11 Interesting Educational Apps: "
Over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a look at whether the iPad can transform the education system, my article on the subject focussing on the iPad as a hardware device rather than the specifics of the software available.
What is clear, however, is that it’s the bespoke applications that will make the iPad a truly revolutionary device in the field of education. The amazing thing is that there are already a great number of powerful, fascinating, and amusing educational apps available right now – we’re going to have a look at a variety of the best!
Molecules
Molecules
An amazing and intriguing free app that allows you to view and manipulate molecules on the iPad, bringing you closer to the chemical makeup of our world.
It’s a great way to get hands on with science, I’m always fascinated by the intricate shapes and patterns!
Price: Free
Developer: Sunset Lake Software
iMathematics
iMathematics
A powerful and surprisingly sleek looking app for delving deep into the world of math. The app features more than 120 topics and over 700 formulas – I’m imagining it’d be frowned upon in an examination…
The iPad interface has been designed specifically for the larger screen and even allows you to do calculations by hand on the screen!
Price: Free
Developer: Antonio Giarrusso
Starwalk
Starwalk
Many of you will already be familiar with Starwalk, its particular brand of educational enlightenment was touted in some of the earliest iPad commercials. I love the brilliance of the concept and the sheer wonder that Starwalk can induce in almost anyone.
While knowing constellations and the names of stars may not be on most curriculums, it’s certainly an educational experience.
Price: $4.99
Developer: Vito Technology
Evernote Peek
Evernote Peek
A brand new offering the wonderful people behind Evernote, Evernote Peek allows you to use a notebook to test your knowledge of any given subject using the ingenuity of the iPad 2′s smart cover. Lift the cover one segment to see the question, lift it further to see the answer, and lift it fully to see how you’re progressing.
The idea is simply brilliant, I found myself making quizzes for myself just to play with it! Unfortunately you will need an iPad 2 and a smart cover to boot.
Price: Free
Developer: Evernote
Evernote Peek
iGeology
iGeology
This app only actually contains information pertaining to the UK, but it is pretty fascinating. It’s essentially an interactive geological map of the whole UK, and lets you explore local geology, at street-level scale.
Find out about the bedrock beneath your house or the deposits nearer the surface – it’s intuitive and effortlessly educational.
Price: Free
Developer: British Geological Survey
iStudiez Pro
iStudiez Pro
Like Evernote Peek, iStudiez Pro is not an app that is directly educational. Rather, it’s a brilliant tool for anyone who is currently in education. A productivity app with an immensely useful educational spin!
Never miss another course, lecture or lab, track tasks and deadlines, plan homework, arrange assignments and get notifications on upcoming projects.
Price: $2.99
Developer: Andriy Kachalo and Michael Balashoff
TED
TED
Conversely, the TED app is aimed more towards those who may not have a specific educational goal, but want to keep their mind buzzing with new ideas and innovation. A brilliant app that has a updated selection of TED talks available for viewing – with the option to download for offline viewing (watch something interesting next time you fly!)
Unfortunately, only a selection of the talks are available, your personal favourite may not be there – on the plus side, it is free!
Price: Free
Developer: TED
MathBoard
MathBoard
MathBoard is on Apple’s list of top educational apps, it must be good right? MathBoard is a great iPad app for simple mathematical learning, with random problem generation.
It’s essentially a stunning app for teaching addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. The number of customisation options available make this a brilliant app for making math fun for elementary school children.
Price: $4.99
Developer: Pala Software
Monster Anatomy
Monster Anatomy
Now, before you say it, I will. This is an expensive app. It’s also a fantastically detailed interactive lower limb radiology atlas that could be invaluable for medical professionals and students alike.
While it certainly won’t appeal to everyone, Monster Anatomy is a masterclass in how useful the iPad can be in even the most complex educational fields. It contains 384 contiguous MR slices (4-5 mm thickness) in the three anatomical planes. – if you understand that, perhaps it’s for you…
Price: $18.99
Developer: Monster Minds Media
History: Maps of World
History: Maps of World
A wonderfully detailed and educational collection of high-resolution historical maps. Intuitive controls and the sheer fascination of these historical artefacts make this a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience.
Do bear in mind that it’s a rather large app, you’ll need a good connection and space on your iPad. The upside is that they’re all available for offline viewing!
Price: Free
Developer: Seung-Bin Cho
Hangman Pro HD
Hangman Pro HD
I’m going to end this roundup with a more light-hearted approach to education, Hangman Pro HD is an entertaining twist on the classic game that tests your vocabulary in a variety of different areas.
The interface is just gorgeous, the chalkboard feel perfectly suiting the focus of the app. It also allows two-player gameplay, with one of you choosing any word to use as the subject.
Price: $0.99
Developer: Optime Software
Your Thoughts
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts – simply post a comment below! What is your favourite educational app? Have you found any inspiring gems?
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