Remember when computers were used for learning? Turns out they still are.

Tucked away among the Instagrams and Snapchats are a whole range of entertaining but educational apps designed to improve numeracy, literacy, memory and even broaden language capabilities.

The experts at Family Zone spend much of their time trawling the app stores for info on negative and potentially harmful apps to protect your children from – but we also like to keep our eyes peeled for apps which will enrich your child’s life and provide a positive and educational experience. Here are five of the best educational apps that make learning fun.

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1. Duolingo

Duolingo will teach users a language or multiple languages of their choice by introducing basic terminology then progressing on to structured sentences. Widely spoken languages such as French and Spanish are included as well as less widely spoken languages such as Gaelic and Welsh. The app is a brilliant resource of additional tutoring for students already undertaking a second language at school.

2. Lumosity Brain Training

This app provides users with a series of puzzles or ‘workouts’ designed to improve cognitive ability. Memory, Attention, Problem Solving, Speed and Flexibility are all tested in separate puzzles provided daily. The app provides an additional means of further enhancing your child’s learning capability at school, whilst in the home or on the go. The app does include in app purchases, so some level of monitoring is required.

3. Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind takes users through age specific meditation programs which teach mindfulness and general calming techniques. Skills such as these do a world of good for anyone, especially children today who are growing up in a very fast paced digital world.

4. Skyview - Explore the Universe

Skyview uses cutting edge augmented reality technology, much like Pokémon Go, to map the constellations above the user’s location. Users can learn about astronomy in a fun and exciting way. The app does feature various in app purchases designed to enhance the user experience, so monitoring will be required.

5. Kahoot

This app is a multi-user educational gaming program. Users can play games together focussing on memory, maths, politics and, languages and more. The app is designed to be used in a group setting such as a classroom, however it can be used to by individuals too. The app makes learning fun and exciting by turning it into a game.

Installing these apps on your children’s devices is a great way to boost their learning time and broaden their minds outside the classroom.

Keeping up with the latest safe and unsafe apps for your children can be tricky. The good news is that you're not alone in this - Family Zone and our team of Cyber Experts can help you sort out what apps are appropriate for your child, and provide you with the tools and resources to help you navigate this journey.