Friday, September 11, 2015

App Review: Explore 9/11

The EXPLORE 9/11 app from the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is a guide to understanding the history of the World Trade Center and the 9/11 tragedy.
The app contains three features including a map mode, story mode, and tribute mode. Rotate your device to switch between the map and story modes.
The Map Mode allows users to explore the map of the Memorial plaza and museum. Tapping on hotspots provide access to videos, photographs, and other images. Audio recordings from first responders and survivors are also included.
The Story Mode lets users explore chapters with background information about the history of 9/11 and the artifacts housed in the museum.
The Tribute Mode provides a place were users can leave a message.
Librarians will find this to be a powerful virtual field trip for students and their teachers. Consider designing pre- and post- app experiences that encourage youth to ask questions, explore content, then debrief the experience.