App Smashing

App smashing is using two or more apps to accomplish a task. I alluded to this idea last week when we talked about using both Google Slides and Bitmoji.  That's an app smash!  "When we know that smashing is a possibility and introduce this potential to our students, we not only empower them to take ownership of their learning process, but also teach them to go beyond the initial obstacles in order to problem solve for better learning and expression."  While, app smashing is much more easily done using iOS apps, it can be done using laptops.  The goal of app smashing is to let students unleash their creativity, but so often we limit them to just one app that prevents this from happening.

Thinglink, as previously discussed, is a perfect example of an app smash.  YouTube, Google Slides, camera roll...all of these are incorporated into one project via the Thinglink site or app.  But don't tell your students which apps to use!  Give them the rubric, the expectations, and then instruct them to use at least 3 apps (or however many) and see what they come up with to accomplish their project or assignment.  They know about far more cool sites and apps than we do!

Reasons to App Smash:

1. It demands creative thinking
2. It demands more from the technology (value for money)
3. It turns the issue of not having a ‘wonder app’ into a positive
4. It removes any restrictions to take a topic as far as it can be taken.
5. It often results in more engaging learning products
6. It’s a fun challenge for ‘digital natives’

Students do not need to purchase anything from the App Store.  Student computers are already equipped with:

• Pages
• Numbers
• iMovie
• iPhoto
• Preview
• Google Earth
• Microsoft Office
• PhotoBooth
• iTunes
• iBooks
• Keynote
• Garage Band
• And more!

Think about what you could do or already do that would prompt students to use any of the above.  If students can't find any of those listed, they are in Self Service.  Don't be afraid to let students use their phones as well.

You have probably done app smashing and not even known it!  Here's a 2 minute overview of what app smashing looks like.  Of course, consider what they can do with laptops instead of iPads.