INTRODUCTION

This is the fifth in a series of resources outlining apps, Web sites, and ideas for using Bloom's Revised Taxonomy to support teaching and learning. This resource deals with Android apps for the fifth of Bloom's levels, evaluating.

The previous posts in the series were:

• An overview of Bloom's and apps to support the remembering level

• Apps to support the understanding level

• Apps to support the applying level

• Apps to support the analyzing level

THE EVALUATING LEVEL

The evaluating level involves justifying a decision or a course of action. In order to justify a decision, a student needs to read and critique others and monitor feedback, participate in online forums, and attend synchronous, virtual, face-to-face, online activities.

Some activities students can work on that support the evaluating level are...

Diane Darrow, in her Edutopia series, outlines some questions teachers should ask themselves when considering the use of an app to support the evaluating level.

ANDROID APPS AND WEB SITES TO SUPPORT THE EVALUATING LEVEL

Reflecting: Penzu

One way to evaluate is to reflect after experimenting. Penzu is a personal journaling app that provides an easy way for students to reflect on a process, an event, or a project to provide background for evaluation at its completion. The ability to share entries and tagging entries is stated to be "coming soon".

Checking: Dual Screen Browser

Checking for inconsistencies in Web information is important. Dual Screen Browser for Honeycomb is a multiple-window reader/browser with offline reading and note taking capabilities. It turns the iPad into multiple resizable reading devices working in parallel. The user can rotate and resize the screens, too.

Persuading: Android Prompter

Writing a persuasive paper and then giving a persuasive speech can showcase students evaluation of their research. To make it easier, Android Prompter is a free teleprompter available for Android devices that can support students as they give their speech.

Debating: Google+ and Hangouts

Debating and panel discussions can easily be done via a social network or a synchronous conference. Google+ is Google’s social networking tool. Students can easily participate in a  Google+ Hangout on an Android device through a dedicated app.

FOLLOW-UP

Do you have suggestions for Android apps or Web 2.0 tools to use at this level of Bloom's? Please add them in the comment area!

And watch for the last entry of this series, Android Apps and Ideas for Assessing at Bloom's Creating Level, next month!