The online world is a fantastic place to find educational resources and tools, as well as make contact with others, but why be tied to a desktop PC or even a laptop?
Smartphones such as Apple's iPhone and various Android handsets mean teachers can access the online world almost anywhere.
There are now thousands of free and paid-for apps for smartphones, and one of the most useful for teachers is Twitter, the social networking service. Many teachers are using Twitter to set-up their own personal learning networks and forming links with other teachers to share resources, ideas and advice.
A good app doesn't just provide compelling content or functions; it should also be easy to use.
John McLear, an app developer for teachers, says: "You should be able to reach your objective in three clicks, unless you're entering text."
McLear has developed Classdroid, an app that allows teachers to take photos of their pupils' work, grade it and upload it to online blogs. David Mitchell, deputy head at Heathfield Primary school in Bolton, says: "I use Classdroid to upload all the content on our homework blog. You can upload 30 pieces of work to a blog in just seven minutes."
There are lots of GCSE and A-level revision apps for subjects such as English, science and maths from companies such as Inquizitor and education apps that include quizzes, games and questions.
Bullying UK has developed an app that includes advice for teachers, anti-bullying poster artwork and developing a bullying policy.
Wikimobile Encyclopedia is a free app that enables you to carry more than 2m Wikipedia articles on an Android handset. Keynote Remote from Apple lets you control Keynote and PowerPoint presentations using your iPhone.
Townfield Primary school in Birkenhead has developed a range of iPhone apps for teachers and parents that cover maths, reading and writing.
George Cole
