Dive in as we explore the 12 best education apps every student and teacher should have.
Whether aiming for better organization, interactive learning, or just simplifying daily academic tasks, these apps promise to make your academic journey smoother and more efficient. Let's get started!
Quick Reference Table
Have you got many lessons to attend (or plan) and little time to find educational apps? Check out our quick reference table below!
Educational App |
Category |
Free Version |
PDF Reader Pro |
PDF Tool | Yes |
Kdan PDF Reader |
PDF Tool | Yes |
Adobe Acrobat |
PDF Tool | Yes |
Linearity |
Design and animation |
Yes |
Khan Academy |
Comprehensive Learning Platform | Yes |
Google Classroom |
Learning Management System | Yes |
Grammarly |
Writing and Grammar Assistance Tool | Yes |
Flip |
Educational Interaction Tool | Yes |
ClassDojo |
Classroom Communication Tool | Yes |
Evernote |
Note-Taking App | Yes |
Quizalize |
Interactive Quizzing Tool | Yes |
Figment AR |
Augmented Reality Learning Tool | Yes |
12 Best Education Apps For Students and Teachers
Let's get started with our list of the 12 leading apps designed to help teachers and students alike with their educational needs!
1. PDF Reader Pro
Image source: PDF Reader Pro
Navigating the vast realm of digital documents, PDF Reader Pro is an essential tool for students and teachers. This multifunctional app allows for seamless viewing of PDF files and offers an array of features designed specifically to cater to the needs of the academic world.
Educational Features
- Annotation Tools: These tools allow users to highlight text, add comments, and draw on documents, facilitating interactive note-taking and collaborative studies.
- File Organization: Streamline the management of course materials, research papers, and assignments with intuitive file organization and easy-to-use folders.
- Convert & Edit: Effortlessly convert PDFs to various formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and edit them directly within the app, eliminating the need for multiple software tools.
How PDF Reader Pro Fared When Tested
In our hands-on trial, PDF Reader Pro demonstrated exceptional performance. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making navigation a breeze even for first-time users. The annotation tools are precise, ensuring that highlighting and commenting on complex academic materials is straightforward.
The file conversion feature worked flawlessly, retaining documents' original layout and formatting. Overall, PDF Reader Pro stands out as a robust and indispensable tool for those in the educational sector.
2. Kdan PDF Reader
Image source: Kdan PDF Reader
Kdan PDF Reader carves out a distinct niche in the vast ecosystem of PDF management tools. Renowned for its comprehensive capabilities, it has rapidly become a favored choice for students and educators seeking more than just a simple document viewer.
Educational Features
-
Cloud Integration: With seamless cloud service integration, users can save, sync, and access their academic documents from anywhere, anytime.
-
Multimedia Annotations: In addition to basic annotations, Kdan offers multimedia note additions, such as audio recordings, which make study sessions more dynamic.
- Form Filling & Signing: This feature allows users to fill out and electronically sign PDFs directly within the app, perfect for administrative tasks or assignments.
How Kdan PDF Reader Fared When Tested
Our hands-on experience with Kdan PDF Reader was notably impressive. The app loaded documents swiftly and rendered them clearly and crisply.
The multimedia annotations were a standout feature, allowing for a richer document interaction experience. The cloud integration ensured that accessing and saving documents on the go was hassle-free. All in all, Kdan PDF Reader is a formidable contender in the realm of educational PDF tools.
3. Adobe Acrobat
Image source: Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat, a globally recognized Adobe suite product, is one of the most reputable and widely used PDF tools in the market. Its rich history and continuous innovations offer a myriad of features that cater specifically to the intricate needs of students and educators.
Educational Features
- Document Scanning: Adobe Acrobat allows users to quickly scan physical documents and convert them into high-quality PDFs, simplifying the digitization of class notes and handouts.
- Collaboration Tools: Users can easily share PDFs and directly collect feedback from peers or instructors in the document, streamlining group projects and assignment reviews.
- Security Features: Protect sensitive academic information with password encryption, ensuring that personal and academic data remain confidential.
How Adobe Acrobat Fared When Tested
In our comprehensive review, Adobe Acrobat consistently showcased its prowess. Even with hand-written notes, the document scanning feature produced remarkably clear and sharp results. Collaboration tools were intuitive, allowing for smooth real-time interactions on shared documents.
The added security features provided peace of mind, especially when handling important academic documents. Given its robust features and reliable performance, Adobe Acrobat remains a top choice in the PDF tool arena for the educational community.
4. Linearity
Image source: Linearity
Looking for an easy-to-use, powerful design platform for school or college? Linearity is a design and animation software suite with an intuitive user interface and all the tools you need to create stunning visuals.
Students use Linearity to design summary pages, projects, posters, and explainer videos. You can learn design and animation tricks at the Linearity Academy, which offers free tutorials. Linearity Curve is also a fun digital illustration tool to let out your creativity.
Educators use Linearity’s design and animation suite to prepare lessons, planners, and class activities. You can create branded lesson videos with your education institution’s logo and colors. Linearity is also a great platform for teaching students the fundamentals of art and design.
Linearity is available on Mac, iPad, and iPhone, so you can design on the go.
Educational Features
- Education pricing: Linearity offers a 58% annual discount for students, educators, and education institutions.
- User-friendly graphic design tools: Edit images and PDF design files using powerful features like the Pen Tool, Brush Tool, AI Background Removal, Magic Eraser, and more.
- 1 million+ free stock photos: Access the built-in Unsplash Library to create eye-catching designs without extra costs.
- 3,000+ free design templates: Jumpstart your designs with professionally designed templates. Make class schedules, presentations, posters, stickers, and more. You can also make animated elements using Linearity Move, Linearity’s animation platform.
- Icon library: Linearity has a built-in stock icon library, so you can quickly create infographics, signage, and activity pages.
- Linearity Academy: Learn more about design and animation by following step-by-step video tutorials.
How Linearity Fared When Tested
We tried out Linearity for animating logos and text and were pleasantly surprised by how intuitive the process is. We imported an SVG logo file into Linearity Curve, made some tweaks, and added a color background. Then, we duplicated the Artboard and created a three-step storyboard for the logo animation.
Linearity Curve and Move are seamlessly integrated, so we could simply tap on the Curve file to open it in Move. The Auto Animate feature turned our storyboard into an impressive animation in a few clicks.
Any student or teacher can use Linearity to create static designs and turn them into engaging animated content.
5. Khan Academy
Image source: Khan Academy
Khan Academy stands out as a beacon in the realm of online education. Pioneering a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, it offers a plethora of courses spanning multiple subjects and grade levels.
Educational Features
- Wide Range of Courses: Whether it's math, science, economics, or arts, Khan Academy provides an extensive range of courses tailored for different age groups, from school students to college learners.
- Interactive Practice Exercises: Beyond the video lectures, Khan Academy offers interactive exercises, ensuring learners can practice and reinforce what they've learned.
- Instant Feedback: As learners navigate through exercises and quizzes, they receive immediate feedback, helping them understand mistakes and cement their knowledge.
How Khan Academy Fared When Tested
Our exploration of Khan Academy was marked by its vast repository of educational resources. The platform effortlessly bridges the gap between complex subjects and understandable content, thanks to its thoughtfully crafted video lectures. The interactive exercises are designed in a way that they challenge and engage the learner, promoting a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Furthermore, the immediate feedback system fosters a continuous learning process, enabling learners to understand and rectify their mistakes on the spot. Overall, Khan Academy’s commitment to democratizing education is evident in its comprehensive, high-quality content, making it an invaluable tool for self-paced learning.
6. Google Classroom
Image source: Google Classroom
Google Classroom, birthed from the tech giant Google, has rapidly ascended as a quintessential tool for academic institutions around the globe. Seamlessly integrating with the familiar suite of Google apps, Classroom streamlines the educational process, bridging the gap between students, teachers, and digital resources.
Educational Features
- Assignment Distribution: Teachers can easily create, distribute, and grade assignments all in one place, reducing paper wastage and ensuring timely submissions.
- Real-time Collaboration: Leveraging the power of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, students and educators can work on projects simultaneously, viewing and editing in real-time.
- Class Updates & Announcements: A centralized platform to keep the class informed, educators can post updates, share resources, and communicate directly with their students.
How Google Classroom Fared When Tested
During our hands-on experience with Google Classroom, the platform stood out for its simplistic design and efficient functionalities. Assignments could be managed with ease, and the integration of other Google services like Drive made document storage and sharing effortless. Real-time collaboration tools proved to be invaluable for group projects and class discussions.
Furthermore, the ability for educators to make announcements ensured that the class was always on the same page. In a world where digital learning is becoming more prevalent, Google Classroom proves itself as an indispensable tool for educators and students alike.
7. Grammarly
Image source: Grammarly
Grammarly, renowned as a front-runner in the domain of digital writing assistance, is not just about grammar checks. It delves deeper, offering users nuanced feedback on tone, clarity, and coherence. For college students and educators alike, Grammarly stands as a trusted companion, ensuring their written communication is polished and effective.
Educational Features
- Advanced Grammar & Spell Checker: Beyond basic grammatical errors, Grammarly identifies complex issues, offering suggestions for clarity and correctness.
- Tone & Style Insights: With its innovative tone detector, users receive feedback on the tone of their writing, ensuring it aligns with the intended message.
- Plagiarism Checker: Especially crucial for academic writing, Grammarly's integrated plagiarism checker scans the web to ensure originality in essays and research papers.
How Grammarly Fared When Tested
During our hands-on experience with Grammarly, the tool's prowess became immediately evident. It not only caught subtle grammatical nuances but also provided context, helping users understand and learn from their mistakes. The tone and style insights were particularly beneficial when crafting essays or formal emails, ensuring the right balance of professionalism and friendliness.
The plagiarism checker, a boon for educators and students, worked efficiently in highlighting any content that might be too closely mirrored from online sources. All in all, Grammarly establishes itself as more than a mere grammar checker; it's a comprehensive writing assistant that every academic writer should consider integrating into their toolkit.
8. Flip
Image source: Flip
In an era where interactive and multimedia-rich content is becoming the norm for education, Flip emerges as an innovative tool. Designed to turn the traditional studying approach on its head, Flip enhances the learning experience through its dynamic digital flashcards.
Educational Features
- Customizable Flashcards: Users can craft their own flashcards, embedding images, audio, or even video to suit their study style and subject matter.
- Collaborative Study Decks: Students and educators alike can share and collaborate on flashcard decks, promoting group study and a shared learning experience.
- Spaced Repetition System: Flip employs a scientifically-backed repetition system to ensure learners review materials optimally, enhancing retention and understanding.
How Flip Fared When Tested
Upon diving into Flip, the initial impression was its user-friendly interface, which made creating and managing flashcards straightforward. The multimedia capabilities added a dynamic layer to the studying process, catering to different learning styles. Sharing and collaborating on decks became notable when studying in groups or when teachers wanted to distribute study materials.
The spaced repetition system, often praised in educational psychology, genuinely improved information retention over extended periods. Flip, with its contemporary take on flashcards, offers a refreshing and effective approach to study and revision.
9. ClassDojo
Image source: ClassDojo
ClassDojo is a vibrant intersection of technology and classroom management, empowering teachers, students, and parents to build amazing classroom communities. This innovative platform has digitized the age-old classroom reward system and expanded its horizons to facilitate communication and promote positive behavior.
Educational Features
- Behavior Tracking: Teachers can award points (or "dojos") to students for good behavior, participation, or any other customizable metric, providing instant feedback and motivation.
- Parent-Teacher Communication: ClassDojo offers a seamless channel for teachers and parents to connect, share updates, and discuss student progress without the need for traditional meetings.
- Class Story & Portfolios: A digital bulletin board where teachers can share class updates, photos, and announcements, while students can showcase their work in individual portfolios.
How ClassDojo Fared When Tested
Our exploration into ClassDojo revealed a platform that’s as delightful to use as it is functional. The behavior tracking system was intuitive, allowing for quick awarding or deduction of points, instantly resonating with students. The bridge it creates between parents and teachers is invaluable, offering transparency and fostering collaborative relationships in the child's educational journey.
The Class Story and student portfolios added a touch of personalization and pride, allowing both achievements and essential updates to be celebrated and shared. In essence, ClassDojo brilliantly captures the essence of modern classroom dynamics, fostering growth, communication, and positivity.
10. Evernote
Image source: Evernote
Evernote, with its iconic elephant logo, has established itself as one of the pioneering note-taking and organization tools in the digital realm. It has become an indispensable asset for college students and educators seeking a clutter-free digital workspace by offering a unified platform for capturing, organizing, and sharing notes.
Educational Features
- Versatile Note-taking: Beyond just text, Evernote supports adding images, audio recordings, and attachments, ensuring a comprehensive note-capturing experience.
- Organizational Notebooks & Tags: Users can categorize their notes into notebooks, further refining their organization with tags, making information retrieval quick and effortless.
- Web Clipper Extension: Research becomes a breeze as users can clip and save entire web pages, articles, or sections directly into their Evernote account, preserving references and sources with ease.
How Evernote Fared When Tested
Our dive into Evernote was met with an appreciation for its clean design and robust functionality. The versatility of note-taking methods catered to various scenarios, from lecture notes with embedded audio to project ideas with attached PDFs. The organizational system, especially with tags, made sifting through vast amounts of information surprisingly straightforward.
The Web Clipper stood out as a standout feature for research purposes, saving the content and the source. Overall, Evernote's cohesive suite of tools and features positions it as a top-tier choice for anyone in the academic sphere looking to enhance their note-taking and organizational prowess.
11. Quizalize
Image source: Quizalize
Quizalize steps into the educational arena as a dynamic, interactive platform that transforms mundane quizzes into engaging learning experiences. Designed to make assessment both fun and insightful, it caters to educators aiming to measure student understanding while also keeping learners engaged.
Educational Features
- Interactive Quizzes: Craft quizzes with various question types, including multiple-choice, short-answer, and more, incorporating multimedia elements to enrich the experience.
- Real-time Feedback & Analytics: Upon quiz completion, educators receive immediate insights into student performance, highlighting areas of strength and topics that may need further attention.
- Classroom Competitions: Transform assessments into interactive class competitions, where students can compete in teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
How Quizalize Fared When Tested
Our experience with Quizalize was marked by its user-friendly interface and the sheer fun of the quizzes. Crafting quizzes was intuitive, with many options to customize each question. The real-time feedback was particularly insightful, presenting data in easy-to-digest formats and aiding educators in adapting their teaching methods or topics accordingly.
The classroom competitions were a standout feature, adding an element of excitement to the assessment process. Not only did it promote learning, but it also made the quiz experience something students looked forward to. Quizalize, with its blend of engagement and analytics, is undoubtedly a valuable tool in the modern educator's toolkit.
12. Figment AR
Image source: Figment AR
Figment AR emerges as a groundbreaking tool at the intersection of augmented reality (AR) and education. By leveraging AR's capabilities, it immerses users in a learning environment where digital content meshes with the real world, creating an enriched and interactive educational experience.
Educational Features
- AR Scene Creation: Users can craft augmented reality scenes, adding 3D objects, animations, and other interactive elements directly into the physical environment.
- Educational Modules: Figment AR offers pre-designed modules that align with various academic subjects, enabling teachers and students to explore topics in a three-dimensional, interactive space.
- Collaborative Learning: Students can share their AR scenes and projects with peers, promoting collaborative exploration and group discussions within an augmented environment.
How Figment AR Fared When Tested
Our journey into Figment AR was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ability to craft custom AR scenes added a layer of creativity and depth to presentations and projects. The pre-designed educational modules proved invaluable, bringing abstract concepts to life in a tangible, interactive manner. The sharing capabilities fostered a communal learning experience, allowing students to explore and critique each other's augmented creations.
The seamlessness with which Figment AR integrates AR into educational scenarios showcases its potential as a futuristic, immersive learning platform. With its innovative features and capabilities, Figment AR promises to revolutionize classroom dynamics and learning methodologies.
Education Apps For Students and Teachers: Best Practices
Navigating the vast landscape of education apps can be overwhelming. With the increasing infusion of technology in education, the variety of learning apps available to both students and teachers has seen an exponential rise. To make the most of these digital resources, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
Evaluating Excellence: Teacher Evaluation Template
A comprehensive tool for fostering continuous improvement.
- Prioritize Comprehensive Platforms: Apps like Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses and educational videos, catering to diverse subject matter. For younger learners, Khan Academy Kids extends a similar approach, coupling instructional videos with fun games.
- Leverage Collaborative Tools: Platforms like Google Drive can revolutionize the learning experience. Teachers can store and share learning material, and students can collaborate on projects in real-time.
- Interactive Learning: Engage students with interactive quizzes and games. These not only make the learning process enjoyable but also reinforce fundamental skills.
- Diverse Educational Resources: Opt for apps that offer a broad spectrum of resources, from video lectures to discussion forums. These platforms often provide a holistic learning experience, catering to different learning styles.
- Seek Value: Many apps offer advanced features under monthly subscriptions. While these can be valuable, always weigh the subscription fees against the benefits. Platforms like Khan Academy offer a wealth of resources for free, while others might offer offline mode viewing under premium tiers.
- Apps Tailored for Specific Audiences: There are dedicated apps for teachers that offer resources like lesson plans and virtual classrooms. Similarly, apps for students might focus more on interactive learning experiences. Then there are apps for kids, like those on the Google Play Store or Nick Jr., which merge learning with playful interactions.
- Screen Time Moderation: Especially for younger learners, it's essential to balance digital learning with physical activities. While educational games or platforms like Khan Academy Kids can be beneficial, moderating screen time ensures holistic development.
- Stay Updated: The realm of education apps is continually evolving, with many harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to offer personalized learning experiences. Staying updated ensures that students and teachers always have the best tools at their disposal.
- Offline Capabilities: In areas with unstable internet connections, apps that offer offline viewing or functionalities can be a boon. It ensures that the learning process isn't hampered.
- Engage in Discussions: Platforms that offer discussion forums can be invaluable. They offer students a platform to clarify doubts, engage in intellectual discussions, and learn from peers.
Remember, the key to maximizing the benefits of education apps lies in choosing the right platforms and using them effectively. Whether it's for school students exploring complex math or educators curating lesson plans, the digital realm offers tools to make the journey smoother and more interactive.
Education Apps For Students and Teachers: FAQ
1. Are there any educational apps for kids on the Google Play Store?
Yes, the Google Play Store boasts a wide range of educational apps for kids. These apps often incorporate interactive games, fostering both cognitive skills and fundamental math skills in an engaging manner.
2. Can apps help in enhancing social skills for children?
Definitely! Many apps, especially those labeled as 'Apps For Kids', are designed with a focus on building social skills. They might include features that promote teamwork, sharing, and empathy.
3. I've heard about Khan Academy. What is it?
Khan Academy is a renowned educational platform that provides free, high-quality content across multiple subjects. From complex math concepts to arts, it caters to learners of all ages.
4. Are there specific apps for teachers?
Yes, there are specialized apps for teachers available on various app stores. These can range from digital portfolios to note-taking apps or platforms that assist in crafting educational quizzes.
5. How do educational apps make learning complex subjects like math more engaging?
Many apps, such as the Prodigy Math Game, use interactive games and challenges to teach complex math concepts. They turn learning into a fun activity, ensuring that the correct answer is rewarded and the incorrect answer provides a learning opportunity.
6. What features should I look for in an educational app?
When selecting an educational app, consider the following app features: range of content, interactivity (like augmented reality or sound effects), feedback mechanisms (highlighting correct or incorrect answers), and adaptability (the ability to adjust to a learner's level or suggest future lessons).
7. Are there apps to help kids learn coding or foreign languages?
Absolutely! Several apps introduce kids to the basics of coding language or help them master a foreign language through games, challenges, and interactive lessons.
8. How do educational app purchases usually work?
While some apps might be free with basic plan features, others might offer advanced features for a one-time fee or a subscription model. It's always a good idea to check app purchases options and read reviews to ensure you're getting value for your money.
9. I've heard of apps using augmented reality for education. How do they enhance the learning experience?
Augmented reality (AR) in educational apps adds an immersive dimension. It superimposes digital information onto the real world, making abstract concepts tangible and promoting a hands-on learning experience.
10. Are there apps that focus only on math games for kids of specific ages?
Yes, there are several apps tailored for specific kids' ages. These math games are designed to align with their cognitive development stage, ensuring they are challenged just the right amount and can build foundational math skills effectively.
Remember, the world of educational apps is vast and continuously evolving. Always ensure to check for updates, read user reviews, and make informed choices to provide the best learning experience for students or to aid teachers in their educational endeavors.
