Images modified © Davidmace13, Владислав Фионов and Google CC BY-SA 3.0 & Samsung Belgium and Masaru Kamikura CC BY-SA 2.0
The Android Advantage
The Android platform, backed by the power of Google, delivers four key advantages over Apple devices:
* NOTE:
However, there is one disadvantage of the Android platform. Google often releases updates to improve the Android operating system (named after various foods, e.g. 4.3 Jellybean, 4.4 KitKat) but unfortunately not all third-party tablet device manufacturers provide these updates or continue support for older tablet devices. This can often resulting in users being left with tablet devices that are not eligible to receive official updates which then stops users from installing the latest apps as they are 'not compatible' with their tablet model.
To counteract this, as Android is open-source, a large community of developers seek to provide users who have "rooted" (i.e. jailbroken) their device (which breaches a device's warranty but is perfect if your tablet is out of warranty) with modified versions of the operating system (i.e. CyanogenMod), providing continued support for older devices, albeit, only popular brands (e.g. Sony, HTC, Motorola, LG, Samsung, etc.).
Hence, before purchasing an Android device individuals or institutions should check:
- Android is the world's most popular platform for smartphones (80% of the world market) [1] [2] [3].
- Android OS and apps can now be installed on a Windows or Mac PC for free (installed and run as a desktop program instead of a dual-boot scenario!). Click here to learn more!
- The lower price range of Android tablets ($70-$500) makes Android an ideal choice for an initial introduction to tablet devices (very cheap tablet devices are available on ebay and the cheapest tablets in stores normally range from $110-$250).*
- Android is open source (its source code is released to the general public), allowing its operating system and software to be freely modified and developed (using Java and C++), leading to a huge selection of third party apps and over 1 million apps [4] available from Google Play.
- Third-party developers have created apps (for all devices) that mimic Windows (8, Surface: Metro RP, 7, Windows Phone and XP), Apple's IOS (6, 5, 4) and Linux, allowing Android users to feel like they are using the latest device (visit the Android apps section for reviews and links to awesome Android apps for educational settings).
* NOTE:
However, there is one disadvantage of the Android platform. Google often releases updates to improve the Android operating system (named after various foods, e.g. 4.3 Jellybean, 4.4 KitKat) but unfortunately not all third-party tablet device manufacturers provide these updates or continue support for older tablet devices. This can often resulting in users being left with tablet devices that are not eligible to receive official updates which then stops users from installing the latest apps as they are 'not compatible' with their tablet model.
To counteract this, as Android is open-source, a large community of developers seek to provide users who have "rooted" (i.e. jailbroken) their device (which breaches a device's warranty but is perfect if your tablet is out of warranty) with modified versions of the operating system (i.e. CyanogenMod), providing continued support for older devices, albeit, only popular brands (e.g. Sony, HTC, Motorola, LG, Samsung, etc.).
Hence, before purchasing an Android device individuals or institutions should check:
- Google's Tablets for Education webpage
- The version of the Android operating system installed on the device (e.g. 4.3 Jellybean, 4.4 KitKat) and then click here to see if your device has the latest version of the Android operating system (the newer the system, the more apps that are available/supported).
- The manufacturer's website to see if updates are available or whether future updates will be provided
- The CyanogenMod community to see if they are developing modified operating system versions designed for your device (that you can use once your device's manufacturer decides to discontinue their support).
Android Administration Tools
Android devices owned by educational institutions by be controlled at an individual, class or whole school level via the use of administration tools. Some of these tools are paid, some are free.
Meraki Systems Manager
Meraki Systems Manager (created by Cisco) is a free device administration online tool that allows institutions to manage an unlimited number of devices (iOS, Android, Windows & Mac) from a central web dashboard.
Once an institution has registered for Meraki Systems Manager, the Meraki Systems Manager app must be installed on each Android device to give institutions the ability from any internet connected device to:
Meraki Systems Manager also integrates with Apple and Google App Stores, and Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for easy deployment and maintenance of free, paid, or Enterprise apps.
Watch the video below to see Meraki Systems Manager in action. Access the FAQs and specs, then click here to register for a free account. A step-by-step video explaining the process of configuring the Meraki Systems Manager with your devices can be viewed here.
Meraki Systems Manager
Meraki Systems Manager (created by Cisco) is a free device administration online tool that allows institutions to manage an unlimited number of devices (iOS, Android, Windows & Mac) from a central web dashboard.
Once an institution has registered for Meraki Systems Manager, the Meraki Systems Manager app must be installed on each Android device to give institutions the ability from any internet connected device to:
- Track the GPS location of each device
- Remotely deploy software and apps
- Send notifications.
Meraki Systems Manager also integrates with Apple and Google App Stores, and Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for easy deployment and maintenance of free, paid, or Enterprise apps.
Watch the video below to see Meraki Systems Manager in action. Access the FAQs and specs, then click here to register for a free account. A step-by-step video explaining the process of configuring the Meraki Systems Manager with your devices can be viewed here.
NetSupport School
NetSupport Schools for Android (student | tutor), Chromebook (student | tutor), iOS (student | tutor) and Windows is a paid (with a free 30-day trial available) management solution that gives teachers the ability to simultaneously instruct and visually/audibly monitor, as well as interact with their students, individually, as a pre-defined group or to the whole class.
NetSupport Schools also contains a customised testing suite, dedicated technician console, the ability to shutdown and control any application or PC, manage student printing, digital student revision aids, lesson planning tools and the option for teachers to reward students for good effort. It also contains the ability to stop data being copied from a computer onto a USB, DVD or CD.
Watch the videos below and then click here to access easy-to-read detailed overviews of the many other features of NetSupport Schools.
NetSupport Schools also contains a customised testing suite, dedicated technician console, the ability to shutdown and control any application or PC, manage student printing, digital student revision aids, lesson planning tools and the option for teachers to reward students for good effort. It also contains the ability to stop data being copied from a computer onto a USB, DVD or CD.
Watch the videos below and then click here to access easy-to-read detailed overviews of the many other features of NetSupport Schools.
Android Apps
Read below for a list of highly useful apps available for download on Google Play for both personal and educational settings for the Android platform. To download each app, simply click on an app's heading or icon.
The following apps have been organised into the following sections:
The following apps have been organised into the following sections:
Lesson & Activity Dissemination Apps
There are a number of apps and software packages that can be used to disseminate lessons and activities in whole-class, small group and one-to-one scenarios.
Smoothboard Air
Smoothboard Air allows teachers to broadcast a Windows PC screen onto student tablets, smartphones, laptops or PCs to allow them to view and interact with lesson materials on their own personal screen. Watch the video below to learn more:
To get Smoothboard Air up and running:
- Ensure that Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 is installed on the Windows PC (Download it here).
- Install the Smoothboard Air Server on the Windows PC.
- Ensure that a QR Code Reader app is installed on any iOS or Android device.
- Run Smoothboard on the Windows PC.
- Scan the QR Code from the Windows PC/Projector using a QR Code Reader app is installed on any iOS or Android device.
Net Texts
Net Texts is a free app that lets students access multimedia lessons (containing videos, slideshows, e-books, PDFs, text, audiobooks, and web links) created by their teacher. Teachers must create an account at net-texts.com and create their lessons from existing courses or create new their own lessons by mixing and matching items from the Net-Texts library with their own material.
Once downloaded, lessons are saved to local storage, so students can study anywhere without needing WiFi. The app syncs with the lessons/courses students have chosen, so they always get the latest version when a teacher adds new material to a course/subject.
Watch the video below explaining how to use Net-Texts:
Once downloaded, lessons are saved to local storage, so students can study anywhere without needing WiFi. The app syncs with the lessons/courses students have chosen, so they always get the latest version when a teacher adds new material to a course/subject.
Watch the video below explaining how to use Net-Texts:
ESFile Explorer
Price: Free
Description: Allows users to access and modify local (Android) and remote files (on a computer, network drive and network devices) via any connected wifi network (including authenticated proxies).
Click here to watch a video tutorial to learn more.
Screenshot ($ denotes hidden system folders which are visable but NOT accessible without the correct authentication logon)
Description: Allows users to access and modify local (Android) and remote files (on a computer, network drive and network devices) via any connected wifi network (including authenticated proxies).
Click here to watch a video tutorial to learn more.
Screenshot ($ denotes hidden system folders which are visable but NOT accessible without the correct authentication logon)
System Apps
The following apps are designated 'System Apps' as they allow users to interact with Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook desktops or system files.
ES FileExplorer
Price: Free
Description: Allows users to access and modify local (Android) and remote files (on a computer, network drive and network devices) via any connected wifi network (including authenticated proxies).
Click here to watch a video tutorial to learn more.
Screenshot ($ denotes hidden system folders which are visable but NOT accessible without the correct authentication logon)
Price: Free
Description: Allows users to access and modify local (Android) and remote files (on a computer, network drive and network devices) via any connected wifi network (including authenticated proxies).
Click here to watch a video tutorial to learn more.
Screenshot ($ denotes hidden system folders which are visable but NOT accessible without the correct authentication logon)
Microsoft Remote Desktop
Price: Free
Description: Connect an Android device to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere. Experience the power of Windows with RemoteFX in a Remote Desktop client designed to help you get your work done wherever you are.
Learn more about RDP for PC or Mac then click on your required platform: Windows 7 | Windows 8.
Price: Free
Description: Connect an Android device to a remote PC and your work resources from almost anywhere. Experience the power of Windows with RemoteFX in a Remote Desktop client designed to help you get your work done wherever you are.
Learn more about RDP for PC or Mac then click on your required platform: Windows 7 | Windows 8.
Chrome Remote Desktop
Price: Free
Description: Connect to and control a Chromebook using an Android device.
Price: Free
Description: Connect to and control a Chromebook using an Android device.
MirrorOp Receiver
Price: $US9.99
Description: Mirror and remotely control Windows/Mac onto an Android device wirelessly. Screenshot | Video
Price: $US9.99
Description: Mirror and remotely control Windows/Mac onto an Android device wirelessly. Screenshot | Video
MirrorOp Sender
Price: $US9.99 (Note: Your Android device must be rooted)
Description: Mirror your Android device wirelessly onto a Windows or Mac PC with MirrorOp Receiver installed (e.g. Display your android device on an IWB or TV with a connect PC/laptop). Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Price: $US9.99 (Note: Your Android device must be rooted)
Description: Mirror your Android device wirelessly onto a Windows or Mac PC with MirrorOp Receiver installed (e.g. Display your android device on an IWB or TV with a connect PC/laptop). Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Unified Remote
Price: Free
Description: Use an Android device to control a Windows PC with Unified Remote Server installed. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Price: Free
Description: Use an Android device to control a Windows PC with Unified Remote Server installed. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Windows 8 Launcher
Price: Free
Description: Use your Android device like it was a Windows 8 phone! Stunning background images and image slideshows. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Price: Free
Description: Use your Android device like it was a Windows 8 phone! Stunning background images and image slideshows. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
TaskBar W8
Price: Free
Description: Creates a re-positional Windows 8/7/Vista/XP start menu button to access all apps with ease! Screenshot | Video
Price: Free
Description: Creates a re-positional Windows 8/7/Vista/XP start menu button to access all apps with ease! Screenshot | Video
Productivity Apps
Onlive Desktop
Price: Free (or upgrade for $4.99 per month)
Description: Brings the power of Microsoft Office to Android devices. Simply create an Onlive Desktop account, download and open the app, log on to access and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, as if your tablet was a Windows 7 device. Comes with 2GB of online storage.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
Price: Free (or upgrade for $4.99 per month)
Description: Brings the power of Microsoft Office to Android devices. Simply create an Onlive Desktop account, download and open the app, log on to access and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, as if your tablet was a Windows 7 device. Comes with 2GB of online storage.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
Office Mobile for Office 365 Subscribers
Price: Free* (for Office 365 subscribers)
Description: Brings the functionality of Microsoft Office 365 to Android devices.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
Price: Free* (for Office 365 subscribers)
Description: Brings the functionality of Microsoft Office 365 to Android devices.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
QuickOffice
Price: Free
Description: Brilliant free app from Google to create and edit Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Access local and Google Drive files.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
Price: Free
Description: Brilliant free app from Google to create and edit Microsoft Office documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Access local and Google Drive files.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Video
AndrOpen Office
Price: Free
Description: View, edit, export office documents using full features of the OpenOffice.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Screenshot 4
Price: Free
Description: View, edit, export office documents using full features of the OpenOffice.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Screenshot 4
Kingsoft Office
Price: Free
Description: Office and PDF reader for Android.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Screenshot 4 | Video
Price: Free
Description: Office and PDF reader for Android.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Screenshot 4 | Video
EZ-PDF PDF Reader
Price: Free (14-day trial) or $4.58
Description: The world's first PDF reader to be able to play multimedia content (such as video) embedded in PDF files as well as providing Text-To-Speech support and the ability to make and save annotations. Watch the video below to see EX-PDF Reader in action:
Price: Free (14-day trial) or $4.58
Description: The world's first PDF reader to be able to play multimedia content (such as video) embedded in PDF files as well as providing Text-To-Speech support and the ability to make and save annotations. Watch the video below to see EX-PDF Reader in action:
Dolphin Browser
Price: Free
Description: Brilliant internet browser with built-in gesture and voice control (Dolphin Sonar). Over 80 million downloads.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Price: Free
Description: Brilliant internet browser with built-in gesture and voice control (Dolphin Sonar). Over 80 million downloads.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Video
Evernote for Android
Price: Free
Description: Evernote saves both the audio and the text file together so users can use the app's search ability to find a recorded note.
Price: Free
Description: Evernote saves both the audio and the text file together so users can use the app's search ability to find a recorded note.
Smart SWF
Price: Free (Contains some in-built advertising)
Description: Perfect for playing saved shockwave flash files (.swf). Supports full screen in both portrait and landscape modes.
Price: Free (Contains some in-built advertising)
Description: Perfect for playing saved shockwave flash files (.swf). Supports full screen in both portrait and landscape modes.
Teaching & Learning Apps
Explain Everything
Price: $2.99
Description: Perfect for creating video tutorials. Use a coloured background or import and image to annotate. Records audio and touch interactions as drawings. Watch the official video to learn more.
Price: $2.99
Description: Perfect for creating video tutorials. Use a coloured background or import and image to annotate. Records audio and touch interactions as drawings. Watch the official video to learn more.
Tellagami
Price: Free (For a limited time)
Description: Create customized animated scenes using various talking characters in a matter of minutes (to add voices to animations simply tap “record” and start talking). Great for storytelling and projects.
Screenshot | Video
Price: Free (For a limited time)
Description: Create customized animated scenes using various talking characters in a matter of minutes (to add voices to animations simply tap “record” and start talking). Great for storytelling and projects.
Screenshot | Video
Creative Book Builder
Price: $3.79
Description: Perfect for creating eBooks with multiple chapters. Easily insert images and headings. For lengthy texts, it is best to type the work using Windows or Mac, email it to oneself, open the email on the IOS device and paste into CBB. Watch the official CBB video tutorials here.
Price: $3.79
Description: Perfect for creating eBooks with multiple chapters. Easily insert images and headings. For lengthy texts, it is best to type the work using Windows or Mac, email it to oneself, open the email on the IOS device and paste into CBB. Watch the official CBB video tutorials here.
Moon+Reader
Price: Free
Description: A brilliant eBook reading app. Change the background colour/image and text to suit your mood!
Screenshot | Video
Price: Free
Description: A brilliant eBook reading app. Change the background colour/image and text to suit your mood!
Screenshot | Video
Math Smart Tools
Price: $AU3.25
Description: Smart Tools® is a complete package of 5 app sets. It includes 5 Pro sets for a total of 15 tools. Screenshot | Video
The sets include:
Price: $AU3.25
Description: Smart Tools® is a complete package of 5 app sets. It includes 5 Pro sets for a total of 15 tools. Screenshot | Video
The sets include:
- Set 1: Length, Angle, Slope, Level, Thread - Smart Ruler Pro
- Set 2: Distance, Height, Width, Area - Smart Measure Pro
- Set 3: Compass, Metal detector, GPS - Smart Compass Pro
- Set 4: Sound level meter, Vibrometer - Sound Meter Pro
- Set 5: Flashlight, Magnifier, Mirror - Smart Light Pro
Math Duel
Price: Free
Description: Math Duel allows two students to simultaneously compete against each other in math quizzes using the same device via a split screen.
Screenshot | Video
Price: Free
Description: Math Duel allows two students to simultaneously compete against each other in math quizzes using the same device via a split screen.
Screenshot | Video
Google Earth
Price: Free
Description: Fly around the planet with a swipe of a finger with Google Earth for Android. Integrated Google Maps Street View allow users to explore the world at street level. Visit the Earth Gallery to view maps such as real-time earthquakes, planes in flight, hiking trails, city tours, and more.
Price: Free
Description: Fly around the planet with a swipe of a finger with Google Earth for Android. Integrated Google Maps Street View allow users to explore the world at street level. Visit the Earth Gallery to view maps such as real-time earthquakes, planes in flight, hiking trails, city tours, and more.
QR Droid
Price: Free
Description: Read and generate QR Codes hyperlinked to a web address, generate an email, create a phone 'contact' card, generate an event or even a PayPal payment. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Price: Free
Description: Read and generate QR Codes hyperlinked to a web address, generate an email, create a phone 'contact' card, generate an event or even a PayPal payment. Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Comics Head Lite
Price: Free (Full version: $4.25)
Description: Create professional looking comics using templates, characters, speech bubbles and art galleries.
Watch the offical video to learn more.
Price: Free (Full version: $4.25)
Description: Create professional looking comics using templates, characters, speech bubbles and art galleries.
Watch the offical video to learn more.
ComicBook!
Price: $1.99* Add-ons available for purchase.
Description: Create professional looking comics using customised speech bubbles, page layouts, import images from library and camera roll (be the star in your own comic) and manipulate images using various image filters. Saves to PDF. Watch the official video to learn more.
Price: $1.99* Add-ons available for purchase.
Description: Create professional looking comics using customised speech bubbles, page layouts, import images from library and camera roll (be the star in your own comic) and manipulate images using various image filters. Saves to PDF. Watch the official video to learn more.
Pic Collage
Price: Free
Description: Create amazing photo collages using photos, stickers and fonts. Ideal for creating beautiful 'About Me' and 'Personal Profile' pages for student portfolios or for framing student images/photos from camps, excursions and other school-based experiences.
Price: Free
Description: Create amazing photo collages using photos, stickers and fonts. Ideal for creating beautiful 'About Me' and 'Personal Profile' pages for student portfolios or for framing student images/photos from camps, excursions and other school-based experiences.
Lapse It
Price: Free (It can be upgraded to Pro to capture 1080P video and to access more filters for $2.99).
Description: An easy to use dual purpose program that captures time lapse and stop motion. Screenshot | Video
Price: Free (It can be upgraded to Pro to capture 1080P video and to access more filters for $2.99).
Description: An easy to use dual purpose program that captures time lapse and stop motion. Screenshot | Video
Adobe Photoshop Express
Price: Free
Description: Edit and share photos virtually anywhere. Touch to crop, rotate, adjust color, and add artistic effects. Note: Requires a SD card.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Price: Free
Description: Edit and share photos virtually anywhere. Touch to crop, rotate, adjust color, and add artistic effects. Note: Requires a SD card.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Paper Artist
Price: Free
Description: Create artworks on different styles of paper: Clean white Paper, Colored Paper, Washed out Paper, Dirty Paper, Used Paper patterns are available.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Price: Free
Description: Create artworks on different styles of paper: Clean white Paper, Colored Paper, Washed out Paper, Dirty Paper, Used Paper patterns are available.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Multi Touch Painting Demo
Price: Free
Description: Draw using multi point! NOTE: Multi-touch works only with 2.X devices!
Price: Free
Description: Draw using multi point! NOTE: Multi-touch works only with 2.X devices!
Artist
Price: Free
Description: Simple app to allow users to use a finger to create works of art.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
Price: Free
Description: Simple app to allow users to use a finger to create works of art.
Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2
For 50,000+ Android apps reviewed for use in educational settings, download the Educational App Store app.
Google Play For Education
Google has recently launched Google Play for Education, a specific section of the Google Play store dedicated to education apps and bulk app purchasing, available only to schools that have a school Google Account via this logon link. Watch the video below to learn more: