The 8 Best Web Apps to Sharpen Your Skills During the Pandemic

Check Out Our List of Top Online Learning Resources for Students and Educators

Since COVID-19 took the world by storm, many of us have stayed indoors and practiced social distancing. This has meant virtual work for non-essential workers and homeschooling for parents. Of course, countless students have also transitioned to online classes.

It goes without saying that self-isolation can be incredibly difficult. One way to combat this uncertainty is by taking control of your future. This is a great time to pursue your dream career and knock out those educational milestones. It’s also likely to improve public health and promote health equity. Why, you may ask?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, studies have shown that “Education typically leads to better jobs, more money and many other benefits, including better health insurance, which leads to better access to quality health care. Higher earnings also allow workers to afford homes in safer neighborhoods as well as healthier diets.”

If you’re interested in starting a new journey, continue reading to learn more about our picks for the best learning applications for students, educators, and parents!

1. Google Classroom

What Is Google Classroom?

When it comes to communication between students and instructors, Google Classroom is king—or queen! Although online learning has been around for years, it became an absolute necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, students and educators alike found themselves completely transitioning to a virtual platform.

In the chaos, many looked to Google Classroom to streamline the educational process. It can be used to submit assignments, send announcements, create classes, start discussions, share resources, receive grades, and more!

It’s also easy to set up a google classroom. Teachers share code with the class. And the students can join by just entering the codes. That’s all it takes to create a virtual classroom.

Some advantages of Google Classroom:

• Easy setup for instructors
• Greater communication
• Better organization
• Quicker grading process

Google Classroom Cost

It’s free for all users! Learn more through this FAQ page at Google.

Google Classroom Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Google Classroom:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Google Classroom is a wonderful way to distribute writing assignments to my whole class and comes complete with spell check to make the editing process all the easier for my learning writers. I express particular gratitude for the speech-to-text feature that I know I will be using for a long time to come.”—Kearstyn from GGUSD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Google Classroom was very useful to me as a college student that depends on out of class work and studying. So this app was overall amazing.”—Carlos from Kikos Kups

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “My overall experience has been very positive. It’s made facilitating classes much easier, and has allowed students to do more work when it’s the best timing for them. In our specialized school we deal with a lot of absenteeism, and Classroom helps to manage that issue much better than what I was using before.”—Lucas from Public Schools of Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw

How Do I Get Started with Google Classroom?

Website: Click here to visit the Google Classroom website.

Android App: Click here to download the Google Classroom app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Google Classroom app on the App Store.

 

2. Duolingo

What Is Duolingo?

Duolingo offers an interactive platform for language learning. Not only does it start with basic picture labeling games, but it provides a variety of engaging games as you complete more levels. Each one will improve your vocabulary as well as your grammar skills.

According to an article on Mindster, “The app also tracks your performance to provide insights. If you do well, you’ll receive XPs. The more XPs you get, the more sets of interactive stories will be unlocked to improve your reading and listening comprehension.”

Some advantages of Duolingo:

• 30+ languages
• Collaborative stories
• User discussions
• Regular events

Duolingo Cost

With Duolingo, you can learn languages at no cost. You can also use Duolingo on your computer or mobile device for free. If you’re an instructor, you can even use Duolingo for Schools with the same account.

However, they do have a premium subscription that isn’t free. It’s called Duolingo Plus and allows users to have an ad-free experience with access to offline lessons.

Duolingo Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Duolingo:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The language I’m learning is French. I’ve used other language learning apps(Mondly, Babbel) at the same time as a comparison to see which one was the simplest to use, which one taught me the fastest, which one was the most user friendly, which one allowed me to learn for free(not just a teaser) which one allowed me at my skill level to continue to learn without overwhelming me with advanced practice sessions. Duolingo by far best out the competition in all of the above. Duolingo is as advertised, mostly free, very enjoyable to use, definitely teaches you through repetition and introducing you to new sounds and rules of the language you are learning at the correct pace.”—Mandrakke28

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I am learning Spanish for work, and I use this app every single day. I love that it’s so convenient. I can practice anywhere. I also love their streak system, which keeps me motivated to keep practicing every day. I also love that they have the learning meters for each module that get low after a while, which is a good guide for when to go practice those modules again. Ultimately, to really be fluent, you need to practice with real people, so this app is not going to make you fluent by itself. However, it is a great, convenient tool, and can be a big help for someone learning a language. It’s especially awesome that it’s free! Normally I wouldn’t go 5 stars, but since it’s free, I think it should be 5 stars.”—coolbeans3293

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I was a little skeptical about a free language learning app, but this is surprisingly polished. Most importantly, from what I’ve seen, they get the language part right. It is able to compensate for minor differences in syntax or verb agreement etc. There’s a good mix of listening comprehension, written translation, verbal repetition and vocabulary matching that evolves with your ability level. I’ve used this app to practice languages I have learned previously, and begin from NOTHING with Chinese and found it to be pretty effective.”—Whisky Traveler

How Do I Get Started with Duolingo?

Website: Click here to visit the Duolingo website.

Android App: Click here to download the Duolingo app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Duolingo app on the App Store.

 

3. Remind

What Is Remind?

Like Google Classroom, Remind provides students and teachers with a virtual platform. However, this app is also for parents! If you have children in school, Remind can help you stay connected with your child’s (or your) school community.

After you have joined this platform, you will receive regular updates on classroom activities. Instructors can also use Remind to message an entire class and share handouts or photos. Students can submit assignments as well.

Some advantages of Remind:

• Share photos, handouts, or flyers
• Translated chats in 70+ languages
• Instant messaging capability

Remind Cost

Access to and use of Remind is free, but they offer some services and features that require fees. Learn more here.

Remind Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Remind:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This is a great way for teachers to quickly remind students and/or parents of items needed or meetings. Our Cheer Coach uses it to remind them of which outfit or items needed for class or events. She also lets us know to check for an email. The Special Ed teacher uses it to remind kids of missing assignments or meetings. Parents get copied on all messages.”—Nancy Yarberry

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A wonderful way to keep in contact with the kids’ teachers. They get back to you quickly. A wonderful way to get links that you need and announcements from the school and teachers. A wonderful way for the teachers to remind students and parents of times to get online or when certain school work is due.”—Carla Tolbert

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I use this with a club I help advise, and it is very helpful. It allows me to communicate with 1 or all of my members easily and reliably.”—P Bright

How Do I Get Started with Remind?

Website: Click here to visit the Remind website.

Android App: Click here to download the Remind app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Remind app on the App Store.

 

4. SoloLearn

What Is SoloLearn?

The SoloLearn website says it best: “Join the largest community of mobile code learners today. Free, fun, effective learning. What could be better?”

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro—either way, SoloLearn can help you become a coding master! Their massive collection of free coding tutorials includes languages like java, python, c++, swift, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more.

According to an article on Mindster, “App development is one such area where there is a constant demand for coders. These languages are the foundation of several mobile app development frameworks. So, if you manage to learn them, job opportunities will be pouring in from all directions.”

Some advantages of SoloLearn:

• Collaborative community for coders
• Tutorials on cutting-edge coding trends
• Free mobile code editor

SoloLearn Cost

According to SoloLearn, their app is completely free. However, they offer a premium subscription called SoloLearn PRO. This option provides users with an ad-free experience as well as access to a more customized experience.

SoloLearn Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about SoloLearn:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I am a beginner in Python and am going into the coding field. I am very busy with my current job and family, so it is hard to sit down and learn, but this app has made it possible for me to learn anywhere, anytime. Extremely convenient and easy to use. It tests your knowledge to ensure your grasp of the concept and progressively gets harder.”—Afelic75

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I don’t normally write reviews for apps, but this is an exception. This app is truly amazing! SoloLearn offers great tutorials for beginners, furthermore, they go above and beyond by offering community made courses as well as interview prep! I have taken college courses in programming and am mainly self-taught so some of these tutorials were simple, but others were great lessons in languages (and concepts) I am not totally comfortable with yet.”—Rman364

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I’m actually preparing for a web technology interview. This course has been awesome. They break everything down in short, but detailed segments. The learning plans give you the next best topic to study naturally without you having to pick. The challenges are great, and they increase in difficulty but you gain confidence along the way!”—Mo_Biglow

How Do I Get Started with SoloLearn?

Website: Click here to visit the SoloLearn website.

Android App: Click here to download the SoloLearn app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the SoloLearn app on the App Store.

5. Photomath

What Is Photomath?

This award-winning app makes math easy to understand and even master. Their slogan is “Math Superpowers for Every Student.”

For many of us, mathematics can be a very challenging subject. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or parent, you can use this app to help you solve complex math problems. Various places have even cited Photomath as one of the greatest learning apps for students.

So, just how does it work? You take a photo of handwritten or printed questions with the app. It then teaches you how to solve each question with step-by-step instructions.

Some advantages of Photomath:

• Various solving methods
• Interactive charts and diagrams
• Scientific calculator
• Internet not needed

Photomath Cost

The core of Photomath is free and available for you to download. Learn more here.

Photomath Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Photomath:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Big thumbs up to this app!! It is very helpful with making problem solving simple! it not only helps you find the correct answer to a difficult problem but also shows you the steps to get there which is how I learn!! Thank you for making this app!!!!! I don’t use this app to get me out of doing an assignment… I struggle with math and I will try to figure out a problem step by step and then will compare my steps with photo math and then will do a similar problem by using the steps photo math provided.”—izzylubs

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This is a spectacular app! I downloaded it thinking if it was half (0.5) of what it claimed to be I would be completely (100%) stoked! I must admit, this app is all I could have expected and more!!! It is fast, efficient, accurate, and it makes reviewing my child’s homework a breeze!!!! I’m no mathematician by any stretch of the imagination, so I have forgotten many of the methods used in teaching the basics. This app saves me time from having to look everything up on the web, refresh my memory, then teach it to my child. I just scan the problem, view the resulting output, and it all just seems to come back to me!!!”—HellRazorCustoms

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I never write reviews so the fact that I am writing one right now is incredible. I decided to take a few minutes to say that this is a magnificent app. I have used Mathway before, but this one is ten times better. Mathway doesn’t show you how to arrive at the answer and the steps to get there, it just tells you the answer. I admire this app so much, it helps me with a majority of my math problems and shows you the steps and how to do them.”—Sydney_reviews

How Do I Get Started with Photomath?

Website: Click here to visit the Photomath website.

Android App: Click here to download the Photomath app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Photomath app on the App Store.

6. Udemy

What Is Udemy?

Udemy has one of the world’s largest selection of courses. Prospective students can choose from more than 100,000 online video courses. These courses can range anywhere from technology to business and personal development. You can even learn more about writing, drawing, meditation, and more.

One popular element of Udemy is that you can learn at your own pace. In addition, you can communicate with other students and instructors. If you’d like to create courses for Udemy, you can do that, too!

Some advantages of Udemy:

• Skilled instructors
• Discussions
• Survey maker
• Collaborative learning

Udemy Cost

Check out what the Udemy team has to say: “There is no fee to create and host a course on Udemy, and you can publish as many free and paid courses as you like. We believe in a sustainable partnership, where instructors are rewarded for creating amazing content and bringing students to the platform, and Udemy is rewarded for driving new students to our instructors.”

As you can see, some courses are free for subscribers and others require a fee. You can learn more here.

Udemy Reviews

Here are what some verified reviewers had to say about Udemy:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I like the fact that this app is not subscription based… you have to buy each of the courses you want to learn, which will be permanently available in your account after purchase. This allows me to learn at my own pace, without worrying if my subscription is over or not. For that, I’m giving it a 5 star.”—Michael Norward Miranda

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The best app to study online(for me at least). Affordable but high quality courses. The best thing is that durations of classes are generally very less mostly 2 to 7 minutes, this makes it seem very easy. I took 2 paid courses and for another one got free coupon from the educator. Thank you So Much Developer.”—Ronit Kumar Singh

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “It’s the best learning app that I’ve ever come across. Most of the people who are teaching on Udemy are very talented. We can easily understand all the concepts that we want to learn. There’ll be problems and exercises given which is very useful to get our hands-on in it.”—Vijay VJ

How Do I Get Started with Udemy?

Website: Click here to visit the Udemy website.

Android App: Click here to download the Udemy app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Udemy app on the App Store.

7. Quizlet

What Is Quizlet?

If you need study help, look no further! Quizlet utilizes various methods to make memorization as quick and painless as possible. Some of these study modes include flashcards, learn, write, test, and match.

Flashcards are a well-known element of Quizlet. In fact, the app offers millions of readymade flashcards. You can even create your own and share them with other students. As if that wasn’t enough, Quizlet also offers gaming activities that can provide you with a fun refresher. No need to worry about study reminders, either—the app will give you constant reminders and progress checkpoints.

Some advantages of Quizlet:

• Get test-day ready with Learn
• Put your memory to the test with Write
• Share flashcards with classmates (for students) or your students (for teachers)
• Listen to your material pronounced correctly in 18 languages
• Enhance your studying with custom images and audio

Quizlet Cost

Like other apps on our list, Quizlet is a free app with premium options that require a fee. Two of these premium options are Quizlet Plus, which costs $1.99 per month, and Quizlet Go, which costs $1.00 per month. You can try free trials for both of these and see if you like the bonus content.

Quizlet Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Quizlet:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I am studying Medical Terminology for my Phlebotomy classes in school and this app has helped me immensely… All of the features (from the customization for setting up your own flashcards to the practice quizzes) have made studying easier for me.”—Fuchsia Bunny

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A very good app for anyone who is looking to improve their learning experience and memorize information. Handy and very easy to use. Paid version has additional features to include pictures and other files, which is quite useful in remembering.”—Srinivas Gudivada

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The app contains great options and great tools for people who seek to learn specific topics; tests, flashcards, writing and other. Would highly recommend it for people who seek knowledge in a nice, funny way.”—Nancy Mdanat

How Do I Get Started with Quizlet?

Website: Click here to visit the Quizlet website.

Android App: Click here to download the Quizlet app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Quizlet app on the App Store.

8. Kahoot

What Is Kahoot?

Interactive quizzes are a great way to enhance and accelerate the learning process. Kahoot offers quizzes on almost any topic. All you have to do is choose a topic and join live quizzes with other players. You can also create your own quizzes and invite others to compete with you.

According to an article on Mindster, “You can even use Kahoot for offline quiz competitions. The setup is pretty simple. The quizmaster or teacher creates a quiz competition on Kahoot and shows it to an interactive whiteboard or projector. And the players join the quiz using a PIN and answer questions on the app itself.”

Some advantages of Kahoot:

• User friendly game creation
• Host live quizzes on big screens
• Interact with other contestants

Kahoot Cost

Kahoot offers three options: Standard, Pro, and Premium. Each month, they cost $10, $20, and $40. The Standard option allows for up to 20 players per kahoot and up to 1 host in your organization. On the other hand, Pro allows up to 50 players and 1 host, and Premium allows up to 2,000 players along with 1 host.

Kahoot Reviews

Here are what some reviewers had to say about Kahoot:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Its a mind-blowing app! You can join a live quiz or create your own for your children or students. You will get knowledge as per your interest in a field. For example, I’m interested in general knowledge and competitive exams, so I search for histories and play flashcards, then take a practice test. You can also play that quiz by answering as fast as you can and earn points!!!”—Janvi Lalani

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “My students love this app, as it creates a great sense of competition, classroom, and fun! They actually learn; you can pause and teach in between questions and clarify answers. It’s a really excellent tool. I know that I will be purchasing the premium in the next school year 🙂”—Patricia Holloway

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Love it! Works great with my students for test prep during covid-19!”—Rosanne LeRoy

How Do I Get Started with Kahoot?

Website: Click here to visit the Kahoot website.

Android App: Click here to download the Kahoot app on Google Play.

iPhone/iPad Users: Click here to download the Kahoot app on the App Store.

Some Honorable Mentions

This article recognizes various web apps to help you learn more and study less. Here are some of our favorites that didn’t quite make the cut.

• Evernote: “This app allows you to take and save notes using your computer, phone and the web. Evernote captures things fast and makes it easy to organize notes later.”
• Livemocha:“Livemocha combines social learning with web applications to help language learners master new vocabulary words and phrases. You can collaborate with native speakers, take lessons online and much more.”
• Seterra:“This is an educational program with more than 70 different geography exercises. It is available in multiple languages and makes learning world geography a cinch.”
• Stellarium: “Stellarium turns your computer into a planetarium. This open source application shows you a realistic, 3D sky with more than 600,000 cataloged stars.”
• ChemCollective Virtual Lab: “This is a simulator for people who want to conduct virtual lab experiments. It doesn’t work in your browser like most web apps, but the download is free and easy.”

Why You Should Keep Learning

Some consider learning to be a lifelong journey. In fact, an article by Brandman University has identified seven ways learning can lead to healthy living. According to their research, the following are some health benefits associated with highly educated people:

1. They’re likely to live longer.
2. They probably won’t experience as much economic or occupational stress.
3. They’re less likely to smoke.
4. They’re less likely to experience common illnesses.
5. They have fewer reported cases of mental health struggles.
6. They tend to eat better and maintain regular exercise habits.
7. They’re more likely to have health insurance.

Needless to say, the correlation between health and education is evident. Reap the rewards of higher education with the help of apps like the ones we’ve covered today. It’s never too late to take that first step!