Educational Media Reviews Online

The world in which we live today includes cellphones and mobile technology tools that are accessible to millions in developed countries. Life Apps is a five-disc documentary series that challenges app developers to create easily accessible mobile apps for indigenous people in less developed countries of the world. These apps are meant to empower, be self-sustaining and give more opportunities for development in places spanning the continents of Africa, South America, and Asia.

Each episode starts with the app developer getting involved in a focus group or a scouting trip, where they try to identify the various issues or problems that can be improved with a mobile app. An app prototype is developed, and then introduced to focus groups. Every episode ends on a positive note, since only time will tell if these prototypes are successful. It is not known how these apps are publicized to the indigenous populations.

For a number of reasons, this series is appropriate for high school to general adult audiences. One, this series definitely introduces places and cultures that may be unfamiliar to many. There is appropriate music from each culture playing in the background. Two, it breaks down the steps involved in a problem solving model, so viewers can clearly see what is being done and possibly replicate it within their lives. Three, it serves to inspire. Many of the global issues and problems mentioned are not going to be solved outright, but grass root campaigns can start the process of community and social awareness.

Bullfrog Films has made clips of this series available on their Youtube channel. Episodes in this series are Silcon Savannah, Favela Farm, Mobile Harvest, Once a Nomad, and World of Apps.