7 Factors to Consider Before Choosing Apps for Teaching

The eLearning industry’s worth might rise to $325 billion by 2025.

Gone are the days when education was equated to money. Nowadays, both teachers and students can interact online and learn almost freely via mobile apps.

The learning apps are affordable, they enhance interactivity, and they are available 24/7. Each app comes with unique features that enhance its functionality. Some are easy to use, while others have technical but helpful features.

If you would like to embrace online learning, you should understand the available apps for teaching to choose the best for your students.

Here the top seven factors that you should consider when choosing the best app.

1. Accessibility

Some learning apps require the user to install special browser plugins or software to access. Others can only be opened through paid sites, putting off many students.

The right learning app should be easy to access. It should have a simplified process to download, log in, and use it. It should also be easy to share through a link to different students and teachers.

The easy-to-access app will be convenient for all types of students, irrespective of their age. They will easily log in without asking for help. 

Confirm the student’s ease of access to apps first so that your students do not experience difficulties in using the app.

2. Mobile Friendliness

Billions of people get online using mobile phones. They not only use the phones to browse but also to check the latest learning apps they can use to teach different subjects.

The right app should be easy to access with a mobile device. Your students might not have computers to use for learning. Even with them, it might be tedious to use them whenever they need to learn. 

A mobile-friendly education app will come in handy to all students. With it, your students will learn while on their beds, couches, buses, etc. 

Even you, as the teacher, when using a responsive app, can easily implement classroom behavior management strategies. So, confirm that the learning app is easy to use for Android users, Apple users, etc.

3. Features

Each app boasts unique features. These features enhance the appearance of the app and the usability too. 

If your students are less than ten years old, you would want an app with simplified features. Similarly, the bigger students would want the advanced features. 

The right education app should have the following basic features:

Live sessions and tutorials: The apps should have this feature to help interact well with your students. The live feature makes the sessions as interactive as in the classroom, thus improves learning.

Gamification: The app should have several games and activities for students. The absence of gaming features will probably make the students bored, and maybe lose interest in the online learning concept.

Personalized features: These features allow you to make corrections and send feedback through the app. They can enhance communication between you and your students

You may also confirm if the app has an offline mode feature. These features make it possible to access the app even when you are offline. You will only need to download it and log in at a convenient time.

4. Cost

Not all learning apps are free. Even when they are advertised to offer free services, they might still have some hidden charges. 

For your convenience, find out the cost of using that learning tool. 

Will you need an internet connection to use it? Can you download it for future use? Are there any subscriptions?

These are some of the questions you should ask before you commit. Most learning tools have monthly subscriptions, meaning that you will be paying a predetermined premium. 

Besides, some pop-up advertisements on the app might add to the cost of apps. Avoid the learning apps which are too expensive for you and your students. Also, inform your students about the costs if they are old enough to understand.

5. Authenticity

You will come across many learning apps. Each app boasts of incredible learning features, and the selection process might be hard.

Goggle constantly removes fraudulent apps from the Google store and other sites, but some are still there. To be safe, check the authenticity of the app developer. Also, check past reviews from clients, and consider the publish date for the app.

Avoid learning apps that promise substantial discounts for using them. If you are unsure, ask a friend or expert to recommend the most reliable learning app.

6. Privacy

Privacy is a significant concern when using online tools. In fact, cyber-attacks are ranked among the top global stability risks. The right learning tool should offer maximum protection to each student or teacher using the app.

The virtual platform should have well-defined measures for protecting the student’s data. For instance, it should show all the members using the app and their names. It should also have central management whereby the tutor or the teacher should only see the information.

In the case of a data breach, the tutor in charge should be held responsible. For added security, the learning tool should not allow any suspicious downloads. 

Go through the privacy features that the app offers, and make sure that they don’t compromise your security.

7. Age Appropriateness

Last on our list is the age recommendation. Most learning tools come with an age tag to help teachers and parents choose the right app. 

A virtual learning platform for ten-year-olds might not be effective for four-year-olds. Thus, you should consider the age specification.

You may eventually upgrade to others when the children grow, and they became familiar with the apps. 

Enjoy the Benefits of Apps for Teaching

Follow the above tips to enjoy the benefits of virtual learning apps. Understand your student’s needs, and consult the parents regarding the best apps for teaching. 

You might engage experts and the students too. When you finally get the ideal app, help the children learn and track their progress. 

Our blog educates teachers on the leading platforms they should consider, and motivates them to do their best. Read our past articles to learn more.