The iPad has turned the traditional classroom into a space where kids can innovate, brainstorm and create together. Classroom styles like the “flipped classroom” (a style where all the learning is done at home via screencasts) become more realistic and feasible. Best of all, most teachers will agree that classroom productivity skyrockets. However, the iPad itself is not the driving force behind this newfound productivity. It’s the apps that power the iPad that make this tablet the real educational winner.

While the mass adoption of technology in academia continues to enhance the educational experience, it is also the single biggest distraction students face heading into the 2015/2016 school year. Gaming, social media and messaging platforms are all ‘fun and games,’ until students can’t get enough and the apps pull them away from their studies.

Vokal, a Chicago-based mobile Innovation agency, asked their team of apprentices (student developers and coders), along with their talented iOS and Android mobile developers, to come up the Top 5 List of this school year’s biggest Brain Boosters and Brain Busters. Brain Boosters will help make students more productive and empower them to excel. The Brain Buster Apps will do the opposite – waist time, distract and become full-on tech addictions. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

BRAIN BOOSTERS

1. Notability

Notability is a simple note-taking app that allows you to create notes, import media, and edit multiple file types. The app allows you to use a unique drawing and highlighting tool that makes file annotation super easy and intuitive. It’s pretty much impossible to go through a day of high school or college without using this app.

2. Nearpod

Presentations suck. Nearpod makes them suck less. The presentation tool turns the iPad into an individual slide deck, which allows teachers to send surveys, ask questions and present slides.

3. Schoology

Schoology is a content management system that allows teachers and students to interact, share assignments, distribute assessments and receive tests scores. Schoology makes it simple to share content quickly and easily between the educator and the student.

4. Google Drive

Google Drive is a personal cloud storage service from Google that lets users store and synchronize digital content across computers, laptops and mobile devices, including tablet and smartphone devices. Whether it’s a group project or edits from a teaching, Google Drive is a must-have this year.

5. Reminders

While many people may dismiss Apple’s default to-do list, in the educational world it provides a wealth of tools to keep track of homework, projects and upcoming tests. The Vokal team would take this app over any “homework app” any day.

BRAIN BUSTERS

1. Trivia Crack

The biggest fad of December 2014: Quizzing your friends (and random strangers) on trivia questions. As fun (and addicting) as this app is, it only provides numerous opportunities for distractions inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Messages

Students can sit across the room and message each other funny pictures, things about the teacher/other students, or in worst case scenarios, test answers. The messaging app is a substitute teacher’s nightmare and one massive distraction tool for students.

3. The Homework App

The Homework app is recommended by many teachers as a way of managing homework assignments. However, the app is hard to get used to, requires a lot of time to enter data, and is just plain cumbersome. The Vokal team favored a pen and paper over this app.

4. Candy Crush

We’ve all heard of this app, and chances are, you’ve played it. Candy Crush is a pretty simple game in which your goal is to eliminate rows of candy by swiping. If you’ve played it before, you know that this app is ridiculously addicting. Playing Candy Crush in the classroom will not get you any brownie points with your teacher.

5. 8-Ball Pool

The other fad that swept across the students at my school was a game called 8-Ball Pool, which was essentially just a video game simulation of a real pool game. However, students could connect their iPads and play against each other, making it a game that teachers despised.

The post Top 5 Brain Booster and Brain Buster Apps appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Put your gadget to good use with our list of top 10 learning apps for kids. And did we mention they’re all free?

Reading Rainbow

(Apple iPad/iPhone)

LeVar Burton is back! With an unlimited library of inspiring children’s books, videos and games, this app is sure to ignite your child’s imagination.   

PBS Parents Play & Learn

(Apple iPad/iPhone, Android & Google Play)

PBS Parents Play & Learn makes it easy for parents to engage children through interactive games and simple activities that integrate math, science, and literacy skills to everyday experiences.  

Labyrinth Lite

(Apple iPhone/iPad, Android & Google Play)

Need to keep your kids occupied during a road trip? This app has hundreds of variations of the classic obstacle-maze game that will keep the back seat quiet for hours on end.

Out-a-Bout

(Apple iPhone/iPad)

Running, jumping and climbing is the name of this game! Get outdoors with this physical activity app, and see what fun it brings to your backyard.  

Learn with Homer

(Apple iPad)

Meet Homer – the comprehensive interactive reading app for children 3-6 that is sweeping the nation, one learner at a time.  

50 States

(Apple iPhone/iPad, Android & Google Play)

This app is great introduction to the geography and history of the United States through quizzes, maps and flags, perfect for children of all ages.  

Goodnight Safari

(Apple iPhone/iPad)

A child’s nighttime routine is never complete without a bedtime story! With stunning artwork and soothing sounds, this app is the perfect lullaby for children under the age of 5. 

Peekaboo Fridge – prices vary

(Apple iPhone/iPad)

Keep an eye out for this fun and interactive app that teaches toddlers about food. Dancing fridge characters like bananas and eggs throw disco parties that are sure to entertain!

Spaghetti Marshmallows

(Android)

What child wouldn’t want to play this game with a name like that? This interactive building game supplies an unlimited amount of spaghetti and marshmallows to challenge strategy, innovation, creativity and precision.  This concept can even be tested in your very own kitchen, and the best part is, you can eat your winnings!

PopMath

(Apple iPhone/iPad & Android)

This app, perfect for children 4 and up, makes popping bubbles rewarding! Kids can move up in levels by solving math equations, all while enjoying the simple pleasure of seeing bubbles pop.  

The post Top 10 Apps for Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.