Smartphones and tablets are transforming learning by giving pupils access to apps that can help them with lessons and homework, Education Secretary Michael Russell said today. 

And after Santa delivered thousands more to homes across Scotland earlier this week, the revolution in learning is likely to take another huge leap forward in 2011. Popular educational Android  and Apple apps in 2010 included:  

  • Star Walk – the interactive astronomy guide
  • Shakespeare Pro – the complete works of Shakespeare
  • Maths Workout – a daily maths challenge 
  • The Elements – an interactive periodic table
  • Zebra paint – a finger-painting app

 Mr Russell said:  

“As someone who never grows tired of waxing lyrical about my iPhone and iPad, I have seen for myself how the mind-boggling range of apps available can help in virtually every aspect of daily life. Their educational potential is particularly exciting. With one touch, pupils and their parents can now access apps – many of them free – that will enhance and transform the learning experience. Some schools are already realising this potential and their experiences will help inform our developing Technologies for Learning Strategy.”  

In Motherwell, pupils at Glencairn Primary School have been using iPod Touches to enhance their learning. The feedback from both pupils and teachers has been very positive. Pupils have been using the Wikipanion app to carry out research into authors, Google Earth to assist with their geography and an app called Comic Twist to design comic strips of famous explorers such as David Livingstone and Christopher Columbus. They have also been blogging and podcasting about their experiences. 

One P5 pupil blogged: 

“We have been using our iPods to help with maths, language, research and much more. It has helped us a lot and been fun.” 

Their teacher, Robyn Moonie, said: 

“The apps available are very varied and have helped to develop literacy, numeracy, ICT skills and the children’s general knowledge. 

“With every child having their own iPod Touch it has meant that internet research can be carried out at any point in the day, not just when the class has laptop access. The benefits have been increased motivation, enhanced learning and teaching, and greater independence and responsibility.” 

In Greenock, every pupil at the independent Cedars School of Excellence now has an iPad and the teachers are already seeing the benefits in terms of pupils’ creativity, homework and collaborative skills. Pupils as young as four are using apps to practice writing and sums. 

Art and drama teacher Jenny Oakley said: 

“The iPad has opened the door to a new media in the art world – digital finger drawing and painting. It requires the same artistic skill to master this medium as that of, for example, paint or pastel or clay but less tidying up! The image editing and drawing synthesis apps have opened pupils’ eyes to a wealth of creative possibilities for their work in terms of media, style and technique.” 

The Scottish Qualifications Authority has also been tapping into the popularity of apps and this year launched MyExams, which allows students to create their own personal exams timetable. The app was downloaded almost 27,000 times and is being developed further for 2011.