David Brown is a content manager with a big four professional services firm based in North America. He writes on a variety of topics with a strong focus on learning apps and has put together this post outlining his favourite learning apps for schools and students…
We all know that students are hopelessly bound to their smartphones, but these days, use of smartphone is not limited to just social networking or connecting with friends; the concept of “Mobile Learning” is picking up momentum really fast. Schools have begun to realise the potential of tablets, smartphones, and other digital devices for classroom education. Though there are lots of education apps around, you need to choose only the ones that are most suitable for you. Here is a handy list to have a look at:
BrainPOP UK (Android, iOS)
Price: free (but with paid in-app subscriptions for extra content)
BrainPOP is a great app for informal and explanatory learning at home. It covers a wide range of subjects including science, maths, social studies, arts, music, health, and engineering. There are tutorials on almost all subjects that come in the form of animated movies. Watching movies with BrainPOP can enhance your knowledge on many topics of historical and current significance. After watching the featured movies, you also get a chance to test your knowledge on the subject through an accompanying interactive quiz. BrainPOP has an attractive design, which is sure to make learning all the more interesting.
The Elements (Android)
Price: Free
The Elements is a great app for science students. If you need help with chemistry, you must use this app. If you find Periodic Tables boring and dull, here’s an app that can help you get a rich interactive experience. In addition to that, there are around 500 3D objects that you can browse with a simple sideways swipe. Furthermore, there are real-life examples for each element on the periodic table, which help you to memorise the properties of each of those. Now it’s going to be easy for you to remember the electromagnetic properties of copper, decay chain of titanium, or the current price of gold!
Edmodo (Android, iOS)
Price: Free
If you are looking for an app that will allow you to collaborate with your students you must try Edmodo. This app makes it easy to share important files, photos, videos and helps to track your academic progress. Edmodo will allow you to connect with your students at any point of time to manage and organise e-learning. Just look at the number of downloads at Google Play and you would realise how big the Edmodo community is.
NASA App (iOS, Android)
Price: Free
Have you always dreamt of becoming an astronaut or space scientist? If yes, then you must download the NASA app. With this app, you can get information on the latest videos, images, missions, features, and news, directly from NASA through the NASA TV channel. Currently, the app features more than 12,000 images (ever increasing). NASA app will let you watch live streaming of NASA TV, provide launch information and show countdown clocks. Don’t miss the chance to get maps, links, information, and tweets of NASA – all on your smartphone!
What do you think of David’s selections? Please let us know and share your favourite smart phone apps for teachers, students or the classroom in the comments below or via Twitter… 