Best Educational Android Apps for Your Smartboard

Interested in utilizing Android apps in your classroom? Ensure the seamless integration of these apps with your interactive display by checking out our curated list of top educational apps.

Introduction

Traditional teaching and learning methods have evolved significantly thanks to recent technological advancements. Education is no longer confined to textbooks and blackboards: today, we can experience a seamless integration between technology and the modern classroom.

We have tested dozens of Android apps on our interactive whiteboards: keep reading to find out about the ten best educational Android apps you can install on the smartboard in your classroom today.

Benefits of using a smartboard with access to Android apps

Interactive whiteboards have revolutionized the traditional classroom environment, fostering an engaging, dynamic, and collaborative learning experience. 

Android apps such as Kahoot! or Quizlet can supercharge your interactive whiteboard, letting your students experience the apps you are used to with the comfort of an interactive display. The possibilities are endless with all the educational Android apps available.

These apps cater to various subjects and teaching styles, from enhancing students' writing skills and mathematical problem-solving abilities to enriching vocabulary learning. The integration of these tools also supports the flipped classroom approach, promoting student engagement and boosting academic performance.

Top Educational Interactive Whiteboard Apps

Kahoot!

Kahoot! is an innovative educational app that makes learning fun and interactive, allowing teachers to create engaging quizzes in various formats. Kahoot! can be displayed on an interactive whiteboard in a classroom setting to create an engaging learning experience.

Using Kahoot! stimulates active participation as students can join in using their own devices to answer the questions in real time. The interactive whiteboard displays the leaderboard, fostering a sense of competition and engagement. This tool can be used for formative assessments, reviews, or introducing new topics. Teachers benefit from immediate feedback, helping them adjust instruction and tailor future lessons according to student understanding.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is a comprehensive learning management system that helps teachers streamline their workflow by integrating Google's suite of productivity tools. Displaying Google Classroom on an interactive whiteboard enhances communication and transparency in the classroom. Teachers can display assignments, due dates, and feedback, making classroom management more efficient.

Google Classroom also fosters an interactive learning environment by allowing teachers to post discussion questions and encouraging students to engage in academic conversations. This app can be a useful addition to blended learning, accommodating in-person and remote students.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a versatile study tool that leverages the power of flashcards, quizzes, and games for effective learning. Quizlet can engage the entire class in study activities on an interactive whiteboard. For instance, teachers can create flashcards for a new vocabulary list and review them as a class or conduct live quiz competitions.

Teachers can also assign students to create their own study sets, encouraging independent study and promoting peer learning. Quizlet's tracking capabilities give teachers insights into individual progress, helping them to identify areas of strength and improvement.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a vast online learning resource that offers instructional videos, practice exercises, and a personalized learning dashboard. When used with an interactive whiteboard, Khan Academy can supplement classroom instruction effectively.

Teachers can display video lessons to explain complex concepts, allowing for a pause, discussion, or review as needed. The platform's practice exercises can be used for in-class activities or homework, and its adaptive learning engine provides a personalized learning experience, benefiting students with different learning needs. Furthermore, its real-time progress tracking enables teachers to identify learning gaps and adjust instruction accordingly.

Padlet

Padlet is a versatile online tool that provides a shared digital canvas for collaboration and idea-sharing. Padlet lets users create boards to post and share various types of content, such as text, images, links, and videos.

In the classroom, Padlet can be utilized with an interactive whiteboard to showcase students' work, foster class discussions, and encourage peer feedback. Moreover, Padlet facilitates group projects by providing a platform where each group's progress is visible, enabling teachers to track and assess performance quickly. It's an excellent tool for promoting collaboration and active learning in the classroom.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a language learning platform that employs a gamified approach to make learning a new language fun and engaging. It offers bite-sized lessons that progressively increase in difficulty, allowing users to learn at their own pace.

Teachers can transform language practice into a collaborative classroom activity by displaying Duolingo on an interactive whiteboard. Duolingo makes language learning interactive and enjoyable, whether it's a group competition or a class challenge. Furthermore, immediate feedback allows teachers to gauge students' understanding and adjust instruction accordingly, ensuring effective learning.

Minecraft Education Edition

Minecraft Education Edition is an educational variant of the widely popular Minecraft game. This platform encourages students to explore, create, and problem-solve within a virtual environment. Teachers can guide their students' experiences and foster collaborative learning when utilized in a classroom with an interactive whiteboard.

Minecraft offers unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary education, allowing teachers to incorporate concepts from subjects like science, mathematics, history, and even coding into interactive lessons. The immersive nature of the game promotes creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among students.

Scratch

Scratch is an intuitive programming language designed by MIT to introduce students to coding. With Scratch, students can create interactive stories, games, and animations, fostering creativity and computational thinking.

When used with an interactive whiteboard, Scratch allows students to showcase their projects and receive peer feedback, enhancing their learning experience. Teachers can also use Scratch to explain coding concepts in a visual and engaging manner. Scratch prepares students for the increasing demand for digital literacy in the 21st century, facilitating the development of logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Some practical advice to introduce apps in your curriculum

Incorporating these apps into your teaching practice can significantly enhance the learning experiences you provide. It's important to ensure your apps and interactive displays work together seamlessly. Any compatibility issues could disrupt learning and cause unnecessary headaches. Thanks to our extensive testing with these apps on our i3CONNECT displays, you can be sure you will not run into issues. This combination ensures top-notch performance, keeps technical hitches at bay, and assures a smooth, user-friendly experience.

To make the most of these apps, consider a brief training session for both students and teachers, focused on the key features of each app. The more users understand these digital tools, the better they can leverage their potential. Also, slowly incorporate these apps into your teaching to avoid becoming overwhelmed with new technology.

Frequently Asked Questions about EDLA

What is Google EDLA?

The Google Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement (EDLA) is a certification granted by Google, allowing device manufacturers to legally incorporate Google's software, such as the Android operating system and Google Play Store, into their devices. Having the EDLA certification means that users can enjoy a seamless, familiar, Android-based user experience, complete with access to Google's vast library of apps on the Google Play Store.

Why is EDLA Important for Interactive Displays?

The integration of EDLA with an interactive display is a game-changer in the world of education. Imagine the powerful combination of a large interactive display and the flexibility of Android applications. It means teachers can leverage their favorite apps to create engaging, interactive lessons right from the board. Plus, because the interactive display operates just like an Android device, installing these apps is a breeze.