Tech Note: Vortex by Disposable Thumbs

The last time this blog highlighted an online game it was a gem style "traditional" one that introduces a QEP web site (of UTD, a SACS institution).

This week I came across a different style of game through contact with a client. It's educational, based on physics principles. And available as an iPhone app. And the product of three high school students.

Vortex costs $1.99. The authors work under a business name, Disposable Thumbs, and have demonstrated perseverance in just getting into the App store, let alone programming a game.

This screen shot is from the within-app tutorial for learning how to play. Some institutions are adopting smartphones (like the iPhone) for campus-wide use by students. With the growing number of low-cost and free apps, it will be possible for professors to assign a series of educational apps. Educational mobile computing will include games.

© 2009 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Email contact: bold[AT]marybold.com. The content of this blog or related web sites created by Mary Bold (www.marybold.com, www.boldproductions.com, College Intern Blog) is not under any circumstances to be regarded as legal or professional advice. Bold is the co-author of Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. She is a consultant and speaker on assessment, distance learning, and technology.