Top 2013 Apps for Teachers

With tablets and mobile devices becoming commonplace both inside and outside of the classroom, app developers have been reaching out to educators with products intended to boost student learning and their own professional development. The following are five of the most promising apps for education, ranging from those that bring the social networking experience to the classroom to more efficient note-taking systems. The best part? They are all free without compromising quality.

Edmodo

This free app that's compatible with Android and Apple devices brings social networking to the classroom. Edmodo enables teachers to extend learning beyond traditional classroom times using a closed network that resembles some of the most popular social networking sites, like Facebook. Teachers can post homework assignments, lead virtual discussions, request classes to answer polls and award badges for positive behavior and quality work. Teachers can also track student learning, add learning apps and digital resources, and set up smaller communities where groups of students or parents can have discussions and collaborate. Edmodo is more versatile than a wiki but safer than Facebook.

StudyBlue

There are a plethora of apps that allow teachers and students to create flash cards, but StudyBlue is free for all users and has a clean, easy-to-use interface. Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, teachers can create flashcards for students to study and quiz themselves. Photos and audio can be added to cards, and the app keeps track of learning progress so students can continue to test themselves until they reach mastery. The app also saves where you left off while reviewing, and teachers can access a massive library of pre-created flashcards.

TeacherKit

Teachers are responsible for planning lessons, managing the classroom, grading assignments the list of duties goes on. It can be difficult to keep all of this organized, but TeacherKit provides the perfect solution. Compatible with Apple devices, this free app organizes your grade books, student and parent information, attendance and behavior tracking. Teachers can take individual pictures of students to create student information files and seating charts. Teachers can also send messages to entire classes or groups of parents. AJ Dellinger, from MacLife.com, calls the app a "teacher's Swiss Army knife." TeacherKit saves teachers organizational time, so that they can do more important things, like planning and conducting quality lessons.

History: Maps of the World

This free app is a must-have for anyone teaching history and geography. History: Maps of the World, which is compatible with Apple devices, provides high-definition, interactive maps that show geographical shifts from past to present. The app boasts 178 different maps, four background choices, information from Wikipedia and the ability to print or email maps. Maps are also organized by categories, like World War II and Polar Regions and Oceans. If the ads become bothersome, they can be turned off for a mere $1.99.

Evernote

With a motto of "Remember Everything," Evernote assists teachers and students in being more productive and organized. Compatible with Android and Apple devices, this free app allows users to take notes, record voice reminders, make to-do lists and capture photographs. Virtual notebooks can be created and shared, and users can sync Evernote with other devices to upload and download files. After creating notes, multiple people can be given editing privileges on Evernote, making collaboration easy. Students can even take screenshots of class notes and presentations to study later. For users with iPads, Evernote Peek also allows you to turn your notes into study materials.

Erika Phyall currently works in community relations for University of Southern California. She works with USC Rossier which provides current teachers the opportunity to earn a MAT online. She also contributes to certificationmap.com, which gives individuals resources on how to be a teacher. Outside of work Erika enjoys networking and DIY projects.