A quick guide to what’s true - and what’s not - in the burgeoning world of “educational apps.”
Fact: Authentic educational apps actually teach something meaningful, other than how to swipe fruit.
Fiction: Educational apps are not fun. False. Good apps are both entertaining and educational.
Fact: Truly educational apps challenge the mind with processing information.
Fiction: Educational apps are simply a distraction from real life. False. Learning with apps allows users multiple forms of engagement - sight, sound and touch - for today’s tech savvy learners.
Fact: Educational apps can provide the building blocks of learning in an interactive environment, reinforcing the learning through feedback.
Fiction: All educational apps want to do is sell. Partially true. Some are in it for the money but many incredible apps are free, with no ads and in-app-purchases (like GraceSigns apps).
Fact: Studies show that people learn best through social interaction. Real teachers and classroom environments are phenomenal. Apps that replicate face-to-face experiences by using videos teaching with real people and real voices are fantastic educational tools.
Fiction: All apps are a waste of time. Well, yes and no. Indeed, not all apps are created equal and some are tremendous time wasters. But. there are many great apps that offer the opportunity to learn new skills or languages.
Fact: Educational apps allow for mobile learning. You can learn virtually anywhere.
Fiction: Educational apps are for young people only. False. Acquiring new knowledge should be a lifetime activity. People of all ages and abilities can enhance their lives while enjoying the process of learning something new with apps.
Comments