In the 21st-century post-pandemic world where we are gradually adapting to the hybrid model of learning (partly through classroom lectures and partly through the appliance of novel technologies), one question often perplexes caregivers, “Is the application of technology, particularly smartphone apps, beneficial or detrimental for the academic growth of our current generation?”. Read on to know more.
Also, discover a list of popular learning apps for kids and how we can use them alongside books to give the best of both worlds to our students.
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What Are Learning Apps For Kids And Why Are They So Popular?
Against the commonly perceived notion, learning apps aren’t the substitute for classroom learning, book reading, or hands-on experimentation. They’re just a means to enhance students’ learning by sparking their curiosity, engaging them in interactive processes, and honing relevant skills. A study conducted on 122 grade 5 students by Prof. Michelle Riconscente (from Southern California University) highlighted the use of interactive games to improve students’ interest in complex subjects, particularly maths. The results were evident from their better performance on a test conducted on fractions.
How Can Learning Apps Benefit Your Kids?
- Some topics and concepts are difficult for students to learn, but they are simplified and made more interesting with the help of animations, interactive puzzles, and games.
- These apps are a treat for audio visual learners.
- Learning apps let students learn at their own pace without experiencing the stress of following instructions in a specific time frame. It allows students to study autonomously and take ownership of their learning. Moreover, children can access all sorts of learning materials on the go.
- We’re living in a digital world where technology dominates almost every industry. By the time our children finish higher education, advanced digital skills will be in demand at their workplace. Being familiar with apps gives them a chance to access and use technology responsibly, while preparing for their future jobs.
- A few apps also allow parents and teachers to monitor the child’s progress and have an understanding of the things they’ve learned. Some apps could make a complex concept easier for students who may be struggling with learning difficulties like dyslexia.
Learning Apps That Boost Students’ Productivity And Performance!
Language Learning Apps
Language learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, etc., have engaging lessons that add new words to the students’ vocabulary, improve their grammar, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Since reading is one of the best ways to learn a language, apps like Amazon Kindle, RAZ, Juggernaut, etc., are great for children to practise loud and silent reading. They’ve tons of free and paid eBooks for different age groups. If your child is fond of reading, Ekya Schools recommends classics like Dr. Seuss’s Fox in Socks, Karadi Tales, Enid Blyton’s The Noddy Series, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, etc.
- Drawing Activity Apps
Drawing apps enhance children’s ability to imagine, think, and express creatively through digital drawings. Some of them provide step-by-step instructions on mixing colours, sketching, and creating characters. E.g., Bini colouring games, Kids doodle, etc.
- Maths Learning Apps
Understanding complex concepts in arithmetic, geometry, or algebra is easy when they’re converted to puzzles, riddles, energizers, and fun games. Apps like IXL and Cuemath include simplified maths lessons, but also include questions & riddles (with increasing difficulties) that sharpen children’s quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Designing Apps
Designing is a multilayered process involving the application of several skills (E.g., observation, research, ideation, creativity, visual-spatial understanding, communication, coding, design thinking, etc.). Students who use apps like Canva and Adobe Express not only learn critical life skills, but plenty more, which find their use in professional designing careers like architecture, interior decoration, animation, digital marketing, video creation, etc.
- Thinking Apps
Thinking includes multiple executive brain functions (like focus, organisation of ideas & concepts, planning, memory, observation, etc.) and complex life skills (E.g., decision-making, analysis, reasoning, connecting, etc.). Encouraging children to think independently helps them understand multiple viewpoints, make informed decisions, determine the consequences of various actions, and overcome real-life problems & challenges to lead a better life. The best way to develop independent thinking is to expose children to situations where they can exercise these skills. Apps like Brain Kids, Logic Like, and Memory Match are great tools that engage children in fun games (E.g., memorise the pattern, 2K puzzles, match the tile, etc.).
Balancing Digital Learning With Classroom Education
Despite the advantages, learning apps for kids and other technical tools, it cannot be completely optimised to fulfil all the needs of students. However, they could function as enablers of blended learning (where online and offline in-person learning experiences are effectively combined and custom-tailored) to explain the application of concepts, facilitate classroom engagement, evaluate individual learning capacity, and ensure academic excellence.
The Ekya School’s in-house curriculum is designed on the principle of ‘understanding by design‘ with student-centric, immersive lessons that are personalised with the right mix of online and offline activities to create meaningful life-long learning experiences. Get in touch to find out how we encourage our students to live their lessons.
