There is no doubt that education as we know it will change in the upcoming years with more emphasis on less traditional means outside the classroom. Mobile apps are one example and serve as great educational tools for students who are interested in learning on-the-go anywhere and at any time.

Related: Check out these articles to find out which educational podcasts, websites, and YouTube channels made it into our top 5 list.

Below will be a list of mobile apps I believe will benefit high school and college students in their academic journey, and will span many topics such as coding, math, reading, science, foreign language, and finance. 

I will also include five apps that I found the most useful and has the highest potential for success. Here are my top 5 picks:

1. Micro:bit (Coding)

Honorable Mentions: Grasshopper, Codecademy Go

Do you want to learn how to code or program? If so, check out the BBC’s micro:bit app. This is the best and most comprehensive coding app I have ever seen and it is a great opportunity for first-time coders to dip their toes in the water and learn the fundamentals of coding. 

However, I do want to point out that you will need to purchase a “BBC micro:bit” for less than $20. The BBC micro:bit is a small device that will receive your codes as you program it to perform certain functions (e.g., pedometer, number generator, thermometer).

Related: Check out the BBC website to see what a micro:bit can do.

I typically would never suggest purchasing resources, especially if there are free options available, but I strongly believe it is worth the small investment. I am also not sponsored so I will not receive a dime from your purchase. 

I recommend referring to the BBC website and Shawn Hymel’s YouTube channel to get an easy-to-understand introduction and tutorial to coding with the micro:bit.

2. Libby (Reading)

Honorable Mentions: GoodReads, Read More

Reading has never been this easy! Libby is a game-changing app that allows you to remotely check out ebooks from your local library. If this wasn’t enough, this app will also generate an electronic library card for you at that location for future use. As an avid reader, this is my go-to app so I strongly recommend you give it a try.

3. National Geographic (Science)

Honorable Mentions: Seek by iNaturalist, Science Journal by Google

If you know me then you’ll know that I’m the biggest National Geographic fan out there so I was very excited when I first learned about this app. Not only did they knock their podcast out of the park but so did this mobile app.

You will have free access to articles and videos about cute, cuddly animals that will melt your heart as well as trending stories about the environment and ecosystem around the world.

4. edX (Learning)

Honorable Mentions: Coursera, TED

Access to a high-quality education can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be this way. The edX platform offers online courses from top universities such as Harvard, Columbia, and MIT at no cost thus allowing you to focus on the important things in life. 

All you have to do is enroll in a course and complete it at your own pace. If you’re interested in coding then I recommend the Harvard CS50 course to get an introduction to computer science.

5. Math and Science Tutor (Math)

Honorable Mentions: Formulia, Math theory, Numerade, Photomath

Math and Science Tutor is a great mobile app for students who need help in Calculus, statistics, physics, chemistry, or engineering. You will have instant access to important formulas and lecture videos so you can save yourself the hassle.

* = Highly recommended