These days, we can't go five minutes without looking at our smartphones. We use them to communicate, shop, and get from point A to B. However, they're not the first resource learners turn to when searching for solutions to advance their studies.
According to a series of studies Exploding Topics compiled in December 2023, Gen Z uses their phones the most. For those not in the know, that group comprises teens and individuals under 24.
That's the prime learning age bracket. Unfortunately, the Exploding Topics report doesn't tell us what those phone users are doing on their devices. However, we can practically guarantee that, if they're using any of these apps, they're busy learning.
| App name | Operating system | Purpose | Price | Age group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quizlet | iOS - Android | learning, study, revision | free basic version; advanced versions available | ages 6 and up |
| SimpleMind | iOS - Android | mind mapping | Lite version is free; Pro version is $29.99 | ages 6 and up |
| DayCape | iOS - Android | organisation | $8.99 | Special needs, any age |
| The Elements | iOS | science | $14.99 | ages 4 and up |
| Skeleton 3D anatomy | iOS - Android | science | free | ages 12 and up |
| Programming Hub | iOS - Android | computers | free | ages 4 and up |
| Duolingo | IOS - Android | languages | free | ages 6 and up |
| Babbel | iOS - Android | languages | limited free version; price varies by subscription | ages 12 and up |
| DragonBox Algebra 1 and 2 | iOS - Android | maths | $5.99 and up (monthly) | ages 6 and up |
| Incredible Math | Android | maths | free | ages 4 and up |
| Teach Your Monster to Read | iOS - Android | reading | $9.99 - 14.99 | ages 0-5 |
| Sworkit | iOS - Android | Fitness | subscription based, ranges from $14.99 - 79.99 | ages 6 and up |
Gen Z is the age when people are typically studying the hardest. But these applications aren't restricted to that age group. So, why not use your smartphone to improve your knowledge stores?
As a student, you can use these apps to improve your school performance. Similar to lessons with a private tutor online, using your phone for supplementary instruction is affordable - if not free of charge.
For biology, chemistry, English, or French, this article describes the apps in our overview table, and a few more, besides. They're great for both children and adult learners needing homework help at a good price.
The Case for Tutoring App Usage
Whether you're in grade 1, Year 12, or beyond, it's good to have help reaching your learning goals. Apps are handy in this regard.
Apps are more flexible than an online classroom. Regardless of where you find yourself - home, commute, or school - you can revise and learn. Apps' versatility puts them ahead of even study groups and after-school programmes for efficiency and ease of use. You don't have to rush anywhere to see the results of free tutoring; your tutor is in your pocket.
Apps are like an ever-present instructor that provides access between lessons at school. For instance, if aspects of the day's physics lesson are murky, you can find a video, essay, or online chat that covers the topic. You may also load a science app that gives you a platform to apply your newfound knowledge.
Primary-School Learning Apps to Consider
For basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, there's Maths Bingo on Squeebles by KeyStageFun. The goal is for the user to save an ice cream shop from a maths monster by solving increasingly difficult problems.
Other addition and subtraction apps by KeyStageFun are Squeebles Math Race, times tables, and division. Their average cost is $5 each, or you may buy the set (including spelling apps) for $37.99. This platform is targeted at learners 5-11 years old.
Zap-Zap Math provides activities to kindergarten and primary-aged students. Parents or teachers can follow students' progress because there is no separate student login. It is free and has a web-only version if you're keen to get off your smartphone.
Rookie Maths was developed with Australian teachers' input to provide an engaging atmosphere for maths learning. In this game, students embark on quests in 3D, multiplayer worlds, all the while improving their maths skills.
Some students need the distraction of a game, others prefer the clarity of a blackboard. The game MathBoard offers just that: exercises that help students improve their skills, all written on a digital blackboard.
Reading is a life skill that far too many people lag in. You can support your kids' reading with Teach Your Monster to Read, for $9.99 (or higher). This app gets children to learn through teaching a virtual monster how to read.
Readability is another great app to help young learners become lifelong readers. This Android-only app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to craft personal stories based on your child's profile. This increases learners' engagement with the platform, helping to build their vocabulary and reading comprehension. It includes in-app purchase opportunities ranging from $19.99 - $139.99 per item.
For Science learning, young children should turn to DNA Play. This app acquaints learners with genetics by encouraging children to play around with made-up gene patterns. They create their own creatures and experience the results of mutations in genetics.
The Right Free Tutoring App For Older Learners
Maths is also a life skill that many lack. This causes everything from the inability to budget their spending to underdeveloped estimating abilities. Incredible Math promotes maths learning for children and adults.
This Android-only maths-learning app takes users beyond what is learnt inside the classroom. The free version is a bit limited. Users may access more content with a monthly subscription, costing $5.99.
High school maths can be panic-inducing, especially for learners who need free scholastic and academic support, as well as learning materials. To help reduce maths anxiety, DragonBox Algebra brings equations into context through games. This learning method encourages problem-solving abilities while boosting self-confidence.
Maths ties in with Engineering and Earth Sciences studies. Naturally, the most creative minds have devised applications to help learners expand their love of science.
Older teens might enjoy The Elements, where go on a brilliant tour of the periodic table. The same developer that built this platform created a companion platform called Molecules. To get ahead in chemistry, be sure to also download the Elements flashcards.
For exploring the bones of the body, Skeleton 3D Anatomy is the free tutoring app you need. The basic app is free but add-ons will cost a little.
English speakers are legendary for their reluctance to learn other languages. However, one online tutoring app works hard to change that. Of all the language learning apps, Duolingo must be the most renowned.
It is free and international, offering courses in 20+ languages, including some endangered ones. It uses the spaced repetition learning method to help people master languages faster. This free tutoring app features an easy-to-understand points system to track your progress.
Babbel is also famous as a top language-learning app. Lessons here are grouped by subject, and include audio files spoken by a native speaker. This platform caters to various learning styles, whether you're a visual, written, or auditory learner. As this app's popularity attests, support for students' learning styles heightens engagement.
Free Tutoring App for Exam Revision
Applications tailored towards revision and preparation have become essential for exam success. Of them all, Quizlet sits at the top of the list. This free app features three learning modes: learn, flashcards and quiz, as well as two games. You may build your own study sets or choose from among the thousands already on the platform.
SimpleMind is a mind-mapping tool that lets you enter information that's relevant to what you're learning. Sharp graphics then present it in a visually appealing and editable way. The free version gives you 15 templates, to choose from.
The free tutoring app HSC4ME provides guidance across the 10 most popular subjects in the Australian curriculum. This Android-only app offers students multiple-choice and short-answer practice questions, as well as live webinars with lead HSC markers.
It's also important to take a break and recharge while studying. To help you exercise and time your break to fit your study schedule, download the fitness tutoring app Sworkit. This platform lets you search for the workout you need to refresh your brain and body.
Best Online App for Tutoring Special Needs Students
Schools are loud, bright, and boisterous environments. That's a tough environment for any student to learn in, particularly if they're on the spectrum. These students, in particular, need the academic support to students with special needs.
DayCape is great for helping people with Autism plan their day, reducing stress about the future. It also helps them express their reactions by rating each activity with an emotion, aiding teachers and parents in understanding what happened during the child's day.
Dyslexia poses a different set of learning challenges. To counter them, MyDys for Android and OpenDyslexia for iOS convert hard-to-read fonts into ones more suitable to these learners. Note that the iOS version is free but the Android app only offers a free trial.
How Effective Are Apps in Helping Student Progress?
Peer learning, after-school or homework help programmes, and private tutoring are sure bets on student progress. Any tutoring app may claim its place in the student's learning process and study strategies, too. Always provided it's the right app for the job, and that it's used correctly.
One tutoring app benefit is tracking your study and learning progress. Apps often let you record advancement and deliver statistics based on instructional test-taking and videos viewed. Parents can track younger learners' efforts when they check the app.
We hear lots of talk, these days, about kids who are phone-obsessed. However, if they're 'playing' with educational apps, that bit of screen time might not be such a bad idea.
Besides, recall that our introduction included a report that school-aged people spend the most time on smartphones. As long as they prefer to have their phones in hand, engaging with an online tutoring app will be time well spent.
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