Smartphones and tablets are very popular among students of any age. They communicate via social networks, listen to music from online services, watch videos, read books or play games. In addition to that, the media market offers a wide variety of educational apps which may boost students' performance and prepare them for further education in colleges and universities.
An infographic prepared by Grunwald Associates shows that parents report the advantages and educational potential of mobile apps and content. The three leading positions take "promoting curiosity", "teach reading" and "teach math".
According to the Statista portal, the educational applications are the third most widespread apps among users with the rate at 8.5%. Let's see how they can help you achieve high academic results and improve necessary skills.
Mobile apps develop intelligence and effective thinking
The effective thinking is a significant factor in a person's development. Mobile apps may help boost the ability to analyze and compare facts and to memorize complicated information. Moreover, it's nice to have fun while learning. For example, Poll Everywhere is an educational app where a teacher sets up a question on the web, and students answer it. Kahoot is another useful multiple choice quiz. Schoolers need to mark the right answer as soon as possible. Score points are awarded for each correct answer. With Quizlet, teachers can focus on terms and definitions. You can pass a test, choose the learn mode or match terms with their corresponding definitions. Using Seesaw students can create their portfolio and gather articles for a particular course.
According to some researches published in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, gamification has a great impact on motivation and learning behavior. Game-like online elements imply freedom of choice, independent problem-solving and interaction.
Mobile apps control physical activity and healthcare
Mobile apps may also increase physical activity among students that influences cognitive and academic performance. According to recent research published online in the US National Library of Medicine, these apps increase health status and result in a change in their motivation and attitudes. Have a look at MyFitnessPal, Activex, Sleep Cycle or Atrava to see performance analytics, focus on well-being and achieve better sports results in school.
According to the results presented at the 10th INSHS International Christmas Sport Scientific Conference held in Hungary, the use of physical education apps has doubled over the past two years among adolescents. In their study, they also refer to behavioral changes in apps. Behavioral change techniques include self-assessment, feedback, and social support. Students can use the following types of apps to improve Physical Education grades: trackers, personal trainers, sports social networks, etc.
Epistemic games and simulations develop real-world skills
Epistemic games are the best solution with real-world problems for training students. Game-like simulations help students learn about some practical concepts, communicate with future colleagues and develop an analytical mind. Rationality is a crucial way of thinking in the current environment of information overload. It's quite different from the standard learning with theory and tests. These games develop real-world skills and form professional values. In addition to that, a student predicts whether a particular discipline could be his or her passion and vocation.
Simulations also give teachers a detailed picture of how schoolers understand the material. Mobile apps enable teachers to collect assessment data online to decide what concepts are difficult for students.
What makes mobile apps unique and useful for any student? The main advantages are accessibility, user-friendly interface, personalized learning and ability to study from any part of the world. If you still have any doubts, just download any of the educational apps to find out that school can be fun.
Mobile apps help to study foreign languages
Today studying foreign languages has become much easier. Let alone social networks where you can find an international pen pal from any part of the world, mobile apps will help to study languages while playing and being entertained. Download Duolingo, Busuu, Hello Talk or LinguaLift to become the best student in your language class. You'll find clear grammar explanations, integrated translation system, live dialogs, and funny quizzes. With these apps, you'll make your learning process simple and enjoyable.
According to a research of the University of Cadiz, Spain, mobile apps allow students to share and assess their knowledge and identify their interaction. The apps also provide students with an interactive learning environment and monitor their learning stats.
Mobile apps as a source for global learning
Global learning erases any boundaries in education. Do you live in a remote village and cannot go to a University? Download Coursera and attend lectures of the most respectable institutions like Stanford or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mobile apps help students build global competence and show a world of possibilities. Moreover, attending distance courses is an effective way to understand what a student really wants to do in life and determine career goals.
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