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New: 10 of the best Apple and Android apps for education in 2013

Last year we presented “New: 10 of the best Apple apps for education in 2012, [1]” which highlighted some of the best apps for iPhones and iPods. However, with new upgrades in touch technology, and the emphasis on Common Core State Standards and school reform in general, we’ve come up with a new list of the best Apple- and Android-based education apps for 2013.

This year’s list includes some of the most highly rated apps, both by educators and by parents, and features a range that spans from interactive iBooks to current images of the universe, and from free video software to award-winning STEM curricula.

For every app we’ve listed, we’ve included a brief description, device compatibility, suggested use, features, price, and a link to a more in-depth summary with an option to purchase on iTunes or Google Play.

Don’t see an app you love on this list? Be sure to let us know—or leave a suggestion in the comment section.

(Apps are listed in alphabetical order.)

Name: Animoto

What is it? Turns photos into professional-quality videos, complete with music and text. Choose photos, video clips, music, and video style. Users can easily share their creations.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5; Requires Android 2.2 and up.

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/animoto-video-maker/id459248037?mt=8 [2]

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.animoto.android.videoslideshow&hl=en [3]

Name: HMH FUSE Algebra 1

What is it? HMH Fuse Algebra 1 Common Core Edition gives every student a personalized learning experience using video tutorials, MathMotion step-by-step examples, homework help, quizzes, tips, hints, and many other integrated features to teach, review, and assess all concepts. Winner of the “Distinguished Achievement” Award in the category of Mobile Device Application honoring “outstanding resources for teaching and learning” presented by the Association of Educational Publishers.

Best for: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Also compatible with Android devices.

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hmh-fuse-algebra-1/id415533582?mt=8 [4]

[Android] May soon be available. Keep checking the HMH FUSE website: http://www.hmhco.com/shop/education-curriculum/math/secondary-mathematics/hmh-fuse/android#sthash.Pii6OFSH.dpbs [5]

Name: Oxford Picture Dictionary, Second Edition

What is it? The Oxford Picture Dictionary app provides instant access, anytime and anywhere, to the bestselling picture dictionary. Use the app alone or paired with the print dictionary to provide the perfect vocabulary solution for your students.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Price: $9.99

Rated: 4+

Features:

Link: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oxford-picture-dictionary/id591484885?mt=8 [6]

Name: PBS Parents Play & Learn HD

What is it? PBS’ first app designed specifically for parents, PBS Parents Play & Learn provides more than a dozen games parents can play with their kids, each themed around a familiar location–including at the grocery store, at home, in the kitchen, and more. The bilingual (English/Spanish) app makes it easy for parents to seize upon those daily “teachable moments” through theme-based interactive games and simple hands-on activities that connect math and literacy skills to everyday experiences. Each game comes with a parent note that provides information about the math and literacy skills woven into the game and suggestions for effective ways to interact with a child while playing the game to maximize the learning experience.

Best for: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later; Requires Android 2.2 and up

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pbs-parents-play-learn-hd/id605542914?mt=8 [7]

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.org.pbskids.playandlearn [8]

Name: POETRY from the Poetry Foundation

What is it? Nominated for a WEBBY award, this universal iOS app allows users to take thousands of poems by classic and contemporary poets on the go. From William Shakespeare to César Vallejo to Heather McHugh, the Poetry Foundation’s app turns your phone, iPod Touch or iPad into a mobile poetry library.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later; Requires Android 1.6 and up.

Price: FREE

Rated: 12+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poetry-from-poetry-foundation/id370143863?mt=8 [9]

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thepoetryfoundation.AppSuite.POETRY&hl=en [10]

Name: School Fuel

What is it? School Fuel Apps is a mobile learning platform that allows teachers and school leaders to connect with students in class and on the go. School Fuel Apps provides customized app libraries aligned to Common Core Standards helping schools deliver the right apps to the right students at the right time-on any device.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later; Requires Android 3.0 and up.

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/school-fuel/id570027440?mt=8 [11]

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schoolfuelapps&hl=en [12]

Name: See. Touch. Learn.

What is it? A Picture Card Learning System replaces all your physical flash cards. Designed by professionals specifically for those with autism and other special needs. Used by SLP’s, BCBA’s, Teachers, and Parents to provide custom picture card instruction. Winner of numerous awards.

Best for: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later.

Price: FREE [Pro version available]

Rated: 4+

Features:

Link: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/see.touch.learn./id406826506?mt=8 [13]

Name: SlateMath for Kids

What is it? SlateMath is an iPad app that develops mathematical intuition and skills through playful interaction. The app’s 30 activities prepare children for kindergarten and first grade math. SlateMath forms the foundation of numbers, digit writing, counting, addition, order relation, patterns, parity and problem solving.

Best for: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Link: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/slatemath-for-kids-kindergarten/id589371294?mt=8 [14]

Name: Springpad

What is it? Springpad can help you save anything from all your devices so you can be more organized and productive. Save ideas, notes, checklists, project tasks, photos, products, movies-then Springpad enhances them with relevant suggestions so you can get what you need, when and where you need it.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5; Requires Android 2.2 and up.

Price: FREE

Rated: 4+

Features:

Links: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/springpad/id360116898?mt=8 [15]

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.springpad&hl=en [16]

Name: Wonders of the Universe

What is it? Take a mind-blowing 3D tour of the Universe with Professor Brian Cox as your guide. Journey up from the smallest particles, past the moons and planets of the Solar System, out through the Oort Cloud to the Milky Way, past our local stars and out to distant galaxies before arriving, finally, at the edge of the known Universe. On the way you will encounter the likes of seething red giants, beautiful nebulae, pulsing neutron stars and confront a daunting vision of a Black Hole sucking down a hapless star, all rendered in 3D.

Best for: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Price: $5.99

Rated: 4+

Features:

Link: [Apple] https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/brian-coxs-wonders-universe/id508465867?mt=8 [17]