Delete, Then Reinstall To Fix Problem

To those of you leaving negative reviews due to suddenly not being able to save classes after installing the Stick Pick 1.10 update: if you delete the app, and then reinstall it, it will work fine. 

This update was necessary due to Dropbox retiring a back-end service we depended on for sync. We had to move sync to another provider, and the databases don't integrate. So, that's the story.

I wanted the update to be as painless as possible, and I'm sorry you're frustrated, but sometimes, these things happen. 

Two suggestions: first, send to yourself your students' previous scores if you want to save those. Second, save yourself some time and import your roster from a CSV file via Dropbox. 

Sorry for the inconvenience; please let me know if this works for you.

iOS 9.1 Bug Has Been Squashed

Thanks for your patience! The pesky bug that caused iPads to crash when tapping the Settings button has been eradicated. Please feel free to update Stick Pick at this time.

Update on iOS 9.1 bug in "Settings"

There is major change in the programming structure for iOS 9 and the coding must be checked thoroughly. Although I'm happy to report that I have tested the beta version on iPad, and that it works well; the one hiccup is that before I can release it, I still need to test it on iPhone, but presently, the beta won't install on my device. I should have a version for testing by next week, and assuming everything checks out, Apple will need a few days to review/approve it. So hopefully, it should be about two weeks from now. Thanks for your patience.

iOS 9.1 Update Breaks a Few Things

You're not alone. Unfortunately, the recent iOS 9.1 update breaks a few buttons in Stick Pick. Being a sophisticated user of smart devices, I'm sure you're aware that debugging apps is an ongoing process. Although it's disappointing whenever a bug is detected, it's a necessary reality in order that improvements can be made, and boundaries can be pushed. Not only Stick Pick users, but it's also been reported that all developers are facing issues in iOS 9.

Known Issues:
1) Immediately after updating her iPad to iOS 9.1, a user reported (and I confirmed today on my own device) that Stick Pick on iPads crash when user selects a class, and then taps the 'Settings' button. When a user selects a class, and then taps 'Settings,' the app springboards back to the Home Screen. This is a new error as a result of installing iOS 9.1. Restarting your device does not help. Uninstalling and then reinstalling the app also does not help. This issue pertains to classes added to Stick Pick prior to the update, as well as new classes added to Stick Pick.

 2) It was also just brought to my attention that if you click on 'Scores' and then press the 'Done' button, app is crashing similarly. We are rigorously checking all functionalities.

Please email support at buzz@stickpickapp.com if you find any other bugs related to the new iOS 9.1. I will update this post, and add it to our list. I can assure you that we are working on bugs as I type. Thanks for your awesome support!

Sync & Import Are Here (on an iOS Device Near You)!

Announcing our biggest, most significant update to Stick Pick since its initial launch. We’re committed to making Stick Pick the go-to teacher tool for building equity, differentiating instruction, promoting critical thinking, improving classroom management, collecting formative assessment data, and supporting the Common Core (CCSS).

Here’s what’s new:
• Sync. Now, teachers can keep their data synchronized across all their iOS devices, via Dropbox.
• Import class rosters from Dropbox. Create a CSV file in your favorite spreadsheet application, upload it to Dropbox, and import it right from within Stick Pick.
• View scores for an entire class, all from one screen.
• Share whole-class scores in a variety of popular file formats, such as Excel, PDF, or CSV via AirDrop, Message, Mail, Print, and more…
• Set Class Default for any class. (For example, now you can start with everyone at the same level of difficulty).
• Disable Class Default. Differentiate for individual learners by moving them higher or lower as needed without changing the rest of the class.
• Reorder the list of classes from the Classes screen.
• Swipe to delete a class right from the Classes screen.
• Swipe to delete a student directly from the Roster screen.
• Attach a Student ID to each student.
• Using just one, two, or all three identifiers is now permitted when adding students to a class (i.e. First Name; and/or Last Name; and/or Student ID).
• New Hidden Toolbar lets users search for students across all classes or within a particular class; also provides a shortcut to the new App Settings screen. (Swipe down from Classes, Sticks, and Roster screens to reveal hidden toolbar).
• New “Scores" Button in the lower tab bar menu lets users view a whole class of students' scores all at once.
• Improved overall appearance of buttons to align more with iOS 8.
• Fixed bug that wouldn’t respond to “Shake to Pick”
• Added a new "Sync on WiFi Only” toggle switch that gives users the choice to limit synchronization only when connected via WiFi
• Various cosmetic enhancements, including the overall look of most buttons to align more with iOS8.
• Various bug fixes

When Students Ask The Questions

Want to increase the depth of understanding and levels of questioning going on in your classroom? There's an app for that.

Sometimes, we teachers need a little help coming up with the right question for the right learner at the right time, which is where an app like Stick Pick can come in real handy.

But did you know that students can benefit greatly if they're the ones asking each other questions, too? Here's an easy way to encourage students to ask one another better questions:

First, download Stick Pick to all student devices. Stick Pick gives students the tools to pose thoughtful questions, assess, and even rate their classmates' responses, all on their iOS or Android mobile devices.

If you haven't done so already, create cooperative learning groups in your class. Groups of three to five members works best. Next, have students launch Stick Pick and create their own "class" on their devices and then input the first and last name of each member of their small group. Then, it's time to set each learner's mode and level. This step determines the kinds of question stems that will appear when a learner's stick is drawn. Students can set each learner's mode and level to any degree of difficulty they choose, or, you may prefer to have them set all learners to a specific level. For example, perhaps you want your students to practice asking and answering questions at the "Bloom's: Synthesis" level. Simply direct your students to set each learner's default mode and level to "Bloom's: Synthesis."

You're all set. So the next time you ask your small groups to discuss the latest chapter, article, or poem you've assigned, they'll be asking better questions which will lead to better answers and deeper discussions. And when peers start assessing and rating each other's answers, you'll really start to see an increase in student engagement as well.

How are you using Stick Pick in your classroom?

Additional Features in Development

Thank you so much for your patience and positive reviews in the app store! I'm happy to report that the iOS 7 update that crippled the "Settings" button on iPads has been resolved. But instead of merely fixing that glitch, I decided to give the entire app an iOS 7 "facelift." I hope you will agree that Stick Pick is now more in line with Apple's new iOS 7 look and feel.

I'm currently working on a "sync" feature that will allow data to be synchronized across all iOS devices. The sync feature will allow teachers who own more than one iOS device to use their devices interchangeably. For example, a teacher may use his or her iPad in class and then access a student's data from their iPhone while in a conference or at home. Also in the works is an "import roster" feature as well as an "export data" feature. Look for these features and more in the coming months.