Apps to keep you in the know

MASABATA MKWANANZI

DESPITE the whole world going through a pandemic, 2020 and 2021 saw major innovations in the tech world, such as the shift to online schooling.

Mobile apps and smartphones have come a long way in changing and shaping the educational system. In this edition of IOL Tech, we will have a look at some of the educational apps that will help you better understand and ace those subjects.

Extramarks SA (Free Trial and Paid Version)

This South African app offers a complete curriculum coverage for maths, science, life sciences, and English for grade 6 to 12 learners. The app allows pupils to learn anywhere at any time. It also provides learning modules for the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and the International curriculum. Available on Android and iOS.

Xander App (Paid)

This fun educational app is for young learners, helping them with numbers, basic shapes and primary and secondary colours using age-appropriate games. What makes this app unique is that it allows children to master new skills in their own languages, from English, SeSotho, IsiZulu, Afrikaans, Tswana, and many other languages. Available on Android and iOS.

WhatsApp (Free)

Even though the app is known for chatting with friends and family, over the past year WhatsApp has been used as a bridge between teachers and learners. Teachers were able to create WhatsApp subject groups to help learners get previous question papers, and send videos of how they solved a maths equation or science experiment. Available on Android and iOS.

Dial-a-Tutor (Free)

Even though it is not an app, this contact solution uses a toll-free number to assist Grade 8 to 12 learners to interact with subject specialists. Dial-a-Tutor was launched in 2020 with the aim of bringing classrooms closer to pupils. It is currently available to North West learners. Those who are interested in using this toll-free service can call Dial-a-Tutor on 0800 383 383, Monday to Friday, 7am to 8pm.