This is a unique app in allowing pairs to work simultaneously on one iPad with a task designed to encourage discussion around the crucifixion of Jesus. It works well with those aged 11-16.
Users are given digital, illustrated slips of information on the topic which look across different Biblical writings concerning the crucifixion. Direct quotes are included within these. Students are asked to use the slips to answer ‘Why is the crucifixion of Jesus significant?’ They must read these snippets of information, organise them into groups and then arrange into a sequence to represent their thought pattern in coming to an answer. To give a full answer to the question, students will have to build their argument using quotes from the Old Testament and New Testament as well as their own ideas.
Following the process of solving the task, an automatic report with screenshots and information of the session can be shared or printed. Students can also go through the Reflection Stage in which they playback the process and reflect on their ideas. This can be done alone, with their group, with their teacher or even as a class. It is an excellent way to help develop higher level thinking skills, while at the same time, learning information crucial to their education and exams.
The mystery comes with 3 difficulty settings. On the easy setting, there are 14 slips, medium, 18 and hard, 20. As the difficulty level increases, the added slips provide more information to help students focus on different elements.
Who is this app for?
This app works well with those aged 11-16. By having three difficulty levels, it supports differentiation in class and can be suited to varying abilities/levels of knowledge. As the difficulty level goes up, more slips are added which bring in more complex discussion points and themes. There is also different hints provided depending on which level you are on to help with grouping or sequencing. Sub questions are suggested too which help teachers streamline the session to what they would like students to focus on.
What is different about Digital Mysteries?
• Truly collaborative: It is unique in that more than one student can interact with it at once
• Retention: Working with information slips from two different perspectives (grouping, then fitting them into a sequence) ensures students remember more
• Higher-level thinking: The multiple discussion points, combined with the task’s open-ended nature, leads to students developing these skills
• Engagement: Mysteries split bulks of information into short snippets which makes it more digestible, plus working with peers leads to higher engagement levels
What does a mystery consist of?
• Illustrated slips: Including facts on the topic alongside story-based snippets about a particular character and their experiences
• Open question: To maximise the potential of discussion and expression of ideas, the nature of the task is usually open ended
• Extras: Most tasks come with personalised hints for those who need them. E.g. suggestions for grouping or sequencing their slips
• Description: This gives teachers the information they need to plan their session including the curriculum point each task links to, the advised age range and possible learning outcomes
How can I try other mysteries?
At the bottom of the app details tab, tap ‘Developer Apps’ to view our current range. This includes Shakespeare, computing, History and Geography.