Create learning/teaching apps with Learningapps.org

By Priyanka Laad - September 20, 2020

LearningApps.org is a web application, to support learning and teaching processes with small interactive modules. It is a website that gives the teachers an opportunity to create their own simple applications (apps). Teachers can create more than 20 types of apps, for example, memory game, word search, hangman or crossword. What’s more, after you register you can create classes for students and monitor their progress. The modules can be used as a part of the lesson, it can not only be used directly in learning materials, but also for self-studying. The aim is to collect reusable building blocks and make them available to everyone. Blocks (called Apps) include no specific framework or a specific learning scenario. The blocks are therefore not suitable as complete lessons or tasks, instead, they must be embedded in an appropriate teaching scenario.

Learners can benefit from a wide variety of learning apps to improve their knowledge about many different topics in a game-like way. However, teachers should keep in mind that anyone can create a learning app. Thus, the quality and content of the app may vary and should be checked prior to using it in class.

Furthermore, teachers can create their own “classroom” and save apps on-site specifically for their group of learners. Once the learners are enrolled in the classroom, they can each access it with their own personalized password generated by the website. Teachers can also see which apps the learners have used and in some cases, they also get an overview of the number of correct answers.

Using the existing apps does not require registration. To create a classroom, however, teachers have to register on the website. In order for the learners to access their own classroom, teachers have to register all learners in the classroom and the learners will have to log in.

You can create your own activities from scratch using one of the templates provided or you can adapt activities already created. Enter a keyword or choose a category to explore (browse by category/media/ learning level) and, when you find an activity you like, you can ‘Create a similar app’ with your own ideas and then share it with your learners. Practice tasks can be made in minutes and you can use them again by saving them in your account - creating an account is free!

Language learning content.

There is a range of templates for simple language or skills-focused activities. There are games and quizzes such as matching, identifying, categorising, gap-filling, crosswords, filling in answers, ordering, putting things on a line and multiple-choice tasks. You can also upload self-made or authentic texts, pictures, audio or video when creating or adapting activities. There’s a feature for typing in text to create audio content – helpful if you want to provide learners with models for pronunciation. Feedback and hints can be added to help learners to get the right answers and to understand why their answer is right or wrong. LearningApps.org activities can be used with all levels of learners. You can create, for example, a simple matching words and pictures activity for low-level learners or devise a more complex formal versus informal letter writing task for more proficient learners. LearningApps.org activities can be used or created to practise vocabulary, grammar or pronunciation. You and your learners can also create activities to practise listening or reading comprehension or to learn or practise the functional language for speaking or writing. There are a number of ready-made MFL activities which can be used as they are or adapted for a particular group of learners. For example, there are short videos on a variety of topics. Learners watch and complete pre, while and post watching tasks which check their understanding.

Social interaction.

Tasks can be completed individually and then shared or they can be done in pairs or groups in class or at home. Some LearningApps.org activities also have chat boxes where learners and teachers can add comments during games and there are some more sophisticated competitive tasks, which learners can play in groups to compete with each other. As well as interacting with each other to do the activities, learners enjoy working with each other to create activities for their classmates to do. They can collaborate on choosing the task type, finding suitable materials and thinking of hints and feedback.

Website highlights

Can choose from ready-made tasks or create your own, wide variety of topics and exercises
It’s possible to use a variety of sources to create tasks – video, audio, text, pictures.
It’s free.
Incredibly easy to use.
Lots of different task types.
Learners can complete tasks on their own or in groups.
There’s a chat function on some tasks.
Can be used with all ages and all levels of learner.
Teachers and learners can create an account to store the tasks they have created or adapted.