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5 Educational Apps and Their Benefits by Nate Rogers

1. Apps need to be able to offer learning in small chunks, when it is convenient for students who are on the go. One example of an app that fits this need is Duolingo. Its a fantastic app that allows students to learn how to speak different languages. The app allows the user to make a goal for the amount of time they want to use the app per day to improve their language skills.

2. Another benefit an app should have is the ability to use it on multiple devices. For example, I can have a class play a game on Kahoot using a desktop PC, a Chromebook, or my Android all at the same time. The data also can sync across those different devices instantly. The app has to be adaptable across different devices also, in part, because of the diversity of our students.

3. A third benefit an app should have is its ability to help a teacher to differentiate instruction. Quizlet provides this in a variety of ways. First, students can play a variety of games at different skill levels. Additionally, they assess themselves based on readiness and adaptations can be made by the teacher in case the student has an IEP. Number of questions and answers as well as pictures can be added or changed as needed. When students are working at their ability level, they are engaged and not frustrated. They are in the flow!

4. Another benefit a educational app can have is its ability to engage through gaming. Prodigy is a math app that absolutely mesmerizes students in the math learning process. The game allows students to compete against each other and to level up. The higher level they can get to, the more power they can have in the game. Of course all along the way they are learning math and doing practice problems. Making education into a game is an obvious advantage for engaging our young people.

5. Finally, an app should give students a chance to be creative. Innovation is crucial for our students to learn and when an app can engage them in that process, it takes thinking to a higher level. For example, DNA Play is an app that allows students to learn about genetics in a creative way. They can make their own characters and even add mutations to the genetic process. All the while, they are using a high level science concept to create their own creatures!