The relatively new iOS and Android app InstaPlace has been making a lot of appearances in the Daily Round Up, so I wanted to do it justice and write a full review. It's a pretty basic app, but I think that's a good thing. It's easy to use and has some fun educational possibilities. So...let's check it out!
The basic idea of InstaPlace is that you would use the app to create location-based postcards to send from wherever you are. They have an ever-expanding variety of "skins" (which are basically captions) that you can overlay over your pictures, and then you can share your shots via all the traditional methods (Facebook, email, etc.)
Sample Skins/Captions
And essentially, that's it! You take pictures, you add a place and/or time caption, and you send it off! It's incredibly easy to use and can be a fun and simple addition to a picture. The app comes in a paid version ($1.99) and a free version (with ads and less skins).
Skin Selection & Settings
As for educational uses, blogger Jamie Forshey at EduTech for Teachers has been writing about her ideas for a while, and her blog is great for resources. Personally, I think it'd be an awesome tool for sending older students on a virtual scavenger hunt. Imagine sending kids to all the historic locations or landmarks in a city, they could easily use this app to take a picture and prove they actually went there! Plus they'd have a fun keepsake from the adventure.
As for suggestions, the only thing that might make the app more enjoyable and/or useful would be the option to allow users to create custom skins. Then, teachers or students could create a caption with a question or fact to send out to the class via facebook or twitter and other students could respond. Otherwise, the app does what it set out to do!
In conclusion, InstaPlace is great for what it is: a simple app to add location-based captions to a picture. Will it revolutionize the way you teach? No. But with a little bit of creativity it can be an enjoyable tool in the classroom.
Final Rating:
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