Tablet devices like iPads continue to change the way technology is used in classrooms, allowing schools to offer their students the ability to access the web and applications for resources, research and activities regardless of the subject. The extensive array of applications available to education, free and paid is unrivalled, with fantastic support from developers with new apps being created constantly.
At Oakford we understand that with so many education applications available it can be quite difficult to know which ones you should use. That is where I’ve stepped in and have narrowed it down, giving you the Top 10 Educational apps.
1. Scratch JR
Scratch JR is a coding application loved by teachers and students that can be used on both Windows and Apple devices. This app provides so much flexibility in teaching code to an entire class. Using the Apple application, I have seen how students can capture “live” images, edit them and use them in their Scratch projects.
2. BeeBot
BeeBot is another coding application used by students to develop and reinforce their knowledge of coding the BeeBot machines. They can learn the basic of coding movement instructions, then progress onto the machines themselves, creating live journeys for the little bots.
3. Daisy the Dinosaur
Daisy the Dinosaur provides entry level coding in a fun environment to KS1 students. This is a very popular application, and always one that appears on any wish list for deployment.
4. Mathletics Student
Mathletics Student is a very popular web based Maths development program which has a convenient application for an iPad. The app runs very smoothly, providing a very similar experience to the web based program, meaning the learning time for this application is small. Another example of how schools can get more students using the mathletics service at once, utilising both their traditional IT and their tablets.
5. Thinking Blocks
Thinking blocks is another Maths application that provides various versions for Addition, Multiplication, Ratios etc. Teachers enjoy using this app as it replicates the physical use of blocks to represent and work through number problems. The interface is clean and does not distract. Thinking Blocks is another application that is regularly deployed on all Apple projects.
6. 2Create a Story
2Create a Story is a literacy iPad application represented from the popular 2Simple Create a Story. It provides easy and direct access to the Create a Story program and is primarily used in KS1. It is simple to use and effective interface. The created media can also be exported to printing and manipulation.
7. Colling Big Cat Series
Colling Big Cat Series is a literacy application that appears in multiple applications on various stories. They allow reading (audio versions and normal reading mode) of the books, and creation based on the books theme. This has become more popular in the Apple applications fleet.
8. Brushes Redux
Brushes Redux is an art application generally used by KS1 students due to the simplistic interface. The app creates basic drawings/painting with some options for standard shapes, fill and other general painting tools. Very useful to just load and paint.
9. Google Earth
Google Earth is a general application used by students to explore the globe and various important locations. For example, the Wonder of the Worlds tours. This application is always requested and deployed during Apple projects.
10. Cargo-Bot
Finally, Cargo-Bot is a gaming but education application. It involves problem solving to complete levels and using instructions to control a mechanical arm. The instructions need to be planned out, entered then the user can watch their program in action. This is a popular game to have and is requested on 95% of Apple projects and deployments.
These are just a handful of the apps used in education, but they are some of the most requested for all our Apple projects. In my secondary role as a Support Engineer I look after 10 schools all of which use Apple iPads, and they all have at least 8 out of 10 apps mentioned on this list. Each app has a gentle learning curve in their use and Scratch, Mathletics and Google Earth also have Windows equivalents, making them easy to incorporate into lesson plans.
For application descriptions or information and advice on educational apps, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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