Top Ten Apps for Creativity - Resource Page

With all the discussion on this blog around creativity, innovation and inventiveness, I thought I would compile a list of the top ten iPad Apps that I have used with students in primary school (Although some have applications for older students) so that they can be producers of their own work. These Apps encourage creativity, problem solving, use of image, text or video and can be collaborative. This is distinct from those Apps that are purely for consumption - that is those that are repetitive, practice based apps or viewing only.
Most of these are paid Apps because I think you get what you pay for and often the free or lite versions don't give you enough options or flexibility. I have not included the price here  so that the information doesn't date however the App is linked to the iTunes store where the price can be checked.
(All App images have been sourced from the iTunes store)

iMovie

This App is a simpler edition of the desktop version. It is quick and easy for students to use allowing them to create movies in minutes. They can directly access still images and video footage that has been taken on the iPad. Titles and sound tracks can easily be added to an clip. The clips are directly stored on the iPad's photo library.

Explain Everything

This is another versatile App. It has simple drawing capabilities that allow the user to annotate an image or document or start with a blank page. The App allows for voice recording so that the user can explain what they are doing as they go. The finished product can be exported using a number of simple methods.

This App can be used in Science or Mathematics for a student to explain their thinking. It could also be used for presenting an analysis of an artwork or giving instructions.

Sonic Pics

This is a very versatile App that combines audio (sonic) and images (pics). The images can be taken directly from the camera or retrieved from the Photo Library. This means you can import an image created in any other App since if the other App does not allow you to save to the Photo Library (and most do) then you can easily take a screen shot of the image you want and that will be saved in the Photo Library.

By taking a photo of a text this App can be used to record a reading sample. A number of images can be sequenced and the user can talk about each image in turn. This is useful for “timeline” activities, or recounts of an excursion or activity. The finished recording can be exported to the Photo Library, to You-Tube or emailed. It can also be shared over a WiFi network.

Comic Life

This is a quality App that is the iPad version of a well-respected desktop application. Images are added into frames and text can be used as captions to tell a story in a comic style.

This App is a fun and simple way to present a reflection on an activity, to summarise a sequence, to retell a story or to create a comic strip or storyboard.    

Felt Board

This is an interactive feltboard with many beautiful shapes and options. This can be used to create pictures to inspire creative storywriting, or to illustrate a scene.

In Mathematics, this App can be used for telling number stories. Images can be exported to be used in other Apps.

Draw and Tell

This App allows children to draw their own picture or colour in and then record their voice and animation to go with the picture. This could be used for planning of creative writing or as an alternative to Explain Everything for younger students.

Inspiration Maps

Lite version available

This is an iPad version of a very well-respected desktop application. This App allows the user to create concept maps to show how ideas are connected. Images, text and shapes can be added. There is the option to switch to outline view so that a writing framework is created.

It is useful for planning for writing tasks and for showing knowledge about a topic. 

Pic Collage

This free App allows students to create “mini posters” that combine images, stickers, text and shapes. The finished product can be saved to the Photo Library so that it can be accessed in other Apps to add oral commentary if desired.
It does offer in-App purchases to expand its capacity.

This App is simple to use and can be used in any curriculum area.

Drawing Pad

This is one of many drawing Apps available on the iPad. It has a good variety of different tools, colours and effects and is simple to use.
Offers in-App purchases to expand its functionality.

Sock Puppets

Lite version available.

This App is fun to play with because you can make your own puppet show with funny puppets and voices. It can be used for story telling and for learning to take turns. Students can record their show to showcase their learning in a particular curriculum area.