My 8 Top Educational Apps- A Teen’s Perspective

As a high school student, I’m constantly trying to find ways to make learning more efficient. In the modern age of technology, there are numerous websites and products that can help us each individually on our learning paths, and that’s why I love educational apps. There are free downloadable applications in the app store that are specific to almost any topic or category, including preschool and kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, higher education, and any class in-between.
Not only do educational apps make learning more simple and easy, but they train and strengthen your brain at the same time! Today, I’ll be sharing with you my 8 top favorite educational apps, in no particular order, that I use frequently and have found to be significantly helpful.

1. Focus Keeper / Brain Focus
Focus Keeper or Brain Focus is an app that uses the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method, to allow you to work to your highest ability without getting burned out. Each interval is 25 minutes long with a 5-minute break in-between, and after 4 focus sessions, you are given a longer break (about 25 minutes). During each break, you can make tea, get up and move around, and recharge yourself for the next study session. It may sound complicated, but the app is very user-friendly and allows you to be your most-productive self!

2. NeuroNation
NeuroNation is a brain-training app that offers a variety of “brain games” with different levels of effectiveness. Each game is easy to learn and tests your strengths, weaknesses, and other cognitive functions, ultimately dusting off – or strengthening – certain parts of your brain that you may not use as often as others. Topics include memory, processing speed, willpower, flexibility, visuospatial attention, and mental math. Currently, my top two strengths (based on the games I’ve completed) are memory and processing speed, and my weaknesses are willpower and flexibility. It’s a fun way to be competitive against yourself while knowing you are engaging your brain.

3. Elevate – Brain Training
Elevate is a similar brain-training app that offers personalized brain training, daily game workouts, and training in critical skills. The app helps you improve your comprehension and focus, and lets you track your progress along the way. Additionally, it’s easy to use and calculates your score in general topics, including writing, listening, speaking, reading, and math. With this app, you can improve valuable skills and strengthen key abilities. I often find myself reaching for this app in my free time because it isn’t boring – it rather tests my abilities, and I find myself very motivated because of it!

4. Kahn Academy
“Khan Academy allows you to learn almost anything for free,” as its description states – and it really does! There are over 10,000 videos and explanations in categories such as math, science, history, and more. You can follow along to corresponding topics from school, or learn something new, because you have access to over 40,000 practice questions with instant feedback and step-by-step hints. Most times, when I’m stuck on a particular method in chemistry or algebra, I search for the topic in Kahn Academy and try to figure it out from there. Kahn Academy is also partnered with the College Board to provide SAT practice – which comes in handy for test-prep, especially during the spring season!

5. Quizlet
I’m sure you all know what Quizlet is, but if you’ve never heard of it, then you’re most likely missing out on the great sources it has to offer! You can create your own flash card sets and choose from flash cards that are made by other users just like you. Whether you’re studying for a quiz, test, or exam (like the SAT or ACT), memorizing key terms is fun and easy with this online flash card option!

6. Duolingo
I’ve been using Duolingo for about 5 years now, and it has to be one of my favorite free applications for learning a new language. There are 23 languages to choose from, including the basics like Spanish, French, Italian, and English. You can test your reading, writing, and speaking skills in the language of your choice through mini-games and activities, and even have fun while doing it by leveling up and competing with friends! What more could you want from a language-learning app?

7. myHomework Student Planner
myHomework Student Planner is basically what it’s titled: a student planner. Its simple interface makes for easy use, and allows you to track your classes, homework, tests, and assignments all in one timely display. Since I am homeschooled, I use this app to stay on top of all of my classes by scheduling the times (period-based) that I would spend working on them, which can alter from day-to-day.

8. Microsoft OneNote
This is one of those apps that is generally for all things note-taking – which is why it is one of my top 10 favorites! You can create digital notebooks, record audio, attach pictures, make to-do lists, and share notes with friends (just like you would with other Microsoft applications). Instead of jotting down ideas or tasks in my “Notes” app, I simply create separate notebooks and checklists in OneNote to stay organized. It’s perfect for on-the-go use when you need a notebook on hand – and best of all, it’s free!
What are some of your top educational apps?