Over the past few years, apps have become a staple of education. Apps offer fun, engaging opportunities for students to explore learning. Here are a few of our favorite apps for 2022.
Chances are, you’re already acquainted with Google Classroom. The app provides teachers a streamlined hub to centralize lesson plans, and assignments, as well as tracking student progress. Students can access assignments and see due dates. Discussion forums and teacher-student messaging provide an opportunity for collaboration or extra help.
Microsoft’s Minecraft: Education Edition harnesses the magic of Minecraft while teaching students about working collaboratively, coding and creative problem-solving. Microsoft offers free online training for educators to become Minecraft-certified teachers, game-based lesson plans, and an online community where educators can connect and share how they’re using Minecraft.
Making math approachable and fun is a breeze with DragonBox’s collection of math apps. Learners ages 4-8 can learn the basics with Numbers before graduating to Big Numbers and Algebra 5+, while Learn Chess uses puzzles and strategic tasks to explore the rules of chess. Kids ages 8 and up can try Multiplication, which uses mini-games to help teach the times tables, or Algebra 12+, which builds on Algebra 5+. The award-winning Elements teach geometric proofs as students race to save Greek mathematician Euclid from an evil dragon. A wealth of printable resources extends the lessons beyond the screen.
The Epic! app gives students instant access to thousands of age-appropriate books. Teachers and students can track how many books they’ve read, while tools like Read-To-Me and Dictionary Look-up offer extra support and learning opportunities.
While BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. both deliver solid lessons on the standard educational topics, their social and emotional programming are what really set them apart. BrainPOP teaches kids about topics like digital safety and citizenship, mindfulness and sustainability in an engaging, age-appropriate manner.
Kids learn the basics of coding through codeSpark’s puzzles, challenges and mini-games. Designed to expose young kids to coding, and reduce the gender-equity gap in STEM, once kids master the basics, they can design and create their own games.
Designed to promote learning in kids ages 2-8, ABCMouse offers a full curriculum of lessons in math, science, reading and art. With over 800 lessons across ten levels of play and tons of extra content ranging from digital jigsaw puzzles to printable activities, kids and educators will love tracking students’ progress as they move through the levels.
Quizlet helps students study more effectively. The app offers a digital alternative to flashcards and guides students on breaking down complex problems into step-by-step solutions. Choose from an existing library of Quizlets, or design your own to perfectly fit the content. Kids can play as individuals or in team mode to boost collaboration.
Khan Academy is a robust, personalized learning resource for students ranging from K-12 and even early college. The engaging instructional videos and practice exercises allow students to study at their own pace. In addition to test preparation (such as SAT, Praxis, and even the LSAT), traditional subjects include math, science, computing, history, and art history. Khan Academy also offers courses and valuable life skills, including social and emotional learning, personal finance and internet safety.
Duolingo is a popular language app. With its friendly vibe and elements of gamification, kids (and adults!) can enjoy exploring a new language or take their existing knowledge to the next level. Lessons are bite-sized, and Duolingo now offers podcasts to enhance the learning experience.