Little Digits by Cowly Owl

It's fitting that my inaugural post should be the app that finally got me motivated to blog. I have seen so many 'bells and whistles' apps lately that the simplicity of Little Digits really struck a chord with me. This is a clever little app based on finger counting. At its most simple, it literally helps children associate the number on the screen with the number of fingers they have placed on. The symbols within the game are bold and animated - each number is a character. The part that really got me was that they are able to record their own voice saying each of the numbers which are then used in the games. This personalisation seems to have real resonance with children and can also allow them to record in their home language or have different friends record numbers which for more visual/aural learners is wonderful. 

In addition to the initial counting activity there are addition and subtraction modes where children can finger count to calculate simple equations. Used either alone or collaboratively in pairs, this is a really engaging way for children to master the counting on and counting back methods initially before mastering the equations and placing their answer straight onto the screen. Incorrect answers are not animated in an elaborate way (an issue I have discovered with many apps making them motivating to use unthinkingly) and it is easy for children to adjust their answers making their miscalculations clear to trace back. The only small design fault that I can see is that if the iPad is in a case with a thicker frame, children could be touching edge of the case rather than the screen which would obviously give an incorrect answer. Also, children who can't yet isolate individual fingers would find this a challenge - but what a way to learn.

It feels like the iPad was made for Little Digits because it utilises the technology so effectively and the one bell/whistle of voice recording adds a brilliant dimension (I would consider using this for teaching numerals in a new language, for example) without the usual over-complication. Blog-inspiringly great!