Views & Opinion The benefits of educational apps T
here’s no denying technology is creeping into most areas of young people’s lives.
According to a recent Ofcom survey of nearly 2,000 adults and 800 children, people reach a peak of digital understanding at 14- 15 years, while children aged six demonstrate the same knowledge of new technology as the average 45-year-old. With this in mind, it isn’t any wonder that educators are keen to introduce the latest technological trends into the classroom, including app technology. But how much can students really benefit from using educational apps? George Burgess, CEO and Founder of exam preparation app Gojimo explains. Over the past decade, the use of technology in children’s education has exploded, particularly with the introduction of mobile and tablets; Education is now the second largest category in Apple’s App Store, making up more than 10 per cent of the store’s apps. That said there are still many teachers only tentatively experimenting with apps, not quite convinced of their educational benefits. However, if schools are able to invest or encourage students to download the right kinds of apps, they really can offer a number of advantages to aid academic success.
The entertainment value: Studies have shown that mobile apps promote learning because they are entertaining and not just purely educational. Bringing game-like associations into studying, such as level-based apps that reward students at the completion of each level, provides an incentive for learning information and completing tasks correctly.
Shaking things up: For those schools who have implemented a BYOD or 1:1 device scheme, educational apps are great to use as a starter activity to get students’ brains in gear first thing. They can also be used for recap purposes at the end of a lesson, so that teachers can quickly assess students’ level of understanding.
Progress check at a glance: Some apps offer a way to track students’ progress by saving and storing completed assignments for review. Many students enjoy learning more when they receive regular feedback as they progress, helping them to take a more proactive role in their learning.
Round the clock availability: There are no time or space constraints using smartphones or tablets to access educational apps. Students can use them whenever and wherever they might be, accessing information on one small and portable device.
Exam preparation:While revision guides and textbooks are still used in and out of the classroom, continual changes to the curriculum mean that these can quickly become obsolete, costing schools a fortune to replace. Exam preparation apps are regularly updated so that students always have the latest revision material at their fingertips. Students can revise little and often this way.
Productive leisure time: Parents want their children to spend their time out of school doing things that will keep them engaged in learning in a non-intrusive way. Educational apps that are interactive, competitive and above all fun, serve as an effective use of spare time. Given the fact that many students are glued to their mobile devices the majority of the time, it makes sense to capitalise on this.
A problem halved is a problem shared: Many mobile apps for young people come with seamless integration with networking channels such as Twitter and Facebook. This means that
students can easily form their own virtual study circles, share what they are currently studying, and take part in discussions and video hangouts. In addition to facilitating two-way knowledge transfer, such social interactions can often help students make new friends.
Meeting the needs of all learning styles: No matter what a student’s preferred mode of learning, there’s an educational app out there for them. Some apps are text-based while others use audio-narration features and many use animated graphics, videos or infographics.
Alternative ‘educational’ apps: Alongside traditional educational apps, there are a number of informative apps for young people that develop vital soft skills and offer money management advice. These also support young people in becoming more conscious, knowledgeable and responsible individuals. What’s more, apps which give dietary and fitness guidance can help students become fitter and healthier, which in turn helps them to concentrate better in class and retain more information. Educational apps enhance students’ learning
experiences and improve academic achievement; I think we should expect them to become part of the fabric of forward thinking education in years to come.
October 2014
www.education-today.co.uk
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