How to Create an Educational App

Ever since the COVID-19 Pandemic, more and more schools have turned to apps and websites as teaching tools. Even those outside of schools, who are just looking to improve their skills, turn to mobile apps to help them.

Creating an educational app is a worthy endeavor, but there are some things you need to keep in mind for it to be helpful and successful. Here’s how to get started:

Know your audience

“Educational apps” is a big umbrella. These could include anything from apps to help toddlers learn the alphabet to software used to make college students’ lives easier. As such, you’ll want to figure out who your app is for before you get started developing it.

And keep in mind, too, that many educational apps are used for different types of groups. For instance, an app that allows students to upload coursework will be used by students and professors. Additionally, an app to help toddlers learn the alphabet will also be used by their parents when they need help. Get specific about the different groups that will be using your app and figure out how to appeal to each.

What type of educational app is it?

As we said before—educational apps include many different varieties. So, what type of educational app are you looking to create? In general, there are a few categories:

• Learning Platforms: This type of app usually provides courses that teach users different skills. Some provide grading systems and tests, as well as places to upload coursework. Examples include Udemy and Coursera.
• Learning Apps for a Specific Subject: These are similar to learning platforms, except they’re only for one specific subject. They may have traditional courses or even games for you to play.
• Educational Games: Many people use games to teach people skills. Many apps that help with cognitive skills do this.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Many companies use learning management systems to teach their employees different skills. Much of the training that modern-day employees go through are done through these apps.
• Classroom Education Apps: Teachers across the country rely on apps to manage their classroom and teach their kids crucial facts and skills. Many of these apps are used by teachers, students, and parents.
• Educational Apps for Kids: Back in the 90s and early 2000s, many of our kids used LeapFrog toys to teach them different skills. Now, many companies including LeapFrog have created educational apps for kids (we at Beta Breakers helped LeapFrog with their Quality Assurance strategy).

Why should people choose your app?

No matter what type of educational app you intend to make, you will doubtlessly have tons of competition. In order to make yours standout, you need to figure why customers should choose your app over the others.

• Flexibility and Simplicity: People always choose the path of least resistance. As such, they want apps that are flexible and easy-to-use. You need to ensure that your app can be used anywhere by anyone in your intended audience (see above).
• Cost-efficiency: Most educational apps take the place of a tutor or traditional classroom. Why? Because they’re cheaper. Your app should provide enough profit to keep it going, but it shouldn’t be more expensive than the competition.
• Popular Features: Your app should be able to do what the others do…and more. Take a look at similar apps—what features do they all have? And what features do users wish those apps have?

Designing, Building, and Testing

You’ve created the outline for your app and pitched the idea. It’s now time to create a team to design, build, and test your app before it’s launched. When it comes to quality assurance testing, Beta Breakers is here to help. We have worked with many educational institutions and apps (including LeapFrog), and we are confident we can help you as well.

Contact us today to get started!