learning apps

Why learning apps?

Let's be honest: Who feels like spending hours hunched over dusty books? With point systems, leaderboards, and daily challenges, learning suddenly feels like an exciting game. However, you shouldn't use too many learning apps at once so you don't lose track. From my own experience, I can say that you sometimes forget to open the app or suddenly end up on TikTok or Instagram instead of learning🙈.

The top apps reviewed

1. Duolingo - The green all-rounder

Duolingo is something like the Netflix hit among language learning apps. With its cute mascot (that green owl can also get angry if you neglect your lessons!) and the playful approach, language learning is really fun. The app is mostly free, and you can choose from over 30 languages.

2. Programming Hub and DataCamp

Programming Hub is like a Swiss Army knife for programming – there is a simple lesson for many programming languages. DataCamp, on the other hand, is the specialist for anyone who wants to develop in the direction of data science and machine learning.

3. Anton App - The elementary school hero

The Anton app for students is like a digital class teacher who never loses patience. With playful exercises, math, German, and more become a piece of cake. Especially cool: The app is completely free and ad-free.

The 5 golden rules of app learning

1. Your smartphone is your friend (sometimes)

Sure, usually your phone is the biggest attention killer of all. But with the right strategy, it becomes a secret learning weapon:

• Activate push notifications ONLY for your learning apps
• Set a fixed time block for when you learn with apps
• Turn off all other notifications during your learning time

2. The "microlearning" trick

Forget marathon sessions! The real trick is learning in small bites:

• Use waiting times (bus, train, doctor's office) for short learning units
• 15 minutes a day is better than 2 hours once a week

3. Use gamification correctly

The apps make learning a game – use that cleverly:

• Streaks in the app are your friend: Try to keep them as long as possible
• Join challenges and chats, but don't let yourself get stressed
• Reward yourself for achieved milestones, e.g., with a good meal or snack

4. The perfectionism trap

• Not every solution has to be 100% perfect
• Mistakes are normal learning companions
• Continuing is more important than perfection

5. The transfer effect

Put what you've learned into practice:

• Practice languages with YouTube videos in the target language
• Create hobby projects (with programming apps)
• Explain to others what you've learned

How to create your perfect app learning plan

Learning with apps is super flexible – but without a plan you waste time and energy. Here you'll learn how to optimally structure your app learning.

Step 1: Choose your app combination

The first trick: Don't put all your eggs in one basket!

Combine:

• A main learning app (e.g., Duolingo for languages or Codecademy for programming)
• A practice app for reviews
• A community app for exchange

Step 2: Set up your apps optimally

How to get the most out of it:

• Activate push notifications at your most productive times
• Set daily goals that you can actually achieve
• Learn only lessons/themes that really interest you

Step 3: Plan your app learning times

This is what an app learning day could look like:

• Morning session (5-10 min): New lesson in the main app
• Midday quickie (3-5 min): Short review
• Evening review (10-15 min): Practice and deepen

Step 4: Use the app features cleverly

How to make the app functions your allies:

• Check statistics regularly
• Use the learning methods that suit you, e.g., visual learning, etc.
• Set learning reminders wisely

Conclusion: The right app for you

The best learning app is the one you use regularly. Try different apps and stick with the one that best suits your learning style. Whether you want to learn languages, program, or practice for school – there is the right app for everyone.

Remember: Learning should be fun! These apps help you achieve your goals without falling asleep. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and don't get distracted!