PBS LearningMedia Launches Free iPad App for Students, Updates LearningMedia Service

PBS LearningMedia, the on-demand media service for K-12 classrooms, has added new features and tools, and the company has also launched a free iPad app for students.

The new PBS Students app offers videos, games and images from PBS and PBS Kids, including resources from Nova, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and the Ken Burns collection, as well as thousands of other resources covering math, science, English language arts, social studies and other subject areas. According to the company, the app is designed to complement the PBS LearningMedia Student portal, which launched earlier this year.

New features and tools added to the PBS LearningMedia service are intended to make it easier for teachers to implement the company's digital media resources in the classroom. They include:

  • Puzzle Builder, which lets teachers create interactive word searches and crossword puzzles that can be printed, or that students can complete on a computer or tablet;
  • Quiz Maker, which lets teachers create online short answer, essay, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank or true/false quizzes;
  • Lesson Builder, which lets teachers combine digital resource from PBS LearningMedia with their own content;
  • Tools for teachers to build their own digital content and share it with other educators;
  • Quick Assign, which is designed to make it easier for teachers to assign or share resources in the PBS LearningMedia library; and
  • A new curriculum calendar and events guide to help teachers access free professional development opportunities.

One of the company's upcoming professional development events is the third annual Get Your Tech On program, which includes a series of webinars on topics such as using digital media resources, implementing 1-to-1 technology and integrating game-based learning in the classroom.

Additional information about new PBS LearningMedia tools and features, the PBS Student app and professional development events can be found on the PBS LearningMedia site, and the PBS Students app is available as a free download from the App Store.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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