Back to School Apps for a Successful School Year
With the new school year kicking off, now is a good time to consider which tools can truly help students and teachers. In my work as a digital parenting expert and educator, I’ve seen how the right technology can make learning more engaging and effective. When choosing apps, consider factors such as age appropriateness, device compatibility, and learning style preferences. Here are some Back to School Apps that can help everyone succeed this year.
Back to School Apps For Students: Sharpening Skills and Staying Organized
Supporting students in sharpening their skills and staying organized is key to their academic growth and confidence. A great way to achieve this is by using well-vetted back-to-school apps, such as those listed below. Some are tried-and-true favorites that I rely on year after year, while others are new to my homeschool this season—but I already see how each meets the needs of diverse learners and empowers students to take ownership of their education.
- Quizlet: Whether you’re studying for a pop quiz or a final exam, Quizlet is a powerful tool for mastering concepts. With flashcards, practice tests, and engaging study games like “Learn” and “Match,” students can retain information in a way that works for them. You can create your own study sets or choose from millions of pre-made ones.
- Photomath: Math problems can feel overwhelming, but Photomath makes them easier. Simply scan a problem with your phone, and the app guides you through each step, teaching you how to solve it. This helps students understand the process and increases their confidence in their math skills.
- Notability: For students who value digital note-taking, Notability stands out by integrating handwriting, typing, and audio in a single platform. Learners can import and annotate lecture slides or PDFs using a stylus, which supports visual and auditory learning. The ability to search notes and replay lectures makes staying organized and reviewing material easier.
- Time Management with Saturn Calendar or Tiimo: Academic success relies on effective time management. Saturn helps high school and college students organize class schedules, activities, and social events in one app, reducing stress and boosting productivity. Tiimo’s visual schedules and countdowns provide structure, particularly benefiting students who thrive with visual aids.
Back to School Apps For Teachers: Cultivating a Vibrant Classroom Culture
Cultivating a vibrant classroom culture is essential for inspiring curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning among students. As a leader of homeschool instructional programs and Homeschool STEAM learning pods, I am passionate about creating dynamic environments where every child feels empowered to explore, innovate, and reach their full potential. These two apps are ones I’ve personally been using for over a decade and will likely continue to use, as they continue to support and enrich my approach to teaching.
- Kahoot! Kahoot! reimagines assessments by turning them into interactive and competitive games. With the ability to create custom quizzes or utilize a vast library of ready-made content, teachers can enhance engagement, review concepts, foster friendly competition, and make learning more memorable.
- ClassDojo: ClassDojo enhances communication among teachers, students, and parents by providing a secure platform for sharing classroom updates, photos, and announcements. Parents stay informed about their child’s progress and can easily connect with teachers, fostering a collaborative and transparent learning environment. I love this app and have been using Class Dojo for years!
As you look ahead to this school year, consider which of these apps could make the biggest impact for you or your students. Which tools are you most excited to try, or what apps have you found invaluable in your own learning journey? Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to support one another in creating engaging and effective learning experiences for all kids.
