220+ Free Apps for Personalized Learning
Videos provide a great tool to engage students. I presented on video and engagement tools at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference on 11/2/2016. This list includes the apps that I highlighted in my presentation and many more.
I have continually updated this list every year for the past 2 years. The list originally started as a place for students to go to get ideas about which apps they could use on different projects that they worked on throughout the school year. It has grown to more than 220 free applications that are easy to use for both students and teachers. I personally use many of these apps in my classroom. Students have given input as to what works, what doesn’t work, and what should be taken off of the list.
This list includes web, iOS, and Android apps and a few extensions and add-ons. A brief description of what each app can do is provided for most of the apps. Many of these apps have paid versions that have advanced features outside of the scope of what the free versions can do but I have found that the free versions work very well for the classroom. Please feel free to leave a comment to share your favorite apps for education.
Videos
- Biteable – Create animated, live action or photo filled videos. You can also insert text, photos, colors and sound!
- MySimpleShow – Create a simple video to explain things in a short, funny, and informative fashion. You can even develop the show from a PowerPoint of 20 slides or less (Web)
- Storybird – Quickly create visual stories (Web)
- VivaVideo – Create a video story that can be edited (iPhone)
- Slide Presenter – Simply talk and record to add video and/or audio to your document or presentation (Note: formerly Present.me so functions similarly) (PPT) (Web)
- Windows Movie Maker – Create videos. Simply talk and record to add video and/or audio to your document or presentation. Can be used for podcasts. May require download. (Windows)
- Videolicious – Make a video in seconds just tap and talk (Note: 1 minute length/ 10 supporting shots, and 1 sound bite). (Web/iPhone/iPad)
- iMovie – Create, browse and share movies created on an iOS device. Can be used for podcasts. (Note: Only some versions are free, comes installed on the phone)
- Masher – Put together photos, video, text, and effects (Web)
- WeVideo – Video editing (Chrome/Android)
- Splice – Mix video clips, music, photos, visual & sound effects, text, audio, and voice-overs (iOS)
- Video Editor Free – A free video editor (iOS)
- Magisto – Record video up to 1:15 seconds, but you can only use 10 photos per movie (Note: Videos disappear after a length of time) (Web)
- Stupeflix – Video with music and text, also can add maps, custom transitions and voice over (Web)
- Flipagram – Allows for putting together short “video” stories from your photos (iPad/Android)
Videos – With Advanced Special Effects
- Jahshaka – Video with editing and effects, but must download to use (Windows/ OsX/Linux)
- iMajiCam – Create videos with video effects in real time (iPad/iPhone/iPod)
- Action Movie FX – Place “Hollywood effects” into a video you have already recorded, can also record a video and add the effect (example: an explosion) (Note: Some options are free) (iPhone/iPad)
- Super Power FX – Add in “Super Hero Power” effects to your videos (iPhone/iPad)
Videos – Screencast Recording
- Screencast-o-matic – Create a screencast recording 15 mins max (Note: ELHS students do not use because you cannot save your video at school.) (Web – Windows/Mac)
- Screencastify – Screencast recording (Note: free version 10 mins per video) (Chrome)
Videos – Whiteboard Recording
- Educreations – Record voice and iPad screen to create video lessons that are shareable (iPad)
- ShowMe – Record whiteboard tutorials with voice over that can also be shared online (iPad)
- Screenchomp – Recordable whiteboard/ Take iPad screenshots and explain concepts (iPad)
Videos – Animated
- Voki – Video can last up to 60 seconds using the free version (Web)
- Tellagami – Video can last up to 30 seconds using the free version (iPhone)
- Animaker Beta – Unlimited animated videos (Note: 2 minute length and limited characters using the free version) (Web)
- Wideo – Put together animated videos in a flash/includes templates (Note: only 30 seconds of video is free) (Web)
- Plotagon – Create a 3-D animated video (iPhone/iPad)
- Facetalker – Use a face and make it talk
- Blabberize – Use a picture and blabberize it (Web)
- Myidol – Take your picture and customize it into an avatar which you can use to direct your own show (iOS)
- Insta3D – Turn you into an avatar from a selfie (iPhone/iPad)
Video or Presentations
- Kizoa – Create slide shows, collages, or videos
- Emaze – 2D & 3D online presentation software (Web)
- Powtoon – Online animated videos and presentations (Note: Cannot use locked content if you do you cannot export your work) (Web)
- Moovly – Create animated videos or presentations (Web)
- Animoto – Use photos and video + music to create slideshows (lite version – 30 sec./free trial) (Web)
- GoAnimate – Make professional animated presentations and videos (Note: Only some templates are free – free for 14 days and then you CANNOT edit or download your video) (Web)
- Renderforest – Create slideshows, use animation, add music, etc (Note: Cannot simply view video (with free version) have to download to view and it takes a minute) (Web)
Presentations
- Visme.co – Create presentations, infographics, charts, reports, and more!
- Canva – Design flyers, posters, E-magazines, E-books, social media covers, blog graphics, presentations, etc (iPad/Web) (Some options and templates can be used and shared for free)
- Haiku Deck – Presentation software (iPad/Web)
- SlideDog – Combines most media types (PPT, Pdf, Prezi, etc) into one seamless multimedia presentation (Web)
- Glogster – Put together text, audio, images, video, etc into a multimedia presentation. Also can be used for an E-portfolio. (Note: Free for a limited time)
- Flowvella – Presentations are interactive and can contain documents, videos, galleries, links, PDFs, and navigation (Note: Can get four public flows) (iPhone/iPad/Mac/Web)
- Photo Peach – Create slide shows with pictures and text (Note: Cannot download finished product without purchasing the premium version)
- Prezi – Can be used for presentations as well as for an E-portfolio (iPad/Web)
- Keynote – Apple’s version of PowerPoint (Note: Free on some devices) (iPhone/iPad/Mac)
- SnapGuide – Create a How to Guide with pictures & videos, can also add captions (iOS/Web)
Video and Presentation Related Tools
- Presefy – Store presentations securely in the cloud, also gives the presenter the ability to broadcast the presentation
- Periscope – Broadcast live video from any where (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch/Android)
- SlideShark – Simply upload a PowerPoint file to your online account and the slides are automatically converted to a mobile format. The app can be used to download and show your presentation on your mobile device, projector, or broadcast over the web. It has the ability to share an online version of your presentation for others to view on-demand, anytime from any device, and track viewing results.
- SlideShare – Upload and share presentations, infographics, documents, videos, PDFs, and webinars. (Android/Web)
Interactive Video
- EdPuzzle – Take or make a video and add questions, etc
- Zaption – Embed questions for students to answer in a video
Audio/Podcasts
- Audacity – Audio only
- GarageBand (OS X) – can be used for a podcast – Music Creation app (iOS/ Mac)
- Capti – Plays audio of text – can be used for a podcast
- PodOmatic– Create and share podcasts. (Note: A music file from another source is used to create the podcast.) (iOS/ Web)
Screenshots and Screen share
- Jing – Share images and videos of your computer screen
- Awesome Screenshot – Capture screenshots only (Web – Chrome, Firefox and Safari
Find Pictures/Photos
- Compfight – May be some cost involved depending on the photo
- Iconfinder – Find icons (Note: Some free options are available)
- Creative Commons
Picture/Photo Gallery
- JAlbum – Creates slides of pictures a sort of photo gallery (Note: Free trial only)
Drawing
- Sketch-Notes – Draw on an iPad (iPad/iPhone)
- A Web Whiteboard – Draw on a whiteboard using the computer, tablet, or smartphone. (Web)
- SVG Edit – Illustrator app
- Inkscape – Drawing app. Must download
- GIMP – Must download
- Draw Plus – Graphic design software
Cartoon/Comics
- Toondoo – Create cartoon strips
- Make Beliefs Comix
- Chogger
- Pixton (Note: May be best to log in with Gmail and need parent’s permission if under a certain age)
- Witty Comics
- Comic Master – Create a comic book
- Comic Life – (Note: 30 day free trial )(Mac or Windows)
Games/Assessments
- Nearpod – Create and download presentations and lessons to share with students, students can interact (answer questions) and teachers can receive data on students (iPad/Android/Web)
- Socrative – Create and share online quizzes, surveys, and games (Android/Web)
- Act it Out – Game (iPhone)
- GradeCam Go! – Grade assessments quicker
- Plickers – Collect real time formative assessment data with or without mobile devices in a game format (iPad/iPhone/Android)
- Jeopardy Rocks – Create an online Jeopardy game (Web)
- FlipQuiz – Create a game show style game board for review game
- Quizziz – Games and quizzes online (similar to Kahoot! (Quizziz is Kahoot 2.0 – but allows students to see their answers on their device, etc)
- Kahoot! – Online quizzes & games (iPad/Android/Web)
- Quizalize – Create games and quizzes
Posters
- Block posters – Make a large poster from a single image or file
- Poster My Wall – Create posters, graphics, and video
Infographics
- Easel.ly – Infographic templates
- Infogr.am – Create online infographics (Web)
- Venngage – Infographic maker
To Do List/Calendar
- Any.do – Sync all of your tasks across several different devices (iPhone/Android/Chrome app/Chrome extension/Web)
- Wunderlist – To do list app (Chrome)
- Calendars 5 – Calendar app with tasks, reminders -syncs with Google calendar (iPhone/iPad)
- Picniic – Schedule your entire family with this organizer app
Online Meetings and Collaboration
- Chatzy – Back channel for communication
- Ning – Back channel to ask students questions and check for understanding (Note: Free for a 14 day trial)
- Fuze Meeting – Host and attend online meetings/web conferences with up to 25 people (Android/iOS)
- Google Hangout – Have group conversations and meetings (Android/iOS/Web)
Communication
- Groupme – Send group texts which allows for sharing of videos, photos, etc
- WhatsApp – Text message people all over the world
Flash Cards
- Quizlet – Create and use study tools such as flash cards, tests, games, etc (Web)
- Flippity.net – Turn a Google spreadsheet into online flashcards.
- Evernote Peek – Turn images, notes, audio, etc into materials for study. (iPad)
Social Media Story
- Storify – Allows for the creation of stories from social media posts (Web)
- Tagboard – Track hashtags – Can search and collect (Web)
E-book or E-Magazine
- Madmagz – (Note: Provides only one template)
- Flipsnack – Create digital publications such as magazines and books (Web)
- Joomag – Professional online publication editor
- zinepal – Create an E-book and/or turn your website or blog into an E-book or E-magazine
- Simple Booklets – Make web booklets – Can be used as an E-portfolio (Note: Teachers can use for free for limited time only)
- Fodey Newspaper Clipping Generator – Generates a newspaper clipping from text you enter up to 175 words (Web)
News
- Zite – Articles from the web tailored for you based on your likes and dislikes and areas of interest (iPad/Android)
- Flipboard – A personal magazine, filled with the things you care about. A single place to discover, collect and share news of importance to you (iPad/ Android/ Web)
- Wibbitz – Receive news as a video summary (iPhone/iPad/iPod)
Videos (Pre-made for viewing)
- Ted – Short videos on various topics (Android/Web)
- SchoolTube – Videos from students and teachers
Read Books Online
- OverDrive – Borrow e-books, audio books, and videos from your local library
- Audio Book Cloud – Online audio book collection
- One Click Digital
- Tumble Book Cloud
Read Magazines Online
- Zinio – Read digital magazines (Note: Free from many local libraries) (iPad/Android/Web)
Photo Collage or Compilation
- Camera 2 – Photo app, can record and change the way the video looks based on different time periods 1980’s, etc, has lots of cool filters
- PicCollage – Create a photo collage of your pictures with background and text options (Andorid/iPad/iPhone)
Reading, Writing, &/or Notes
- Evernote – For notes, writing, capture photos, record audio, with searchable entries. Can also be used as an digital portfolio. (Android/iOS/Web)
- Read, Think, Write Apps
- Notely – Note taking app (Chrome/Android)
Online Forms & Surveys
- Wufoo – Create and share online forms
- Survey Monkey – Create online surveys
- Typeform – Create online forms that are mobile ready;Has a template gallery
Music
- Freegal – Stream and download free music, movies, and videos (Note: Available free through many local libraries) (iPad/Android/Web)
- Creative Commons – Find free music and images
- Freesound – Find free music
- SoundCloud – Music & audio
- Spotify – Listen to playlists in order but only so many skips per hour
- Pandora – Listen to music based on artists or genres
- Vimeo – Watch, upload, and share videos (ad free) (Web)
- YouTube – An oldie but a goodie with millions of videos
Group Maker
- Make My Groups – Put people in to groups with this app
- Team Shake – Put students in groups based on rosters and put them into certain groups (iPhone/iPad/Android)
Word Cloud Generator
- Tagexdo – Word cloud in specific shapes Note: Must have Silverlight installed to use
- WorditOut
- other word cloud generators
Digital Portfolios/E-Portfolios (E-folios)
- Shown’d – Portfolio for illustrations, photos, videos, etc
- Mahara – EPortfolio
- Learner Journey
- FolioSpaces – Free e-portfolio with 2GB of storage
- eduClipper – Portfolio tool allows students to create portfolios of things they have clipped (aka bookmarked) online.
- WeLearnedIt – Create digital portfolios that contain files from Google Drive, Dropbox, links from the web, images and videos captured with iPad, and whiteboard videos created within the app. (iPad)
- ThreeRing – Digital environment for capturing, storing, and using educational artifacts and documenting learning. Capture anything, regardless of format. Students can take a picture of any paper, drawing, or board work and Record presentations or discussions with audio or video. Students can upload their own work from any mobile device or computer. (iPad/Web)
- Live Binders – Online binder to organize links and files – allows upload of documents on shelves, can copy other binders
- Zoho docs – Document management (create, store, share, and collaborate), can be used for an E-portfolio or for a presentation
Curation Tools/Online Cork boards
- Popplet – Virtual wall thoughts can be connected – Must login to use (Free version: limited to 5 popplets)
- Padlet – Virtual wall on the web that allows for collaboration and posting of videos, files, links etc
- Scoop.it – Search for discover and curate information from the web – you can also add your own comments. Can post on social media with one click. Also can be used for an E-portfolio
- Tacck – Virtual tack board for everything – can create blog posts, webpage, flyers, and more with pictures, media, maps, etc
- Lino – Add sticky notes and photos to a virtual board. Also can be used to curate info.
- Pinterest – Online pin board (IPad/Android/Web)
-
Trello – (Note: Have to upgrade in order to add pictures)
Websites
- Webs – Website
- Weebly – Website or blog (Web)
- Tumblr – Website or blog (iPad/Android/Web)
- WordPress – Blog or website (iPad/Android/Web)
- Wix
- Google Sites – Websites created and hosted through Google.
Blog
- Flavors.me – Personal website or blog that allows you to combine your social media sites, photos, videos, etc without ads
- Blogger – Blog (Google)
- Tumblr – Website or blog (iPad/Android/Web)
- Edublogger – Blog
Online Resumes
- OPResume – Create an online resume
- Do you buzz – Resume
Social Media/Marketing
- HootSuite – Allows users to quickly and easily share content to their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn from anywhere on the web. In the current window, users can highlight text, share content, images and videos easily. (Chrome & Firefox)
- StayFocusd – Limits the amount of time spent roaming the web. Users can set it to block certain sites, allow some and restrict browsing by time. There’s even a “Nuclear Option” that can block access to the entire internet. (Chrome)
- AdBlockPlus – Blocks video ads on YouTube, Facebook ads, banners and much more (Chrome)
- Tweetdeck – Simply login to twitter using tweet deck and you can customize how everything is displayed including hashtags you are monitoring and your dashboard
Quote Generator
Image Editor/Illustrator
Link & File sharing
- Dropittome – Quick and easy online file sharing especially great for sharing large files (Web)
- Flick – Share documents, videos, and images between iPads, iPhones, iPods, and Macs and other devices by a flick
Bookmarking
- Symbaloo – Bookmark with large buttons that take site visitors to websites
- Diiago – Social bookmarking tool – can link to blogs, etc
Timers
- Online Stopwatch – Online timers/ stop watch options (Web)
- Classroom Timer Lite– Online Stopwatch app (iPhone/iPad)
- Countdown Timer – Countdown timer – can add a soundtrack
- Online Timer – Digital look timer. can adjust the background colors and size of the clock, can only set the timer in minute increments
- Tick Tock Timer – Plug in the numbers for the time, and then start or clear your time but it is small on the screen
- Egg Timer – Enter in the time in words and press go. The timer then takes up the ENTIRE screen
- iPad Online Countdown Timer – Large on the screen timer and can be adjusted by using +/- buttons.
- Timerland – Farm animals will fill the screen as the clock runs – fun for younger kids
Create, Take, or Manage Online Courses
- iTunes U – Online Courses
- Course Builder – Create and deliver courses through the open source platform
Adobe Apps
- Adobe Spark Video – Create an animated video (iPhone/iPad)
- Adobe Color CC – Select colors
- Adobe Spark Family – Choose from Adobe Spark Post, Spark Page, and Spark Video (iOS and web)
- Adobe Premiere Clip – Video editing from your phone (Android/iPhone)
Google Apps – Google is your one stop source for several apps such as:
- Google Keep
- Google Classroom
- Google Sheets – Instead of a handout use a Google Sheet!
- MyGroups – Google Groups
- Google Slides – Presenter notes makes it such a difference in this tool.
- Google Forms – Create online surveys
- Google Drive – Create and share files in one place. Upload the files and give access to anyone anywhere. (Note: 5 GB free)
Miscellaneous Fun
- Doctopus – (Add-on) to organize student work
- Flocabulary – A source for educational songs, videos, and activities
- Noisedown – Keep track of the noise level in the classroom sounds an alert when level gets to loud (iPhone)
- ThreeRing – Digital environment for capturing, storing, and using educational artifacts and documenting learning. Capture anything, regardless of format. Students can take a picture of any paper, drawing, or board work and Record presentations or discussions with audio or video. Students can upload their own work from any mobile device or computer. (iPad/Web)
- Class Dojo – Record behaviors and accomplishments in class – Award and recognize student successes / Provide real-time feedback. Share data with parents and students. Parents, teachers and students can sign up.
- Class Kick – Students work on a teacher-made Class Kick assignment on their iPads, teachers see every students’ work progressing all at once. Students can privately raise hands, teachers give individualized, real-time student feedback.(iPad)
- Smore – Online flyer, newsletter, that can be linked to a webpage
- MentorMob – share “educational playlists”
- BrainPop
- QR Code Generator
- Skitch – Use shapes and sketches; Mark up info
- Class Charts
- Spritzinc – Reading app
- Chirp – Airdrop files
- World lens – Translates text automatically through the camera (Android)
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Eyejot – Create and send video mail (Web/iPhone/iPod)
- Voxer – Two-way radios that can be used across the world
- Rightinbox – Email scheduling and reminders (Web)
- ColorSchemer – Select colors; complementary and beyond
- Spiral
- Mango Languages – Language learning program (free through many local libraries)
- Goobric
- StoryCorps.Me
- Symbaloo
- Blendspace – Create digital lesson plans with links, quizzes, PPTs, PDFs and more embedded in one place
- Microsoft Pix Camera
- AWWAPP – A web white board
Need an alternative to an application on this list? Check out alternativeTo for an alternative.
Common Sense Education also provides reviews and ratings of a number of educational tools!
What are some of your favorite apps for education? Leave a comment and include your favorite apps.
Yvette Dupree 