAM and letters and numbers and puzzles and even a piano! Connect your tablet to Plugo's Gamepad and the sky is the limit. The Gamepad spaces things out and directs kids where to place objects. Whether you're placing the piano or the number spikes, you can clearly see where things go. There are eight different game sets for Plugo, each with it's own apps and storyline. All are engaging, hands on, fun!

There is a whole genre of screen-free tech toys, too, but that is a totally different post!

Plugo Count: Tales of Numero

On to the third installment of the Plugo Saga!  This time, we're visiting Tales of Numero, the second of the three currently available games for Plugo Count.

The concept behind this is that you're following Numero the fox through the forest as she tries to find the ingredients to make the brew of Ulo, some sort of magical potion.  Along the way, she encounters barriers only passable by solving a math problem.  Sometimes the barriers are big ones, because they're guarding ingredients to the brew.  Sometimes the problems are simple, single digit solvers.  Other times encounters involve multi digit math.  

Either way, I think this is an engaging math game for kids.  While the story is a little slow for me (love the ADHD adult brain!) it builds up enough suspense to keep kids engaged.  While it IS obvious they'll be practicing math skills, at least they'll be having fun along the way!

Plugo Count: Life of Theo

Now that Plugo has been unboxed, and I've gotten a few bonus days (thank you, Mother Nature, but I'm ready for a full week of school again!) it's time to explore the apps of Plugo.

I started with Plugo Count: Life of Theo.  On the plus side, it's a great opportunity for students to interact with number stories in a more engaging way than the standard pencil paper practice.  Plugo does a nice job with simple animation, relatable number stories, and setting a purpose for the practice.

Theo is introduced as a 6 year old boy from Denver, which may make it a little young for older grades.  I do have my app set up to be used by third grade, so I'm not sure if his age/story adjusts for the age of students.  At any rate, 6 may be a bit young for third graders, but we'll see.

The concept is great.  Theo has to practice his math and is working to balance fun and learning.  Unfortunately, even with the great concept, the actuality of it isn't quite working.  While there was an update pushed out prior to the making of this video, even after trying it with the update, the app is still struggling to read the digits.  I am hopeful, though, that this is just the beginning and more improvements are ahead!

Meet Plugo!

I am a big fan of educational technology toys tools that help engage students in their learning in new and meaningful ways.  The fact that part of my job is to keep up with the latest and greatest in ed tech still kinda shocks me.  I mean, I get paid to play with technology?!  Doesn't get much better than that!

Enter Kickstarter.  One of my favorite resources.  Actually got my first two sets of Osmo from Kickstarter.  So naturally, when I saw another Augmented Reality toy tool on Kickstarter, I had to jump in and give it a go.

Enter Shifu's Plugo.  Purchased an Early Bird special on Kickstarter back in early August 2018.  It finally arrived last week, just in time for some snow day fun!

Check out my first unboxing video, which was my first time playing with Plugo!  It's just about 4 minutes long, and it goes through the unboxing and the set-up/install.

Next up, the apps!  Can't wait!