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Again, my biases are going to come out here. I received an email this week from a company and makes an iOS flashcard app called Flash Card Elite (free) and it got my wheels turning. The app’s focus is learning language, but actually it really works for learning just about anything. Which led to a sidebar discussion around the Tech Blog water cooler (aka email) about a post on this topic.
Now, beyond the cool stuff you can find in-store for learning (I’ve always wanted to try Rosetta Stone to improve my German or really learn French) and the cool kits to make a variety of solar-powered vehicles (and bugs!), let’s look at some of the things you can find in the App Store.
Just browsing through the apps, and I suggest you look for yourself, there is a huge range of apps for all levels of education. I think the moniker Special Education belies the range of apps in there, but I digress. The apps range from free to pricey (like $25), but given the benefits kids (and adults!) can get from using these apps, I think it’s a small price to pay.
For the preschool set, I just got word about updates to some kids learning apps Miffy’s Garden ($4.99) and Miffy Goes Flying ($4.99). I remember reading my kids Miffy books and watching some Miffy shows on TV and know that the bright colors and simple text click with kids.
If you’re into Evernote, you might check out Evernote Peek which is kinda like a flashcard system, but it’s tied into Evernote. And as far as Evernote goes (which is cool and free), I’ve just lukewarm on using it for heavy duty note taking. Myself I look at note taking apps like Penultimate or Remarks which let you take much richer notes and still export them to Evernote (if you want). Note taking apps are tools that are based a lot on personal preference, I like Remarks, Penultimate, and Notability myself for lots of different reasons.
What’s the sum of all this?
There are a ton of apps that can let you learn everything from reading to writing to, well, you know… The apps range from free to a few dollars to a few more dollars. All the ones that I’ve taken a look at pull in all the aspects of learning, pictures, sound, words, tactile action (touching the screen to make something happen) to create a rich learning experience. Actually after looking at things for this post I can’t wait to show a few apps to my neighbor…who works in Special Education and just got an iPad.
How about you? Do you have a favorite learning app to share?
Rosetta Stone Version 4 TOTALe (French, Level 1-5) is a comprehensive language-learning software solution. Speak, read, listen and write with the Rosetta Course software component, participate in guided sessions with a native-speaking Coach in Rosetta Studio, and practice your skills in an online community, Rosetta World.
This solor powered Solor System is easy and fun to assemble. This is a neat science model project for young astronomers. The kit comes with 6 colors of opaque acrylic paint, plus brush which makes for the perfect exercise in science and creativity.
