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The Top Benefits Of Mobile Learning Apps For Kids

http://www.storytimeforkids.info/app/top-benefits-mobile-learning-apps-kids/

The acceptance of mobile apps as learning tools among the current generation of preschoolers and junior school-goers is uniformly high all over the globe. We have here pointed out some key reasons for the popularity of mobile educational applications.

A recent survey in the UK revealed that educational apps were widely popular among kids in the 5-10 age group. Parents as well as junior-level teachers across the world are increasingly encouraging children to start using such mobile learning apps, to complement their classroom lessons. Not surprisingly, the availability of such applications has gone up tremendously over the last few quarters, with the Apple iTunes store alone having more than 65200 educational apps. So, why is mobile learning being taken to in such a big way? Let’s take a look:

1. Round the clock availability – Unlike schools, there are no time schedules when a kid can access mobile apps. All that is required is a smartphone/tablet, with a selection of pre-installed learning apps. Since most of these come with child-friendly controls, little ones can operate them with ease on their own. Whenever a kid wishes to find out any information, (s)he only has to reach out for a mobile device.
2. Interactive elements – Mobile apps offer a vast range of interesting, interactive activity scopes for the young learners. The focus is on keeping kids engaged, and games like crossword puzzles, word-making, and spot-the-difference do wonders on that count. For kids with a knack for creativity, parents can easily find apps with origami and coloring games. Mobile learning is not only about textbooks – it is the perfect channel to develop all the faculties of children.
3. Help in classroom performance – At the end of the day, a mobile app won’t fetch high marks for kids, at their class examinations. However, apps can definitely play a role in preparing the little learners for their daily assignments at school. If a child knows what is going to be taught the next day, (s)he can easily look it up on any good Android or iPhone app for kids related to that subject. Such advance class-preparation automatically builds self-confidence.
4. Effective utilization of leisure hours – No responsible parent in the world would like their kid(s) to get over-addicted to television. Too much of talking over the phone, or staying glued to the internet for extended hours are not great options either. Mobile learning apps serve as a great alternative to use the ‘dead time’ during a day in an effective manner. If any boy/girl has nothing specific to do at any point of time, (s)he can just activate an app and start reading/playing. A sense of self-discipline would also be instilled in him/her.
5. Becoming tech-savvy – It’s a world of technology we live in, and things are likely to become even more tech-based by the time today’s toddlers grow up. Educational apps for kids offer the perfect ‘excuse’ for parents to familiarize the young ones with the basic features of smartphones and tablets. As a child grows beyond the age of 10, buying a budget smartphone for him/her is a viable option as well. Regular usage of mobile devices will make kids confident while handling other similar tech tools and gadgets in future.
6. Learning by sharing – Naysayers often harp on mobile education hurting the social skills of children – but this allegation is almost wholly untrue. Almost all mobile apps for kids come with seamless integration with networking channels like Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus (at times, even more). Kids can easily form their own virtual study circles, share what they are studying at present, and participate in discussions and video hangouts (on G+). Apart from facilitating two-way knowledge transfer, such social interactions often help a kid in making new friends.
7. Alternative modes of learning – There are apps with text-based learning, animated graphics, videos, infographics, audio-narration features, multiple-choice questions, and a whole lot more. Children have ample scope to choose the mode of learning (or the combination of modes) that (s)he finds to be the most interesting. Mobile learning is always dynamic – there’s never a single solution available for everyone. Using personalized apps makes the interest-levels of kids grow.
8. Fun and informal – The sight of kids cribbing about ‘tough’ homework and ‘boring’ class-lectures is far from being uncommon. A lot of these complaints would disappear, as soon as a child gets acquainted with learning apps for kids. The cool graphics and imaginative illustrations take away the boredom that is often associated with studying. There is no teacher looking over the kids’ shoulders, and the entire virtual learning environment is relaxed and informal. It’s easy to understand why children who use mobile apps are happy to study for hours at a stretch!
9. Encourages adoption of better lifestyles – Let’s just forget about the strictly educational applications for a bit. There are several mobile applications for children which offer daily hygiene tips, dietary advice, and vital soft skill training. All these information are presented in a playful and easy-to-understand format. Children have no difficulty in imbibing these habits in their lives. That, in turn, makes them more conscious, knowledgeable, responsible individuals.
10. Systematic learning – Be it a mobile storytelling app for kids or a subject-specific learning app – all kids’ applications help in systematic education. There are built-in databases in the apps, where stories can be stored, completed assignments can be saved for later reviews, and digital copies of texts and references can be accessed. A little kid on his/her own can become a bit haphazard in his/her studying methods – but mobile apps take away that risk.
11. Staying connected with teachers and guides – Educational apps are NOT substitutes of classroom teaching. Contrary to what many old-timers believe, a student can easily get in touch with teachers, mentors and other authorities from any field of study – via SMSes, IM (instant messaging) apps and emails. Most of these features are embedded in the learning apps for kids. Resolving queries and doubts, hence, becomes an easy task.
12. Portability – There are no space constraints on mobile learning methods either. Android and iPhone devices are practically constant companions of parents – and their kids can use them, wherever they might be. Particularly during long train or flight journeys, tapping on smartphone screens can be a nicely relaxing activity for the young ones. Students need not stay away from learning resources at any time.