Teacher Review for Shakespeare In Bits: Macbeth iPad Edition

Multi-modal approach using animation and more, brings plays to life

Heddi C.
Discovery Learning Center
Santa Cruz, United States
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My Rating
Learning Scores
My Students Liked It Yes
My Students Learned Yes
I Would Recommend It Yes
Setup Time 5-15 minutes
Great for Homework
Knowledge gain
Small group
Whole class
Great with ELL
Low literacy
How I Use It

My Take

Shakespeare in Bits is one of the best uses of media I've seen to create a fully annotated book.

Each of five of Shakespeare's most famous plays are recreated in light animation with voice actors who bring the text to life.

As each scene is performed in the animation, the text to the right of the video window changes color as it is spoken.

Archaic and difficult words are highlighted in yellow, and the student can tap those words to find their meaning.

Symbols along the left hand side of the text can be touched to reveal information about the language, history, or themes in the play.

A "Notes" button replaces the play's text with ideas and themes the reader might not have picked up on while a "Synopsis" button gives an extensive explanation of the scene in modern language.

A "My Notes" button allows students to write their own notes about the text.

One of the best things about the Shakespeare in Bits app is it's multi-modal approach to the play-- using animation, voice acting, and interactive text.

The extensive notes can be accessed within the text without having to look at footnotes or an appendix, and as a result, students are more likely to explore them.

Students can watch the animated story continuously and simply immerse themselves in the language or go phrase by phrase through the text and explore it deeply.

This is an excellent resource for teaching with Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, or A Midsummer's Night Dream.