The following are three of 2014's best free educational apps for children:
coIAR mix
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| Image Source: youtube.com |
coLAR mix is a coloring book app that uses augmented reality (AR) technology to deliver a unique 3D experience.
Parents and educators download free coloring pages from the app's website, have the children color them in, and scan them through the iOS or Android device's camera. The app will then bring the picture to life with 3D animation and sounds, with the colors that the children used. The app is a great way to encourage creativity and engagement among young students.
The app will only work with the coloring pages provided on its website or through in-app purchases.
Hakitzu Elite: Robot Warriors
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| Image Source: appsplayground.com |
This app, available for on Android, iPhone, and iPad devices, teaches older children the basics of coding in Javascript while battling animated robots. Children can either play alone or battle it out with their Facebook friends in multiplayer missions. No coding skills are required: in-game tutorials take players from “beginner” to “hacker,” the highest level. Successfully writing lines of code gives players customization points, which they can use to purchase better weapons and robot combinations.
Reading Rainbow
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| Image Source: mashable.com |
Based on the hit educational TV series from the 90s, the Reading Rainbow iPad app is designed to instill a love of reading among children of all ages. Through the app, children can select e-books from a library of more than 300 titles, arranged by topic on themed virtual islands. Children can read the book themselves or have it read to them. They receive a sticker reward for completing a book.
Children can also watch video field trips, hosted by Grammy award winner LeVar Burton, or play games or participate in reading activities. The app is available on iPad and Kindle Tablet, and the app and the first five books selected are free. For more books, users have the option to subscribe for $9.99 a month, $29.99 for six months, or $49.99 annually.
When choosing educational apps for children, parents and educators should keep in mind the child's developmental abilities and learning levels, the accuracy of the educational content in the app, and whether the app balances education with entertainment.
Follow this Hugh Guill Twitter account for discussions on educational apps for children.
