App Review: 'Professor Garfield Cyberbullying' (iPhone/iPad)

App Name: Professor Garfield Cyberbullying  

Cost: Free

What does it promise? The Professor Garfield Cyberbullying app promises a way to teach Internet safety to younger children. It promises an interactive story where kids can learn why bullying is bad, the approach they need to take if they witness bullying while allowing them to put what they learn into practice.

“Garfield's friend Nermal wishes to win the best dance star competition on the ‘Animal Idol’ website. Little does Nermal realize that he's soon to experience a major cyber smackdown. Willard and Lorenzo, the mean dogs next door, plan to humiliate Nermal online by using his email address to write hurtful messages to him and to other Animal Idol contestants.” - iTunes

Does it deliver? Yes. As the story unfolds, Garfield takes on the role of a professor who is trying to help his friend out. It’s worth noting that there is a full video available on the Professor Garfield Site, it’s an excellent supplement to the app. The app itself is very easy to use and enlightening. It’s characters; bright colors and storyline will be popular with young children from grades K-4. If you are looking for an app to teach the do’s and don’ts of cyberbullying in grades 5-12 it simply won’t appeal, even despite the good nature.

There is a very cool interactive section called “Try and Apply” where students can put what they learn into practice and show their understanding of cyberbullying and bullying as a whole for that matter.

Can I use it in the classroom? Yes. As we mentioned above, the interactive video will be an amazing supplement to use in classrooms where teachers have Internet access and a Smartboard/projector. Teachers and students can also go through the “Try and Apply” sections together. At this point the teacher can explain why they class may or may not have used the right tactic. Instead of trying to go through what might be a boring lesson, students will be able to learn in a fun and interactive way.

App Review by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor.