The concept of a green digital campus promotes sustainability in online education through digital infrastructure, eco-friendly practices, and curriculum integration, reducing environmental impact while providing high-quality learning experiences.
This post was first published on eLearning Industry.
Digital learning is the new way of education, and eLearning platforms are growing at an immense rate. This calls for a secure and reliable method of accessing user data. Discover how two-factor authentication for eLearning platforms can ensure secure and trustworthy educational experiences.
This post was first published on eLearning Industry.
In the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s rapid changes, K-12 educators must embrace transformation to equip students with the skills needed for success. This article outlines key strategies, including prioritizing STEAM education, shifting to competency-based learning.
This post was first published on eLearning Industry.
This article discusses the importance of regulatory compliance in Canadian and U.S. eLearning, highlighting the need for adherence to data privacy, content standards, and accessibility laws. It emphasizes collaboration with legal experts, regular audits, staff training, and proactive policy adaptation.
This post was first published on eLearning Industry.
In today’s post, I am sharing with you this handy collection of some of the best educational apps for middle school students. These are apps that empower middle schoolers to take their learning to the next level. The apps offer various resources and tools to enable students to take responsibility of their learning, explore various subjects, and expand their learning experiences anywhere, anytime. From mastering complex mathematical equations to understanding the dynamics of world geography, these apps promise to be valuable allies in their educational journey.
Here are our top picks for apps for middle school students:
Tailored for children aged 6 to 14, this app turns the daily news into an engaging, educational experience. With over 100 new articles each month spanning topics from science to sports, technology, arts, and world news, it’s designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for nonfiction reading.
Beyond reading, News-O-Matic enriches its offerings with complete translations in multiple languages, interactive games, fun facts, and even interviews with experts. The inclusion of audio options and kid-friendly definitions helps to support diverse literacy levels, making complex topics accessible to young minds.
Newsela Student is a dynamic learning tool ideal for middle school students. This app revolutionizes the reading experience by offering articles on a plethora of subjects, each tailored to five different reading levels. As students interact with the content through quizzes and annotations, the app intuitively adjusts the complexity of the text to keep challenging and engaging them.
It’s a brilliant way to ensure students are not just reading but also comprehending and engaging with the material on a deeper level. Newsela empowers students to track their progress, encouraging a personal investment in their learning journey.
Duolingo is an excellent language learning app for middle school students. Duolingo has redefined language learning making it both fun and accessible to millions worldwide. The app offers quick, bite-sized lessons across 40+ languages, including newly added Math and Music courses.
The app’s gamified approach keeps learners motivated, while its adaptive learning technology ensures that lessons remain challenging but achievable. Whether for travel, education, or brain health, Duolingo makes learning a new language (or even math and music) engaging and achievable.
Tynker introduces kids to the world of coding in an enjoyable and creative way. It offers a comprehensive platform where children learn to code through building games, modding Minecraft, programming drones, and more.
The app offers over 200 beginner tutorials, making it accessible to kids with no prior coding experience. From drag-and-drop coding for younger learners to writing real JavaScript and Python for more advanced coders, Tynker is an ideal coding app for middle schoolers. Its focus on STEM learning is evident through engaging courses that cover everything from game design to robotics and AR.
With its vast curriculum encompassing over 8,000 skills across all grade levels, IXL is dedicated to personalizing education and ensuring students can engage with the content they need at their pace. Whether students are reinforcing previously learned concepts or delving into new areas, IXL’s immediate feedback and detailed answer explanations foster a deep, lasting understanding. The platform’s unique approach to adjusting question difficulty encourages growth at just the right level, making it an invaluable tool for achieving mastery in math and language arts.
Quizlet revolutionizes the study process by harnessing the power of AI to offer a personalized learning experience. With over 700 million flashcard sets available, users can dive into virtually any subject or create their own sets for a more customized approach. The platform’s AI-enhanced tools, including personalized quizzes and practice tests, transform studying into an engaging, effective endeavor.
Whether you’re mastering vocabulary or preparing for exams, Quizlet’s community of over 300 million learners provides a supportive environment for achieving academic goals. The app’s innovative features, such as Magic Notes and interactive games, ensure that studying is not only productive but also genuinely enjoyable.
Khan Academy is a powerhouse of free educational resources, offering a personalized learning library to millions worldwide. This platform covers an expansive range of subjects from math and science to humanities, all available at no cost. Khan Academy’s interactive exercises, step-by-step videos, and in-depth articles provide a robust educational experience that caters to diverse learning styles. Whether brushing up on statistics or preparing for exams, Khan Academy offers middle school students tailored content to support their educational journey.
Photomath is a game-changer for learners grappling with math problems, offering step-by-step solutions that demystify complex equations. By scanning any math problem, users receive detailed explanations and accurate solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
Photomath covers a wide range of topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, ensuring that learners at all levels can find the help they need. Its expert-developed methods and animated step explanations make learning math a more intuitive and stress-free process.
BrainPOP is another app powerful application to include in this list of the best apps for middle school students. BrainPOP offers a rich library of animated videos, activities, and quizzes designed to make learning engaging and fun. Targeted at grades 3-8, BrainPOP covers a wide array of subjects, making it an ideal resource for supplementing classroom learning or for independent exploration.
BrainPOP’s commitment to fostering active, enriched learning experiences is evident in its interactive quizzes and activities, encouraging students to engage deeply with topics and retain knowledge more effectively.
MathPapa takes the intimidation out of algebra, providing step-by-step solutions that help middle school students understand the how and why behind each problem. From linear equations to quadratic inequalities, MathPapa is equipped to handle a variety of algebraic concepts, offering a clear, approachable way to learn. Its ability to graph equations and factor expressions further enhances its utility as a comprehensive algebra tool.
Codea transforms your iPad into an expressive coding studio, merging the realms of creativity and technology. The app offers an intuitive and visually appealing environment for crafting games, simulations, and any visual ideas you might dream up. The app provides a rich set of features, including a versatile 2D and 3D renderer, a full physics engine, and live shader editing with GLSL.
DoodleMaths offers a unique, adaptive experience that boosts confidence and ability in primary maths. This app caters to children across the EYFS, KS1, and KS2 curriculum, covering essential concepts through engaging games and interactive questions. What sets DoodleMaths apart is its ability to tailor the learning journey to each child’s needs, adjusting in real-time to ensure content is always at the right level of challenge. With features designed for both home use and classroom integration, DoodleMaths not only enhances learning outcomes but also fosters a positive attitude towards maths.
Symbolab is a revolutionary educational tool designed to demystify mathematics for learners at all levels. By allowing users to type in or snap a picture of any math problem, Symbolab offers step-by-step solutions that make even the most complex equations accessible.
Covering a wide range of mathematical fields, from algebra and calculus to trigonometry and beyond, Symbolab is powered by advanced calculators that ensure learners can tackle any challenge with confidence. Its AI-driven platform provides personalized assessments and insights, making it more than just a calculator—it’s a comprehensive learning companion.
Desmos is on a mission to bring about a world where math literacy is universal. By reimagining the graphing calculator for the digital age, Desmos offers an intuitive, powerful, and free tool that makes learning math an interactive and engaging experience. Whether plotting complex equations, exploring function transformations with sliders, or analyzing statistical data, Desmos handles it all with ease and elegance.
Brainly is another great app for middle school students. Its AI-powered platform transforms homework help into a collaborative, enriching experience. By connecting students with a vast network of peers and experts, Brainly ensures that help is always at hand, whether for solving a specific problem or understanding a broader concept.
Its Scan to Solve feature provides instant solutions to math equations and word problems. Beyond math, Brainly covers a wide range of subjects, making it a versatile tool for students aiming to improve their grades across the board.
Daisy the Dinosaur is an inviting introduction to the world of coding for children of all ages. Developed by the creators of Hopscotch, this free app uses a simple drag & drop interface that encourages kids to animate Daisy, making her dance and move on the screen. Through solving challenges within the app, young learners intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops, and events, laying a foundational understanding of programming concepts.
Harnessing the power of Google AI, Socratic acts as a personal homework helper, offering a gateway to a wide array of educational resources online. The beauty of Socratic lies in its simplicity and effectiveness: pose a question, and the app scours the internet to provide the most relevant, educational content, including videos and step-by-step explanations.
Whether it’s algebra, literature, or the sciences, Socratic covers a broad spectrum of subjects, making it an indispensable tool for students seeking to deepen their understanding and improve their grades. The addition of expert-created study guides offers visual explanations that demystify complex concepts, allowing students to grasp the foundational principles behind their questions.
Stack the Countries turns the daunting task of learning about the world into an engaging and enjoyable game. With its vivid animations and dynamic gameplay, this app breathes life into the geography of countries, encouraging players to learn about capitals, landmarks, geographic locations, and more through interactive play.
The game challenges players to stack countries to reach a set line, with each level completed earning them a new country to add to their personalized map. This innovative approach not only makes geography fun but also incentivizes learning through the collection of all 193 countries. Beyond the main stacking game, Stack the Countries® offers bonus games like Map It! and Pile Up!, adding variety and depth to the learning experience.
Related: 15 Great Science Websites for Middle School
Whether it’s through solving algebraic puzzles with MathPapa, exploring the intricacies of programming with Codea, or embarking on a geographical adventure with Stack the Countries, these apps offer a blend of education and entertainment that is perfectly suited for the digital-savvy generation. As educators, parents, and students continue to navigate the vast sea of educational technology, it’s clear that these apps play a crucial role in making learning more accessible, interactive, and enjoyable.
The post Best Apps for Middle School Students appeared first on Educators Technology.
In the digital age, the art of anime has transcended the traditional boundaries of paper and pencil, embracing the vast potential of technology. For enthusiasts and artists alike, anime drawing apps have become indispensable tools, offering a blend of convenience, innovation, and endless creative possibilities.
Whether you’re a students interested in anime drawing or a budding artist taking your first steps in character design, these apps provide a platform where you can unleash your artistic creativity and explore the world of anime drawing like never before.
With features ranging from extensive brush libraries and detailed tutorials to community contests and cloud storage, each app is designed to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of its users. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling anime drawing apps available, exploring how they’re changing the landscape of anime and manga artistry.
Related: Best Learn to Draw Apps
Here are some of the best anime drawing apps out there:
This app is a treasure trove for fans of anime and manga! With a focus on the distinctive features of manga characters—like those big, expressive eyes and simplified facial expressions—this app is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to learn the art style that’s become a global phenomenon.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, “How to Draw Anime Easy” offers an extensive collection of tutorials, tips, and advice to help you master the anime and manga drawing style.
From the basics of character creation to the complexities of background detailing, this app is like having an anime drawing masterclass in your pocket. So, grab your tools and get ready to dive into the world of anime drawing!
Imagine having a personal drawing coach in your pocket, one that guides you through the intricate process of sketching your favorite characters, be it anime, cartoons, or even real-world objects like animals and vehicles. WeDraw is exactly that! This user-friendly app breaks down the drawing process into manageable steps, making it a breeze for users, irrespective of their skill level.
It’s like a gentle introduction to the world of art, where you don’t need to be a Michelangelo to create something you’re proud of. With the added convenience of offline mode and a diverse library of drawings to choose from, WeDraw is the perfect companion for anyone looking to embark on their artistic journey, one step at a time.
Clip Studio Paint is another powerful drawing platform for anime fans. Whether you’re crafting intricate character illustrations, designing captivating comics, or venturing into the world of animation, this app is your all-encompassing toolkit. The sheer breadth of features—like the ability to work with up to 10,000 layers, use 3D models for complex angles, and the vast array of brush textures and effects—makes it a powerhouse for creators.
The app is not just about the breadth of its features but also about the depth of control it offers, allowing for meticulous adjustments and refinements. With a supportive community and a wealth of resources like tutorials and user tips, Clip Studio Paint is should definitely be in your list of anime drawing apps.
If anime is your passion and drawing is your dream, “Learn to Draw Anime” is your gateway to bringing those dreams to life. This app is a wellspring of knowledge, offering step-by-step video lessons that cater to every skill level, from novice to seasoned artist. It’s not just about imitating what you see; it’s about understanding the anatomy of anime characters, mastering the nuances of anime style, and bringing your unique creations to life.
The app’s structured approach, covering everything from eyes and hair to clothing and action poses, ensures a comprehensive learning experience. Plus, with the ability to save your favorite tutorials and access high-quality content from renowned artists, your journey from anime enthusiast to a pro artist is just an app away.
Jump Paint is a comprehensive platform that offers a plethora of tools and resources for manga enthusiasts and fans alike. Whether you’re sketching, inking, or adding those finishing touches, Jump Paint equips you with an extensive range of brushes, tones, and backgrounds, all at no cost.
The app serves not only as a creative outlet but also as a learning hub, where you can glean insights from the creative processes of renowned Jump authors like Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) and Kohei Horikoshi. It’s like having a mentor in your pocket, offering secrets and tips directly from the pros. Moreover, Jump Paint keeps you in the loop with various Jump contests, opening up opportunities to showcase your talent.
Anime drawing apps have revolutionized the way artists create, learn, and share their work, bringing the intricate world of anime and manga art right to our fingertips. From “How to Draw Anime Easy” to the multifaceted “Jump Paint,” these apps are more than just tools; they’re gateways to expansive creative realms. They offer a fusion of guidance, versatility, and community that nurtures both skill and imagination. Whether you’re sketching your first character or crafting a full-fledged anime, these apps stand as testament to how technology can amplify artistic expression.
The post Best Anime Drawing Apps appeared first on Educators Technology.
Special education is one of those areas where technology has proved to be of tremendous help. The mobile apps market is now teeming with all kinds of special education designed specifically to cater to the learning styles of students with special needs. Teachers, parents, therapists are drawing on these apps to provide customized support to learners, thus opening new pathways for communication, comprehension, and creativity.
As an educational researcher and a staunch advocate for harnessing the power of technology in education, I have explored and curated a list of standout apps that are not just tools, but partners in the educational journey of children with special needs. From augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps to interactive learning platforms, these tools are transforming the educational landscape, making learning accessible, engaging, and inclusive.
Related: Best Books on Special Education
Here are some of the best apps for special education out there:
Proloquo2Go is a pioneering AAC app, offering intuitive communication solutions with natural-sounding voices for those with speech difficulties. Its Crescendo
vocabulary system and multilingual support make it a versatile and essential tool, fostering language development and offering a customizable user experience.
Speech Blubs is a speech therapy app, using voice-controlled and video modeling techniques to make learning sounds and words interactive and fun. Endorsed by experts, it offers a distraction-free, engaging learning environment, suitable for families and extended setups.
Otter is a game-changer in meeting productivity, providing real-time transcription with AI -driven features like punctuation, speaker identification, and summary generation. It facilitates seamless collaboration, turning meetings into comprehensive, accessible, and interactive experiences.
Seeing AI leverages AI to assist individuals with visual impairments, offering a wide array of features like reading texts, recognizing faces, and describing scenes. It’s not just a tool but a comprehensive aid that enhances independence and engagement with the surrounding world.
Starfall is an interactive learning platform that blends education with entertainment, catering to preschool to fifth-grade students. It offers a broad spectrum of activities, from reading to math, all in a safe, ad-free environment, adapting to the child’s learning pace.
Khan Academy Kids offers a vast collection of free, interactive educational activities for children ages 2-8. It combines subjects like reading, math, and storybooks with a fun, engaging interface, encouraging a love for learning in a safe, ad-free environment.
Visual Timer by Yong simplifies time management with a clean, intuitive interface and broad configuration options. It’s a versatile tool for all ages, enhancing productivity and making time tracking engaging, especially with kid-friendly features and Siri support.
Choiceworks is a versatile app designed to help children manage daily routines, emotions, and develop patience. With customizable features and a rich image library, it’s an essential tool for caregivers and educators, promoting independence, positive behavior, and emotional regulation in various settings.
ABCmouse is an expansive learning platform for children ages 2 to 8, offering over 10,000 activities across various subjects. It combines a standards-based curriculum with an engaging, interactive interface, promoting a love for learning in a safe, digital environment.
Todo Math is an engaging, inclusive app designed to make math learning fun and accessible for young learners. With activities aligned with Common Core standards and features like dyslexic-friendly fonts, it’s a comprehensive tool for building foundational math skills and confidence.
Word Magic transforms language learning into a delightful experience with its interactive and engaging interface. Designed with care, it’s an educational app that encourages children to learn and have fun simultaneously, integrating colorful graphics and encouraging feedback to celebrate every step of the learning journey.
Phonics Genius is an innovative app designed to make phonics learning engaging and intuitive, offering a vast collection of words and personalized learning modes. It’s not just a reading tool; it’s a comprehensive platform that nurtures a love for language and empowers learners to explore and master phonics at their own pace.
Emotionary is an intuitive app designed to navigate the complex world of emotions, offering a simple, direct way to enhance emotional vocabulary and intelligence. With its straightforward definitions and color-coded system, it’s an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to understand and articulate their feelings more clearly.
AutiSpark is a specially designed educational platform for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering a range of interactive, therapist-approved games and activities. It’s a supportive, engaging app that focuses on developing essential skills, maintaining attention, and catering to the unique learning needs of children with ASD.
Otsimo stands out as a comprehensive educational app for individuals with learning disorders and special needs, offering a wide range of games and activities that foster cognitive and motor skills development. Recognized for its effectiveness and inclusivity, Otsimo is dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
Related: 10 Great TED Talks on Autism
As we have seen, these apps are reshaping the special education landscape in unprecedented ways, opening limitless learning possibilities for students of various learning styles and abilities. The purpose is to help make education more inclusive, engaging, and personalized. As we continue to embrace these innovations, it’s inspiring to see how technology continues to break barriers, foster connections, and pave the way for a future where every learner has the tools they need to flourish and succeed.
The post Best Apps for Special Education appeared first on Educators Technology.