Applications For Documenting & Managing Activities

[janetsimmonds]

Hi guys!

My room lead has asked me to research any applications out there which would handle activity management, observations, documentation (like daily diaries, learning stories), children's portfolios, communication with parents, etc. She put out a list with more requirements, but this is the main stuff she wanted to focus on.

I've found a few in Google (like Storypark, Kindyhub, Kinderloop), but heard mixed comments about them. Also not sure how easy they are to use, price ranges, support, etc.

Has anyone had any experience with this applications? What are the pros and the cons?

Really keen to hear everyone's thoughts...

Thanks!

Janet.

[Lorina]

Hi Janet,

We are currently in the process of developing an app for educators and parents.

One of the positive features of our app will be that you should be able to use it from any devices, doesn't matter if its Android, iOS like ipads or iphones, Mac, Windows, or even Linux. So the cross compatibility will be excellent and all you would need is an internet connection and the latest internet browser. This gives great opportunities to educators since as an example one can start documenting directly from their phones or tablet even if its Android and then continue that work from their desktop or laptop in their rooms, etc.. without being limited to 1 device to finish that programming.

Some of the features we will include in our app is an "Educator portal" for educators to create documentations as well as a "Parent portal" for parents to view documentation for their individual child. You can create various documentations like learning stories, daily diaries, a range of different observations and curriculum plans. You will be also be able to create and customise your own documentation based on what your needs are, use the default available or create your very own templates! All documentation can be linked to EYLF, MTOP, QKLG, VEYLDF. Those are just some of the features available! Our app is going be loaded with tons of useful features and I believe it should have the solution for most educator's needs considering everyone have different requirements.

We are very excited to release this App and I may be biased but it's nothing like you have seen before in regards to Kindyloop, Story Park etc. We understand we have some competition out there but the extensive features, design, layout, usability is extremely well though out and have yet to be done by our competition.

In regards to price, it's hard to accommodate all these features and give it away for free. The app we are creating will be well worth the price!

We have spent more than 2 and a half years (and counting) creating this app and we have put so much time and effort into this, I just can't wait to release it!

So, all I can ask is to wait just a bit longer to get a taste of our App before you start looking into the others!

,
Lorina

[janetsimmonds]

Thanks Lorina, sounds promising. Which date will it be available? Is there any way my center can trial it for free?

Also, keen to hear what other educators think.

Thanks!

Janet

[Lorina]

Hi Janet,

It's really hard for me to answer when our App will be available. Each time we put a deadline on it we go past it as we decide to add more features to it or change the layout of it. We just want it to be pretty perfect before we release it since we are taking this very seriously! All I can say is that the App will be available in the near future and we will send everyone details about it a couple of months before we release it.

As for your question about whether your centre can trial it for free, I can only figure it out once we get the pricing worked out and how what we are going to offer...

So, all I can say for now that the App is still in development and we are working hard to ensure that we can make it available as soon as we can.

,
Lorina