Website and App reviews

By Nigel Paull

The websites and apps selected for review are often of a professional nature and should be initially viewed by teachers and library staff to determine suitability for students. The links, content and address of these sites are subject to change.


THE A–Z OF AI

https://atozofai.withgoogle.com/intl/en-US/

The Oxford Internet Institute at Oxford University and Google have collaborated to produce  this straightforward guide to the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence. Searchable by specific subject or broader categories.

SCIS no: 5378293

Fabricius

https://artsexperiments.withgoogle.com/fabricius/en

Ancient history and computing studies teachers will discover exciting teaching possibilities with this resource. Using machine learning to decode Egyptian hieroglyphs, students can learn basic steps in hieroglyphs, play coding games and uncover additional ways artificial intelligence can be used.

SCIS no: 5378411

History in the Making

https://www.historyinthemaking.ais.wa.edu.au/

This website offers a collection of K–6 history teaching and learning programs based on the Australian Curriculum. A feature is the wide variety of resource materials from various Australian education bodies.

SCIS no: 5378442

Be My Eyes

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/apple-store/id905177575

By using phone camera technology, over 3 million volunteers worldwide are available to individually assist the visually impaired or blind with a variety of tasks. These include: reading small print; sorting clothes by colour; reading screens; or operating ticket and vending machines. 

SCIS no: 5378316

First Nations

https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/

The Australian Museum in Sydney holds an extensive collection of First Nations realia, information, and cultural material. Resources are available covering a variety of pertinent subjects, often interpreted by writers from First Nations. The website also provides details of forthcoming exhibitions and programs.

SCIS no: 5364140

iNaturalist Australia

https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/

This website supports the work of citizen scientists who use the iNaturalist phone app to record plants and animals. Users can share their results and assist scientists involved with the Atlas of Living Australia.

SCIS no: 5378461

ESAKids

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/esakids/id1527436992

The European Space Agency has developed an app specifically for students K– 4. This free app encourages students to explore space and add to their knowledge base. Activities include: a variety of games; matching activities; and undertaking specific missions, such as cleaning up space debris.

SCIS no: 5378393

Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education

https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/

Support material is available from this website for schools to  ‘develop environments that foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions’. Included are sections on reconciliation action plans, curriculum resources and professional learning material.

SCIS no: 5377845

Our Kiwi Legacy

https://www.capitalkiwi.co.nz/

Restoring a large, wild population of the iconic Kiwi bird to the Wellington region is the focus of this NZ website. Suitable for secondary teachers looking for a case study for sustainability and environmental education lessons.

SCIS no: 5378473

Tayasui Sketches

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/tayasui-sketches-draw-paint/id641900855

This app allows users to create sketches, artworks and illustrations from a mobile device. A variety of unique virtual tools can be used, including an air brush, filling tool, wet and dry brushes and a cutter. Free, with additional features available via in-app purchase.

SCIS no: 5378558

Traditional Indigenous Games

https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/traditional-indigenous-games

A variety of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games are available for teachers to use with age-appropriate classes. These games will assist with the enhancement of understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

SCIS no: 5378572

Nigel Paull

Teacher Librarian

North Coast, NSW