App Name: MyScript Calculator – Handwriting Calculator

Cost: Free

What does it promise? The MyScript Calculator app promises a very intelligent interface that recognizes equations written by the user and gives them the answer instantly. It allows you to easily edit and scratch out scripts that you need to replace. It promises an innovative way to solve math problems without having to punch equations into calculators.

Does it deliver? This app delivers with flying colors. It can be used by children ages four and up because of how easy it is to write using the simple interface. For younger children, they will be able to appreciate the fact that they can use their hands to write the equation and see the answer magically appear in front of their eyes. It's an app that will save students a lot of time but where it fails is in teaching students how to actually solve equations. It does all the work for you and that’s fine but when it comes to an app that teaches, this one falls a little short. For higher education and instances where students might need a quick solution to a difficult problem, this app is perfect.

Can I use it in the classroom? Because this app does not have much educational value because it serves as an easy way to get the answer, it probably might not be well suited for the classroom. It would serve as a good tool at home when doing homework but again it doesn’t teach it just does. Could possibly be an aid in science classes or social studies classes where students might need an answer quickly in order to progress through the rest of a lesson or assignment.

Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor

May 1, 2015