It seems everywhere we turn these days, we find an “app” for this or that. And while some believe there is no place for modern technology in the Montessori environment, others are busy creating online applications that are specifically geared toward the Montessori method. So, before labeling all technology as bad and ruling out new pedagogical tools, let’s look at how to decide if there is true Montessori value in these applications.

Is there a Montessori App for That? Computer Applications for the Classroom

Not all screen time is created equal

The majority of educational apps are predominantly instructive, with only 4% being constructive and 11% being manipulable. Let’s look at the difference.

Instructive

The first type of software created for children was meant for drill and practice. Instructive apps are incentive based games. When the child gets a right answer, there are pleasant bells and whistles or even verbal praise: “Great job!” Wrong answers are accompanied by negative sounds and perhaps a prompt to try again. The child progresses to the next level by earning awards or prizes. While these games may be fun, they require little engagement or cognitive interaction. The quality of instructive apps varies, but there are some good ones.

Manipulable

Are you tired of your child playing Angry Birds all the time? Before you ban it all together, did you realize this manipulable app is actually teaching properties of physics and simple machines (levers and catapults)? Manipulable apps give children the opportunity to explore content by making choices through guided discovery. There are multiple answers and children are able to make multiple attempts.

Constructive

Constructive apps encourage creativity through high cognitive engagement. Constructive apps are not babysitters; they require adults to engage and interact with the children. Constructive apps employ a very limited use of extrinsic rewards.

When choosing software, Kate Highfield, PhD (Macquarie University) recommends using what she calls the “Five Finger App Test.” Consider if the app has all of the following:

• Educationally sound
• Intuitive
• Appealing
• Unique features
• Novel way of learning

Dr. Kristy Goodwin (Macquarie University and creator of Every Chance to Learn) goes further and suggests these considerations for selecting apps for children. Ask yourself “Does it…”

• …allow for creativity and self-expression?
• … limit the use of “drill-and-practice”
• … keep in mind emerging reading and fine motor skills?
• … develop language skills?
• … allow the child to become part of the app?
• … encourage the child to discover new information?

Keep in mind that the use of technology is not meant to replace direct instruction or hands-on practice with Montessori materials. Its primary function is to support the Montessori pedagogy and methodology. As a Montessori teacher, it is ultimately up to you to decide what is developmentally appropriate and in line with the best practices of Montessori.

Preschool App Examples:
(All of these apps are available through the Apple Play store, though not all may be available for Android or Windows currently.)

• Constructive: Kidpix Deluxe 3D; Explain Everything; Puppet Pals; Drawing Pad; doodlecast, my story; http://artpad.art.com/artpad/painter
• Manipulable: Soup Toys; Friends of Ten; ABC Art Maker; Toca Tea Party; national Library of Virtual Manipulatives (pattern blocks); Make a Face (ABC Playschool); Photo Peach or Photostory; Bee Bot
• Instructive: Alphabet Soup; Monster Physics; Friends of Ten; Hungry Guppy; Quick Math; StarWalk; Go Away big Green Monster; http://www.storylineonline.net