Technology is an integral part of life, and not a single sector is untouched by it. Smartphones and the internet contribute most to the modernisation of the education sector. Over the past few years, edtech has made education more accessible and learning more convenient for all students.
Elearning apps or online education platforms have gained the large attention of entrepreneurs, making it one of the fastest-growing industries. Research reports state that the global educational app market will witness a growth rate of about 26% during 2020-2024. At the same time, it is reported that 70% of students from various educational institutions will pursue online courses this year.
Top players like Udemy, Coursera, and eDX are already expanding their EdTech space due to rising demand, and there are still opportunities waiting to be explored in this industry. And this is where the trend of education app developmentis emerging.
According to Statista, the global education app market will be valued at around USD 124,782.56 million by 2027. The traditional classroom system is now replaced by elearning apps. Education application development ensures easy and smooth digital learning. Students can learn anything at any time and at their own pace. Education institutions are seeking assistance from education app development companies to introduce modern education methods into their systems. So, if you are someone interested in learning about mobile education, we have prepared aneducation app development guide covering its aspects, like app features, types of educational apps, how much it costs, and many more.
Types Of Education Apps
The changing trends ineducation app developmentprovide entrepreneurs with an exceptional opportunity to develop more advanced education apps. Let's look at the different types of educational mobile apps ruling the industry.
E-Learning Apps
These apps are all-in-one platforms that offer various courses on different subjects. Their services mainly include video lectures, assignments, quizzes, and discussion forums. Education apps are liked by professionals who wish to advance in their careers as well as by students. Students can track their progress, learn at their own speed, and receive certification.
Language Learning Apps
These apps are specially designed for users who want to learn new languages. Language learning apps offer interactive lessons, vocabulary practice, speaking exercises, and language games to make learning more easy. Users can set goals and practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. They often use gamification to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Educational Games
These apps combine learning with entertainment, offering games and puzzles that enhance academic concepts. They cover various subjects such as maths, language arts, records, and more. The games are designed to be enticing and inspire crucial questioning, problem-solving, and knowledge retention.
Study Aid Apps
These apps help students with cooperation and study techniques. They may also include note-taking, flashcards, to-do lists, reminders, and timers. Some apps focus on specific study strategies, consisting of the Pomodoro Technique for productivity. They assist users in staying organised, controlling their time effectively, and optimise their study sessions.
Virtual Classroom Apps
These apps facilitate online classes and lectures, especially relevant to those living in remote areas. They offer features like live video streaming, screen sharing, chat, and virtual whiteboards. Teachers can conduct interactive lessons, share sources, and interact with college students in actual time. Students can attend classes from anywhere with a web connection.
Subject-Specific Apps
These apps dive deep into specific subjects, presenting exact lessons and resources. For instance, a history app could offer timelines, ancient events, biographies, and interactive maps. A geography app might have quizzes on capitals, landmarks, and geographical features. These apps are valuable for students looking to explore a topic extensively.
Parent-Teacher Communication Apps:
These apps ease the communication process between partners and teachers. Teachers send the child's progress, grades, attendance, and assignments to their parents. Parents receive homework reminders and notifications. It fosters open communication and teamwork between the home and the school.
Skill Development Apps:
These apps include activities, tutorials, and guides for particular skills. For instance, an art app may provide examples of colour theory advice and samples of popular works of art. A music app might also contain practice exercises, training on music theory, and instrument tutorials. These apps serve people who want to improve their abilities in a variety of fields.
Importance of Educational Mobile App Development
Education app development is beneficial for both students as well as teachers. E-learning apps and tech players are working to improve our education system. Users can benefit from education apps for several reasons. Here are a few reasons that emphasise the importance of online education app development.
Personalised Learning Experience
Online education has opened new doors for students of all ages. Education apps allow students to access the course that they are interested in. They provide self-paced videos and live sessions to the students for a better learning experience. With the option of rewinding and redoing, students can learn and comprehend from video lessons as they wish. This helps students overcome their learning challenges and make their concepts clearer.
Teachers can also design personalised learning plans for each student and break the conventional "one fits all" approach of the traditional education system.
Easy Accessibility
The content posted on eLearning platforms is always available and accessible. Students can connect with teachers and download lessons at any time. IoT and cloud-based education software give access to notes, schedules, grades, textbooks, and even the classroom. These platforms also increase students' confidence, and they can ask their doubts without any hesitation. Education app developmentenhances transparency between parents and teachers by providing a platform to discuss issues.
Cost-Effective
Not all parents can afford to pay high administrative fees for schools and colleges. However, education app development has successfully solved this problem by providing a cost-effective learning platform. Education app development solutions are quite affordable compared to conventional educational resources such as textbooks and workbooks. It helps reduce various expenses, including travel, housing, and equipment.
Quality Education
Today, a variety of learning courses are already available on elearning apps at affordable prices and even for free. All the courses are curated by experts who have years of field knowledge, so there is no need for students to compromise on the quality of education.
Some edtech companies have come forward and tasked with supplementing underdeveloped schools with edtech tools to support the e-learning model. Online Education has given people the right to education in its truest sense.
Fun and Engaging Learning
Developing online education platforms results in a change in the learning process. Now, students no longer have to sit through boring lectures; they can enjoy sessions with interactive smartboards. Animated videos, along with detailed PPTs, allow students to understand every concept easily and also save teachers time and effort.
Thanks to education software development, teachers are freeing up and moving into more facilitator roles. Gamifying problem-solving and introducing interactive AI in classrooms are the best innovative examples that boost productivity and make learning enjoyable.
10-Step Guide to Education App Development
1. Market Research
The education industry is vast and segmented into too many sections. As more players enter this domain, the growth of Edtech is also increasing day by day. This has led to high competition in the industry. So, before starting education app development, you need to know the industry, understand competitors, and identify the target audience.
To determine the gaps in the industry, it is necessary to conduct a thorough market research. It will help you to analyse the competition and how they are staying safe in the competition.
Understand the type of application your competitor has developed and what features of this app are attracting users. Study their conversion data and make an informed decision about your app.
Once you are clear on all of this, concluding on the idea will be simpler. It will also assist you in creating a clear education app development roadmap.
2. Select your Niche and Set Objectives
After defining the gaps, now it's time for you to decide on the niche for your educational application.
For instance, you can launch an application that will provide different courses based on skills. You can also introduce a school management system that can help establish communication between parents and teachers and cater to their needs.
You also have the option to develop a game-led education app that will make learning fun and enjoyable. There are several niches present, each with significant issues.
Once the niche is defined, you must set the goals for your education app. What do you aim to achieve with your application? What will be USPs? Do you also want to provide counselling experts to your students?
Your main goals and ultimate objectives will contribute the most to deciding the app's functionality and features. Make a detailed strategy for your education app development.
3. Ideation and Determining Features
The next step is to start working on delivering the concept for your mobile app. You are aware of the problems users are facing, and this will lead to the foundation of the concept of your education app. The concept can be either as difficult as an app-based education platform providing a range of courses and services or as simple as a learning management solution.
Once the outline of your app is fixed, let's move onto the next step of deciding the features that you want to offer to the audience. Plan the features according to the problems faced by users. For instance, if parents want to track the progress of their child, then it should be included in the feature list. If the admin wants to manage the data and payment gateway, then you should definitely include your educational applications. With the appropriate strategy, it would assist you in advancing educational mobile app development.
4. Design Appealing UI/UX for the App
Users are the main character of the mobile application world. They are ones with the power to boost conversions, references, and profits for your business. From your app design to your revenue expectations, everything should be determined while keeping the users in mind. The user-friendly design should consist of buttons and texts in the right places. You must create an appealing design that makes the users compelled to download your application to increase conversion.
After creating the design, you should start working on the user interface. A smooth and intuitive interface is what sets an impression of your app on the users. Education apps are used by all age groups, so ensure easy navigation on your app.
5. Choose an Education app Development Company.
Developing an education app is not as easy as it seems. It requires a dedicated and experienced team of education app developers to build a robust and interactive app.
You can collaborate with a leadingeducation app development company that will assist you in further process. You can specify your requirements and vision to the development team for the best results.
The development approach plays a key role in ensuring a good reach among your target audience. Cross-platform education app development is considered the best development approach to reach a larger audience in less time. Ask for suggestions from your partner company and let the development team guide you.
You can hire education app developers who are experts in utilising the latest technologies to build a feature-rich application that can cater to a diverse user base.
6. Select The Right Tech Stack
The tech stack holds high importance in developingeducation app development solutions. For example, if you are going with cross-platform app development, then, you should decide which framework is best for it. Flutter and React Native are the most popular frameworks of recent times.
Choose the right operation system if you are planning for native app development. Whether you choose iOS or Android, you must choose the backend tools, programming language, IDE, and code editor for developing your application. The most popular tech stack for educational app development is the MEAN stack. Many businesses also use Google Cloud to help develop and collaborate.
7. Estimation Of Time And Cost
During education software development solutions, be clear about the milestones and goals for the development. In a month, you could create a basic app and, in nine months, an advanced version. However, you should keep several factors in mind, including the cost, the tech stack, and the features you want to integrate into your advanced app.
Plan the ideal budget for education app development and ask for a rough time frame for when to expect the application. It will enhance your connections with your education app development company.
8. Create an MVP
It is a very crucial step, as it is a deciding factor for your getting downloaded. It also determines the future roadmap for your application. The minimum viable product is an unskippable step in creating an education software solution.
The MVP will let you know whether people are ready to accept your application or not. MVP development consists of three steps:
Integrating Content and Educational Resources
The first step consists of creating the design, developing the logical code, and adding the database. You can integrate content and learning solutions, as you will, into the basic application. When the complete solution is ready, users will know about your offerings.
This would help them identify your educational mobile application. The content of your app will decide whether your users will convert.
Implementing User Feedback
The second step is to know the opinions of the users. User feedback and reviews are important to help you find the flaws in your app. Implement the suggestions, and you will definitely see an improvement in your app's performance.
This step will upgrade your application and will help you add the necessary features to make the app more advanced and scale it positively.
Ensuring App Security and Privacy
The last step is to ensure the safety and security of your application. Your app should be end-to-end encrypted, which facilitates the privacy of your education software solutions.
App security is very critical as students and parents share sensitive and personal information on elearning apps. Set up two-factor authentication and biometrics in your study app to ensure security. Make sure to test the application for security and content before its deployment.
9. App Testing
Once the MVP of your app is ready, it's time for app testing. Testing the app with QAs throughout the process would enhance the proficiency of youreducation app development.
They must test the app for its usability, functionality, localization, performance, memory leak, security, speed, interruption, and other forms of testing to fulfil the criteria for mobile applications.
Run tests with real users to get genuine feedback on areas for improvement. Correct all the flaws, and the app must be stabilised before deployment.
10. App Launch And Marketing
Lastly, deploy your app to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for final approval. Optimise your application according to the app store guidelines before launching. Your app will be reviewed based on different parameters, includingsafety, performance, business, design, and legal guidelines. It may take days or weeks to approve your app submission.
Create a marketing campaign and launch it before deploying the app. From SEO to SEM and PPC, adopt all the marketing strategies that can help in brand building. Marketing is the most powerful tool for boosting brand visibility, which results in a large user base.
Key Features Of Your Education App Development
Features of education app development can differ based on the type of app and its target
audience. However, here are some common features that should be included in successful education apps:
User Authentication: To access user-specific features, progress tracking, and personalised content, as well as securely log in and register.
Virtual Classroom: This features like live video streaming, screen sharing, and digital whiteboards for interactive online classes and lectures.
Resource Library: A central library of studying materials consists of e-books, PDFs, files, and reference sources.
Interactive Lessons: Engaging multimedia content such as videos, animations, and interactive sessions to make learning more engaging.
Quizzes and Assessments: Tools for creating and taking quizzes, tests, and assessments to get an understanding and track progress.
Accessibility Features: These features are good for users with disabilities. It includes screen readers, subtitles, and adjustable font sizes.
Progress Tracking: Personalised dashboards for users to view their learning progress, completed lessons, quiz scores, and achievements.
Personalization: Customizable learning plans based on the strengths and weaknesses of students.
Discussion Forums: Platforms for college students and instructors to engage, ask questions, talk about subjects, and collaborate on initiatives.
Offline Access: It allows users to download content for offline learning. Offline access is useful for students with limited data.
Notifications: Notify about upcoming classes, assignment deadlines, quiz reminders, and important updates.
Feedback and Reporting: Tools for college students to receive feedback on their work from teachers or peers, in addition to particular reports on overall performance and areas for improvement.
Gamification: Gaming elements like points, badges, leaderboards, and rewards motivate learning and increase engagement.
In-App Purchases: For premium content, guides, or capabilities, users can unlock a one-time purchase or subscription.
Social Sharing: Ability to post achievements, progress, or interesting content with friends on social media structures.
Parental Controls: These features keep the parents updated about their child's progress and reports. They can also talk with teachers.
In-App Messaging: It is integrated to provide a communication channel for students to connect with teachers, tutors, or classmates for assistance.
White-labelling and Branding: Customizable branding options for educational institutions to maintain their identity within the app.
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): For simple data synchronisation and maintenance, it guarantees seamless integration with the current LMS platforms used by educational institutions.
Offline Assignments: Teachers can create and distribute assignments that students can complete offline and upload later whenever they have an internet connection.
Payment Gateway: A secure payment gateway in the education app enables safe, fast, and easy transactions. Users can buy subscriptions or in-app products or services whenever they want.
Top Education Mobile Apps
Educational mobile apps are online education platforms that help people learn a specific subject, learn a new skill, get certification, and even set up learning plans for others. Here is the list of the best three education apps of all time.
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is a notable language learning utility that offers courses in many languages, including Spanish, German, and Hindi. It uses a gamified approach to prepare special exercises, encouraging youngsters to research new languages amusingly. From vocabulary exercises to grammar instructions, this app provides everything you need to study a new language. You can compete and earn rewards together with your friends.
2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a popular eLearning app that offers free academic content in several subjects, such as maths, science, history, economics, and more. The app provides video instructions, exercise sports, quizzes, and progress monitoring. It covers an extensive range of subjects, from elementary school to college-stage material. Khan Academy is understood for its clean and concise features, making complicated subjects more understandable.
3. Quizlet
Quizlet allows users to make digital flashcards at the most basic level, but it can do much more than that. With text-to-speech capabilities, users may "read" the cards loudly while using the app, which also keeps track of their study habits and lets them play games with the cards! In addition, users can share their flashcard sets on Quizlet, allowing them to work from pre-made sets rather than beginning from scratch. While Quizlet offers a number of free features, customers can also purchase a monthly subscription to access additional features, including offline study and ad removal.
Popular Technologies Used For Educational Application Development
The education app development industry is changing constantly. Education app developers are constantly trying new technologies to develop effective and intuitive educational mobile apps. Here are some latest technologies used in education mobile application development.
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning has increased in the field of education app development. These technologies enhance user engagement by providing enhanced personalised learning experiences. It analyses the user data and history to provide customised recommendations and feedback.
Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality
AR and VR are immersive technologies that are integrated in elearning apps to mimic the real environment. AR adds digital elements into the user's natural environment, while VR immerses users in a different digital experience. These technologies offer engaging learning experiences and increase user's understanding of complex concepts.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology enables the app to secure the digital records of students' information and progress. This technology improves transparency and facilitates the development of decentralised educational software solutions.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the technology that has made it possible to store data and perform complex calculations on remote servers. This technology can be used ineducation app developmentto make the app scalable, secure and more accessible.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile device management ( MDM ) technology enables schools and educational institutions to manage and secure mobile devices for educational purposes. It ensures the safe deployment and proper management of educational apps.
Education app developers are creating innovative and useful educational apps that meet the ever-evolving needs of educators and students by utilising these widely used technologies in the education app developmentprocess. Moving forward, it is critical to recognise that every kind of educational mobile app has a different technological component. As a result, the type of education app must be considered while selecting the technology.
Monetization And Marketing Strategies of Educational Application Development
Monetization and marketing strategies are crucial for the success of educational applications. Here are some effective techniques for both aspects:
Monetization Strategies
Freemium Model: In this model, you can offer a free version of the app with basic functions and limited content. Users can then upgrade to the premium version for access to superior features, specific content, and an ad-free experience.
Subscription Model: Provide subscription plans with ordinary bills for access to the full range of features and content. Offer different levels, such as monthly, quarterly, and annual, to cater to unique user needs.
In-App Purchases: In-app purchases are for additional content, features, or digital content within the app. This could encompass access to premium courses, study materials, or tools.
Advertisements: Providing space for ads within the app is a common way to generate revenue. You can use various ad formats, like banner ads or video ads. However, to avoid overwhelming users with ads, keep the user experience in mind.
Affiliate Marketing: Partner with academic content material carriers, ebook publishers, or different applicable groups. Promote their services or products within your app and earn a fee for every referral or sale.
Corporate Partnerships: Collaborate with companies or organisations for backed content material, guides, or workshops inside the app. This can offer added value to users while producing revenue.
White-Labelling: Offer a white-label model of the app to academic establishments or agencies. They can customise the app with their branding and content, paying a licensing price for the provider.
Data Monetization: Collect anonymized statistics on user behavior and choices on the app. These facts may be valuable for marketplace research for targeted advertising and marketing.
Marketing Strategies:
Content Marketing: Create high-quality educational content associated with your app's area of interest. This should include blog posts, articles, infographics, or videos. Share this content on social media, forums, and educational structures to establish authority and attract customers.
App Store Optimization (ASO): Optimise your app's title, description, keywords, and visuals for app stores. This will help enhance your app's visibility in search results and boost organic downloads.
Social Media Marketing: Utilize systems like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to reach your target audience. Share attractive content, updates, app features, user testimonials, and promotions.
App Reviews and Ratings: Encourage users to leave nice evaluations and ratings on app stores. Respond to comments and deal with any issues directly. Higher rankings enhance app visibility and credibility.
Email Marketing: Build an email list of users and ability users. Send daily newsletters with app updates, academic content, promotions, and personalized hints. Use segmentation for focused messaging.
Collaborations & Partnerships: Join hands with bloggers, influencers, academic institutions, or business professionals. Through webinars, social media shoutouts, guest blogs, and reviews, they can spread the word about your application to their audience.
SEO: Optimise your website and app content for search engines. Publish guest posts on educational websites or blogs to reach a wider audience and build backlinks.
Educational Events: Organise online seminars, webinars, or other events related to your app's
market. This will establish your app as an authority in the area and draw in users who want to learn more.
Community Building: Create a community inside your app or on social media in which customers can engage, share reviews, and guide each other. Engage with customers frequently to foster an experience of belonging and loyalty.
Referral Programs: Run a referral programs where users can earn rewards for referring friends or colleagues to the app. This encourages user acquisition and word-of-mouth advertising.
Cost Of Education App Development
Numerous factors can affect the total cost of developing an education app. The following factors affect the total cost of education app development:
Aneducation app development framework is used for app development. For instance, if cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native are used, then the production cost will be reduced. It allows the building of apps for both iOS and Android using a single code-based system.
Simple apps with basic features are cost-effective in comparison to apps with complex features that are integrated with AIML, AR/VR, etc.
App testing and post-app launch facilities like marketing
The application's UI/UX designs also impact development costs.
The experience and team size of a custom app development company should also be considered.
The average cost of app development can range from $25,000 to $150,000, and depending on the variations mentioned above, it can even increase to $300,000.
Wrapping Up
The education app development has provided innovative tools that enhance learning experiences for teachers and students. The availability of smartphones has eliminated the need for classrooms and textbooks. These educational apps offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, in their own space, and in their own time. Additionally, the educational app development has improved learning through interaction and engagement and clarified challenging ideas.
However, educational mobile app development is a complex and complicated task. It requires in-depth knowledge of the target audience, the learning objectives, and current technology developments. To ensure that their apps are efficient, dependable, and safe, education app developers must apply best practices for user interface design, development, testing, and deployment.
An experienced education app development company will help you overcome the challenges of the app development process. As the demand for education apps increases, the number of players in this niche also increases. If you want to contribute to the growth of underprivileged students, then now is the right time to step in the right direction. You can work with an expert education app development company to create a solid educational platform that can change the lives of thousands of kids.
