
EdTechTeacher.org defines “App Smashing” as “The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.” When teachers create assignments that require the use of multiple apps, it not only increases the engagement of their students, but it also allows them to learn about many new applications which they can use for other assignments in the future. An example of this process worked very successfully when an ELL teacher working at both Pickering High School and Dunbarton High School decided to use “app smashing” to revamp an assignment she had used in the past.
ELL teacher, Nicole Hardy, was eager to learn how to better integrate technology into her teaching practice and was willing to try things out with her students even if they were new to her. When she told me about a project that she used with her ELL students in the past, where students present their “journey to Canada” stories, I thought it was the perfect opportunity for an app smash. The project already had multiple elements and steps which perfectly lent themselves to many different applications. So we formulated a plan which included me modelling a new app for the students each week when I was in the building and then Nicole would work with the students on the actual content of their projects between my visits.
The goal of the summative project was to give each student an opportunity to share their personal stories and experiences regarding the journey from their native country to life here in Canada.
Here are the applications the students used and what they used them for:
Application |
Tools |
Use |
![]() Read & Write for Google Chrome |
Text to Speech and Translation tools |
|
![]() Google Docs |
Tables, Speech to Text, and Translation tools |
|
![]() Google Drawings |
Image search and Modification tools |
|
Google Drive |
File Storage for use in multiple apps |
|
Google Image Search |
Using advanced search tools to find creative commons images cleared for reuse |
|
![]() WeVideo |
Webcam Record, Essential Library, Colour Keying, and Video Editing tools |
|
![]() Google Sites |
Website creation, video, image and document embedding |
|
![]() Google My Maps |
Creation of a shared world map where each student could link their final project to their native country |
|
![]() Google Classroom |
Posting of announcements and assignments as well as sharing of documents in order to facilitate collaboration among ELL students at different schools |
|
In the end, each student created a website which described the stories of hope, struggle, determination, loss and joy through the journey that brought them to Canada. They could then share their stories with other students who’s own journeys had brought them to the same destination. Visitors to their websites could hear and read the stories that helped to shape the person they were and the person they will become in the future. Along the way, the students learned several different tools which will undoubtedly help them as they continue to navigate the challenges encountered by anyone who is attempting to learn in a language that is not their native tongue.



I truly enjoyed working with this open-minded teacher and her amazing students and I hope they all felt our partnership was as valuable as I did.