Share this page 

Apps Analysis

By Stefan Dubowski

Explore 150

Application icon for "Explore 150" app. The icon consists of the words, "Explore 150."

Take your class on a virtual trip to remember with this bilingual app. Explore 150 features the nation’s most important public sites, as voted by Canadian students. Ottawa’s War Museum and St. John’s Signal Hill are two of the more than 150 locations that topped the natural, cultural and historic treasure wish lists. Students can read descriptions of each landmark, play games to learn fun facts, record their experiences in the guest book, and use Photo Spot to share images of the Great White North. The more you use the app, the more points you collect for gift cards, museum passes and more. Get the party started early with this interactive primer for Canada’s big 150th in 2017.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: iTunes, Google Play; free
RATING: 4+; Low Maturity

OCT Membership App

Application icon for ""OCT Membership App."" The icon is the Ontario College of Teachers logo.

Make the most of your OCT membership with the new, bilingual College app. Search Find a Teacher and Find an AQ when you’re in transit, update your account in a click and browse the Margaret Wilson Library when the urge strikes. Awaiting a friend for lunch? Tackle your to-do list! Pay your fees, view your tax receipts, even order an application for equivalent standing. Want to confirm your registration number? Tap the screen and watch your membership card appear electronically. Need one more reason to check this out? You’ll never be without the 1,200+ discounts that are now available with the OCT MemberPerks program [see “Spring Savings” on p. 21].

DEVICE: Apple, Android, Windows Phone
SOURCE: bit.ly/1fB6xcq; free
RATING: 4+; Everyone

Pocket

Application icon for ""Pocket"" app. The icon is a red pocket."

Bye-bye bookmarks! Now you can clip and save must-see web content when you’re on the go with Pocket. Formerly known as Read It Later, the updated app syncs queued material (articles, websites, images, etc.) across multiple devices and has an easy-to-view layout. It lets you tag clippings so they’re a cinch to find and is the only software of its kind that plays article-embedded videos (though you must be online). Find something worth sharing? Use Pocket to send the item via email, Facebook or Twitter. Access saved files whenever you have the need — ideal for daily commutes through dead zones. Time magazine calls it one of 2013’s 50 best Android apps.

DEVICE: Apple, Android
SOURCE: iTunes, Google Play; free
RATING: 4+; Everyone