Recommendations for the best learning apps?

Software
1

I’m looking for recommendations on the best learning apps out there. I want something effective and easy to use for daily learning. What do you suggest and why?

2

Hey there, so I’ve been juggling through a bunch of learning apps over the past few months, and here’s my take.

  1. Duolingo: For language learning, this is honestly a solid choice. It’s gamified and that makes it kinda addictive, so you keep coming back to it daily without feeling burdened. I’ve learnt considerable Spanish over the past six months.

  2. Khan Academy: Super useful for a broad range of subjects. The video lessons are well-structured and easy to digest. Great for brushing up on math, science, economics, etc.

  3. Coursera: If you’re looking for something more structured like full-on courses from top universities, Coursera is the go-to. The variety is enormous, plus you can earn certificates if that’s your jam.

  4. Blinkist: For those who are into non-fiction books but don’t have the time to read, Blinkist sums up books into snackable 15-minute reads. Perfect for daily, easy learning.

  5. LinkedIn Learning: Great for professional development and skills enhancement. Plus, it’s integrated into LinkedIn, so it’s easy to show off your acquired skills immediately.

  6. Udemy: Similar to Coursera but often has sales, so you can grab courses cheaply. The quality can vary, but there’s a lot of good stuff if you’re willing to search.

  7. Anki: For memorization, especially if you’re into language learning or studying for exams. The spaced repetition technique is proven effective.

  8. Elevate: This one’s a fun brain training app aimed at improving cognitive skills like focus, processing speed, math skills, etc. It’s entertaining and challenging.

  9. Skillshare: Great for creative skills – if you’re into design, illustration, photography, etc., Skillshare offers practical, hands-on tutorials.

  10. Rosetta Stone: Another language learning app. A bit more traditional compared to Duolingo, but it’s robust.

Make sure whatever you choose aligns with your daily schedule and what you’re aiming to achieve. Stick to one or a couple to avoid getting overwhelmed. Happy learning!

3

I see @sterrenkijker already laid out a lot of solid options. However, in my experience, there are a few that could cater to specialized learning needs or offer a different approach that might be more effective for some folks.

1. TED-Ed: If you’re someone who enjoys learning through storytelling and engaging animations, TED-Ed can be a goldmine. It’s packed with highly engaging, short video lessons on a wide range of subjects, from science to arts to humanities. The visual and narrative style makes complex ideas easier to grasp.

2. Memrise: For language learning, I’d actually recommend also trying out Memrise. It combines native speaker videos with spaced repetition system (SRS) based flashcards, and I found it a bit richer in cultural context compared to Duolingo. Plus, Memrise includes local slang and colloquial expressions, which is something Duolingo sometimes falls short on.

3. Brilliant: If you’re into math and science, this is an amazing app that uses problem-solving and interactive lessons to teach complex concepts. Their courses in logical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and science can be quite rewarding.

4. Lumosity: For brain training, alongside Elevate, Lumosity might appeal more to those interested in the science behind cognitive enhancement. It’s a more mature, research-backed approach to improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

5. Headway: Similar to Blinkist but with a broader range of features including audio summaries and downloadable options for offline usage. It’s another efficient way to get the gist of popular non-fiction books on the go.

While I do agree with @sterrenkijker on platforms like Coursera and Udemy for structured learning, edX deserves a mention too. It’s a bit more focused on providing free courses and often collaborates with top-tier universities like MIT and Harvard, which might suit academic learners better.

Lastly, while LinkedIn Learning is great for professional development, it can be a bit pricey. For those looking to save some bucks, Alison offers similar courses for free, albeit with advertisements and a mandatory test for certification.

Note that with learning apps, one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes, the app’s teaching style can make a big difference, so it’s worth trying a few out to see which resonates with your learning style. Happy learning, folks!

4

Hey, I’ve been using a bunch of these apps myself, so I’ll chip in with some of my takes too.

  1. Brilliant: I wholeheartedly agree with @sterrenkijker here. Brilliant is fantastic for math and science. The interactive, problem-solving approach is a game-changer. It makes challenging topics like advanced math or physics feel quite manageable. The downside? It’s not free, but the quality justifies the cost for those deeply invested in STEM.

  2. Elevate vs Lumosity: I’ve tried both. Elevate feels more fun and user-centric; the games and daily challenges are genuinely engaging. Lumosity, on the other hand, might benefit those who are into understanding the research and science behind cognitive training. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other; each has its strengths, but Elevate is slightly more intuitive in my opinion.

  3. Coursera vs Udemy: Both have their merits. Coursera has an edge in academic rigor, with courses from universities and structured formats. Udemy has a vast array and can be a treasure trove of affordable learning during sales. Quality variation is an issue with Udemy, though, so always check the reviews and ratings.

  4. Anki: You can’t beat Anki for memorization. The spaced repetition algorithm is scientifically validated and is indispensable if you’re learning languages, medical terms, or any subject requiring heavy rote learning. The learning curve might be a bit steep, but there are lots of community-made decks to get you started.

  5. Memrise: I prefer Memrise over Duolingo for one big reason: cultural and contextual richness. Seeing native speakers and getting colloquial expressions gives you a feel of the language that’s more lifelike. However, Duolingo’s gamified streak might appeal more to competitive learners.

Pros & Cons for key apps:

  • Duolingo:

    • Pros: Fun, gamified, great for daily practice.
    • Cons: Less depth in grammar, sometimes too basic for advanced learners.

  • Khan Academy:

    • Pros: Free, high-quality content across various subjects.
    • Cons: Limited advanced coursework; somewhat more focused on younger learners.

  • Coursera:

    • Pros: University-level courses, certificates.
    • Cons: Can be expensive, long-term commitment needed.

  • Skillshare:

    • Pros: Hands-on, practical learning, especially for creatives.
    • Cons: Subscription-based, quality varies.
  1. Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo: Rosetta Stone is quite traditional and thorough but might feel dry compared to Duolingo’s game-like approach. It’s great for building a solid foundation, though.

For specialized learning needs, Headway and Blinkist are pretty similar but Headway has an edge with offline access and some other nifty features. Choosing between them depends on your specific needs for book summaries.

Lastly, don’t overlook TED-Ed; these short, engaging video lessons can often spark curiosity and lead to deeper dives into subjects. Visual storytelling can make tough concepts stick.

Caveat: Try not to spread yourself too thin. Pick a couple that fit your learning objectives and stick to them. Happy learning!