Pro Tips For Simplifying Educational App Development

If you are reading this article, you are probably among those who plan to build an educational app and are looking for valuable development tips and insights. Well, you're in the right place! 

 

We understand that developing an educational app can be a complex process that requires careful planning, innovative thinking, and a deep understanding of educational principles and mobile technology.

 

However, with the right guidance and professional assistance, it can be a fulfilling experience with pleasing outcomes.

 

The Onix team specializes in educational mobile app development, including mobile learning apps, custom eLearning platforms, custom LMS solutions, and corporate training.

 

In this article, our educational app developers:

 

• share crucial functionalities for different types of mobile learning apps
• offer insights and tips to help navigate the complexities of educational app development
• demonstrate our hands-on experience, revealing all the development nuances.

 

Keep reading to discover what to expect when building an educational mobile app from scratch.

A mobile application for self-learning built by Onix

 

Key highlights

 

• Did you know the global e-learning market is projected to reach $457.8 billion by 2026? Creating an educational app puts you at the forefront of this booming industry.

 

• Over 94% of U.S. students use mobile devices to study. Education app development allows you to tap into this growing trend and cater to the needs of modern learners.

 

• Creating a mobile app demands financial resources and time. To stay on track, divide the development process into stages and estimate the time needed. This structured approach ensures smooth progress and organization throughout the project.

 

• Creating an educational app allows you to reach a global audience of learners, breaking down geographical boundaries and connecting students from diverse backgrounds.

Types of Educational Apps and Their Key Features to Include

Educational mobile apps come in various types, each catering to different learning needs and preferences. 

 

While you likely have a clear vision of the learning application you wish to create, let's examine all available options. This exploration may ignite your creativity as you prepare to develop an educational app.

 

You may also be interested: eLearning Software Development: Success Story

 

Language learning apps

Language learning apps are like friendly language teachers in users' pockets. These apps facilitate the acquisition of a new language. They make learning fun with interactive lessons, practice for new words, and grammar exercises.

 

They even listen to you speak and give helpful feedback so learners can sound more like native speakers.

 

Are you thinking of creating language learning apps? Here's what you need to include:

 

• Interactive lessons – engaging lessons that cover various aspects of the language, including vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, and reading

 

• Vocabulary practice – exercises and games to help users learn and memorize new words and phrases

 

• Grammar exercises – activities to reinforce grammar rules and sentence structure through practice exercises and quizzes

 

• Speech recognition – technology that listens to users' pronunciation and provides feedback to help improve speaking skills

 

• Feedback and corrections – instant feedback on exercises and quizzes to help users identify and correct mistakes

 

• Progress tracking – tools to track users' learning progress, including statistics, achievements, and milestones

 

Learning management system (LMS)

LMS enables the administration, delivery, tracking, and management of educational courses and training programs. LMS apps are widely used in educational institutions, corporate settings, and online learning environments to streamline and enhance the learning experience.

 

For example, at Onix, we deliver techno-driven iOS and Android mobile LMS apps that provide tools for creating and organizing course content, facilitating communication between instructors and learners, assessing student progress, and reporting on learning outcomes.

 

If you're thinking about building a learning management system, here are important components  to include:

 

• Course creation and management – tools for instructors to create, organize, and update course content, including lectures, assignments, quizzes, and multimedia resources

 

• User management – functions for administrators to manage user accounts, enrollments, permissions, and access levels within the LMS

 

• Collaboration – features enabling learner interaction, such as forums, group chats, and collaborative document editing

 

• Multimedia support – compatibility with multimedia content, including videos, audio recordings, interactive simulations, and animations

 

• Assessment and feedback – functions for administering quizzes, assessments, surveys, and assignments, as well as providing feedback and grades to learners

 

• Analytics and reporting – analytics dashboards and reporting tools allowing instructors and administrators to track learner engagement, progress, and performance in real-time

 

Online course apps

This educational mobile app is like a portable classroom, delivering lessons and training straight to users' fingertips through smartphones or tablets. People can find diverse courses on different topics, giving them the freedom to learn whenever and wherever works best for them.

 

Are you considering making an online course app? Here are the must-have features:

 

• Diverse course offerings – a wide range of courses covering various subjects, disciplines, and skill levels.

 

• Interactive learning activities – features that enable users to engage in interactive activities like quizzes, assessments, discussions, and collaborative projects directly on their mobile devices.

 

• Personalized learning paths – adaptive learning algorithms or user preferences that tailor the learning experience.

 

• Offline access – users can download course materials for offline viewing, allowing them to learn without an internet connection.

 

• Push notifications – alerts and reminders are sent directly to users' mobile devices to notify them of upcoming assignments, deadlines, course updates, or important announcements.

 

• Multimedia support – compatibility with multimedia content types such as video lectures, audio recordings, interactive simulations, and animations.

 

• Progress tracking – tools for users to track their learning progress, view completed lessons, monitor quiz scores, and track course completion status.

 

Classroom education apps

Classroom education apps are like digital helpers for teachers and students. They're special apps that make learning and teaching in the classroom easier and more fun.

 

Teachers can plan lessons, track attendance, and grade assignments, while students can submit work, join discussions, and get feedback – all through their smartphones or tablets.

 

Are you thinking of developing a classroom education app? Well, here are the essential features you should consider:

 

• Lesson planning – tools for teachers to create, organize, and schedule lesson plans directly from their mobile devices.

 

• Attendance tracking – the capability to take and record student attendance using a mobile device, with options for generating attendance reports.

 

• Gradebook management – functionality for teachers to input, calculate, and manage grades for assignments, quizzes, and exams on the go.

 

• Assignment submission – ability for students to submit assignments electronically through their mobile devices, including documents, photos, and videos.

 

• Communication tools – messaging systems, announcements, and notifications to facilitate communication between teachers, students, and parents.

 

• Discussion forums – platforms for online discussions and collaboration among students, with features for sharing resources and ideas.

 

• Real-time feedback – options for teachers to provide instant feedback and assessment to students on their work, performance, and progress.

 

• Interactive learning materials – access to digital textbooks, interactive multimedia content, and educational apps optimized for mobile viewing and interaction.

 

• Analytics and reporting – options for teachers and administrators to track student performance data, monitor learning progress, and generate reports on class performance and outcomes.

 

Education apps for kids

Education apps for kids are like fun learning games and activities designed to help children explore new concepts, develop skills, and have fun while learning.

 

They're like digital playgrounds where kids can engage with interactive content, puzzles, stories, and quizzes that cover a variety of subjects such as math, language arts, science, and more.

Mobile education app for kids made by Onix team

 

Are you planning to build an education app for kids? Check out the must-haves.

 

• Interactive learning – interactive activities, games, and simulations to engage children and make learning enjoyable.

 

• Progress tracking – parents and teachers can track children's progress and performance within the app, monitoring their achievements and identifying areas for improvement.

 

• Parental controls – these apps often include parental controls and settings to customize the learning experience, manage screen time, and ensure child safety while using the app.

 

• Engaging visuals and animations – these apps feature colorful visuals, animations, and characters to captivate children's attention and enhance their learning experience.

 

• Skill-building activities – education apps for kids include activities that promote essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration.

 

• Feedback and rewards – children receive feedback and rewards, such as badges, stickers, or virtual prizes, to motivate and encourage them to continue learning and progressing in the app.

 

To inspire you, we've included a glimpse of some popular education mobile apps below.

Note: There's a wide variety of educational apps out there. Above, we've given you just a glimpse to demonstrate their diversity and uniqueness.

 

But what's especially important to keep in mind is that each type has its own unique features and ways of helping people learn. These are things you should consider when creating your own app.

 

How To Create an Educational App: Insider Tips From Onix

Well, we've reached the most exciting part.

 

We asked our education app developers for some tips on building a learning app, and here's what they came up with:

 

Understand the development process: What's involved and what's needed

If you're already familiar with the development process, feel free to move on to the next point. However, if you're new to app development, let's dive in.

 

Certain development steps remain consistent for every project, regardless of the type of mobile product you're creating.

 

To build an educational app for both Android and iOS platforms, we need to follow these typical steps:

 

1. Consulting assistance

This stage involves engaging with experts who provide guidance, advice, and strategic input to help navigate various stages of the future development lifecycle.

2. Research

In this phase, the development team conducts thorough research to understand the project requirements, target audience for an educational app, and market dynamics.

 

• Who will be interested in using your app?
• Why will the learners use your app? 
• What will they use your app for?
• Where will learners use your app? 
• How will learners use your app?

 

This involves gathering user feedback, analyzing competitors, and defining project goals and objectives.

 

3. Education app design

The design team creates wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs during this stage. This includes defining the app's layout, navigation flow, and visual elements to ensure an intuitive and engaging user experience.

Example of design for an educational app provided by the Onix team

 

4. Development

The developers turn a concept into a fully functional eLearning app. This stage involves coding, implementing features, and integrating third-party services.

 

5. Testing + maintenance

QA engineers check the software for bugs and usability issues in various situations. The maintenance stage ensures that the software remains reliable and valuable for users over time.

 

You'll need the right tech skills and expertise to bring all these development stages to life. Below, we demonstrate a typical development team needed to build an educational mobile app.

Select the proper development approach and technologies accordingly

Choosing the right mobile app approach and technologies can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's easy to get lost in the sea of possibilities.

 

But don't worry. Take a deep breath. Our developers have got you covered!

 

We've compiled all the essentials: a thorough overview of each approach and a list of tried-and-true technologies. You can trust us to guide you in the right direction.

 

Let's start with the basics.

 

It's important to understand that there are different approaches to developing mobile apps. You have options like:

 

• native development
• cross-platform development
• progressive web app development

Peer-to-peer learning app for Android made by Onix

 

Each approach has its own advantages, suitable technologies, and specific uses depending on your goals.

 

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty.

 

1. Native App Development

It involves building separate apps for each platform (iOS and Android) using platform-specific languages and tools.

 

This approach offers:

 

• optimal performance
• native UI/UX
• access to platform-specific features
• better integration with device hardware and operating system functionalities

 

Suitable for: Large-scale or enterprise-level learning apps; projects requiring high performance, complex functionalities, and seamless integration with platform features.

2. Cross-Platform App Development

It allows building apps that run on multiple platforms using a single codebase.

 

This approach enables:

 

• faster development
• cost-effectiveness
• code reusability across platforms
• a native-like experience and access to native features using platform-specific plugins

 

Suitable for: Projects with limited budget and resources, requiring quick time to market. Ideal for startups, small businesses, or educational institutions seeking to reach a wide audience on multiple platforms.

3. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs are web applications that use modern web technologies to deliver app-like experiences across devices and platforms.

 

This approach provides:

 

• cross-platform compatibility
• faster loading times
• offline capabilities
• no installation and seamless updates.

 

Suitable for: Projects targeting users with limited storage space, slower internet connections, or those who prefer browser-based experiences. Ideal for delivering educational content and resources in areas with limited connectivity.

As you can see, there are many technologies and tools that go hand in hand with a specific app development approach. To make the best decision, it's important to consider factors like your project's needs, goals, scalability, and app security.

 

Keep up-to-date and adaptable

We always recommend starting with the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) approach.

 

This way, you can:

 

• quickly get your app to market
• validate your product idea
• gather valuable feedback from users.

 

 

Once you've implemented the basic features, you can adapt and evolve your app to meet your users' changing needs and stay competitive in the fast-paced e-learning market.

 

In 2025, educational app development is going through a big change thanks to new technologies and high user expectations. 

 

We recommend you focus on:

 

• Immersive experiences for learners
• Integration of AI
• Accessibility and inclusivity
• Gamification

 

Smart boards are replacing chalkboards, tablets are pushing aside notebooks and pencils, and now it's VR education's turn. 

 

Virtual reality in education offers endless advantages:

 

• Enhanced engagement and a sense of purpose
• Reduced barriers to distance learning and language comprehension
• Immersive experiences that aid understanding of complex concepts
• Safe exploration of ideas without real-world risks
• Empowerment for both students and teachers through data insights
• Improved memory formation through emotional and visceral reactions
• Boosted creativity by fostering exploration and creation in alternative universes

 

 

AI in education is a game-changer, opening up endless possibilities to change how we teach and learn:

 

• Personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs

 

• Adaptive learning algorithms that adjust content based on student progress

 

• Intelligent tutoring systems that provide immediate feedback and support

 

• Data-driven insights for educators to track student performance and identify areas for improvement

 

• Automated grading and assessment tools to streamline administrative tasks

 

• Virtual assistants and chatbots for on-demand support and assistance

 

• Enhanced accessibility for students with disabilities through AI-powered tools and accommodations

 

• Predictive analytics to identify at-risk students and intervene early to prevent academic challenges

 

Adding gamification to educational apps can make learning more fun and engaging for users. Some common gamification techniques include:

 

• Points and scores
• Badges and achievements
• Leaderboards
• Levels and progression
• Challenges and quests
• Rewards and prizes
• Countdown timers or limited-time events

 

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in eLearning app development, you can create a more welcoming and inclusive learning experience for all users.

 

• Alternative text for images (allows screen readers to convey visual content to users with visual impairments)

 

• Closed captioning and transcripts (enables users with hearing impairments to access spoken information)

 

• Text-to-speech functionality (allows users with visual impairments to have text content read aloud)

 

• High contrast and color customization (enhance visibility for users with low vision or color blindness)

 

Build trust with your users and safeguard their data

Do we need to stress the importance of following standards and the possible consequences if you don't – especially regarding the safety of your solution and users' data? You're likely well aware of this already.  

 

So, let's skip the lecture and delve into the essential standards and regulations your developers need to consider.

 

Technical standards:

 

• SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model): This set of technical standards defines how online learning content and learning management systems (LMS) can communicate.

 

• LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability): LTI is a standard that enables integration between different learning tools and platforms. It allows educational apps to seamlessly integrate with LMS platforms, providing a unified learning experience for users.

 

• xAPI (Experience API): Formerly known as Tin Can API, xAPI is a specification that allows learning experiences to be tracked and recorded across various platforms and devices. It provides more flexibility than SCORM, enabling the capture of a broader range of learning activities.

 

• AICC (Aviation Industry Computer-Based Training Committee): AICC is an older eLearning content and systems standard primarily used in the aviation industry. While less common today, some legacy systems may still require compliance with AICC standards.

 

Data protection regulations:

 

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): This comprehensive data protection regulation in the European Union (EU) governs personal data collection, processing, and storage. Educational apps must comply with GDPR requirements when handling EU residents' user data.

 

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): HIPAA is a US law that sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. Educational apps that deal with health-related content or user data must comply with HIPAA regulations to ensure data security and privacy.

 

CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): CCPA is a data privacy law in California that grants consumers certain rights over their personal information. Educational apps collecting data from California residents must comply with CCPA requirements, even if not based in California.

 

Accessibility standards:

 

• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): WCAG provides guidelines for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Educational apps should follow WCAG standards to ensure their content and features are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

 

• Section 508: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies in the US to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. While initially aimed at government agencies, Section 508 compliance is often considered a best practice for all educational apps.

 

Integrate your education app with external platforms and services

Connecting education apps with other platforms and services is crucial for:

 

• helping things run smoother
• keeping all the vital information in one place
• giving access to lots of different resources

 

Here, our developers share some popular platforms and services they frequently integrate to improve our clients' educational solutions:

 

Learning management systems (LMS). Connecting with popular LMSs like Moodle or Canvas makes it easy for students to access course materials, assignments, and assessments all in one place.

 

Video libraries. Linking with platforms like YouTube or Vimeo lets users easily watch educational videos, lectures, and tutorials.

 

CRM systems. Connecting with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot helps us keep track of student information, communicate effectively, and understand how learners interact with our platform.

 

Payment gateways. Integrating with payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal enables secure and convenient transactions for purchasing courses, subscriptions, or educational resources.

 

Analytics platforms. Integration with analytics tools such as Google Analytics provides insights into user behavior, engagement metrics, and learning outcomes.

 

Virtual classroom software. By connecting with virtual classroom software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, students can participate in live lectures, discussions, and virtual labs, making learning more interactive and engaging in real-time.

 

Content management systems. Linking up with CMS platforms like WordPress makes it easy to create, manage, and share educational content, including articles, blogs, and multimedia resources, all in one place.

 

Language translation services. By connecting with language translation services like Google Translate, we can ensure that educational content is easily accessible to learners from different language backgrounds.

 

Keep in mind that all integrations in your educational app will impact the total costs involved.

 

Onix Experience in Educational App Development

Experience is best seen through examples, so let's dive into some case studies showcasing our expertise:

 

Edplus

Objective: To offer users a mobile app for self-learning where they can enhance their foreign language skills, science, and maths, driven by advanced AI technology.

 

Our solutions:

 

• Merging two apps: an educational app and an app locker acquired from a third party.

 

• Ensuring interactive learning experience: interactive activities, educational material, and tests.

 

• Progress tracking tools to track users' learning progress.

 

• Applying AI algorithms to create personalized learning paths for each user, adapting questions to their existing knowledge, and optimizing teaching strategies based on their responses. 

 

 

Results: Both apps are accessible on app stores and have garnered excellent reviews. EdPlus Kids was recognized as one of the top 10 educational apps for children.

 

Learning Pool

Objective: To build educational content and technology for international customers in the public and private sectors. Update and ensure the proper functioning of a learning management system, learning experience platform, and learning record store.

 

Our solutions:

 

• Rewriting the query builder

 

• Dashboard grid update

 

• Moving large projects onto new versions of the technology

 

• Building a large data warehouse that collects diverse information and data, analyzes, and arranges it in a specific format to deliver it to users at the right time

 

• Providing a video, audio, and text content hosting and streaming service with elements of machine learning

 

Results: Learning Pool’s achievements during this period have been significant. Currently, the company boasts 1500 global companies, 3.5M active learners, and a 98% recommendation rate.

 

4D Insight Interactive Simulator

Objective: To build a safety-related online training simulator for personnel at entertainment, sports, and cultural events.

 

Our solutions:

 

• Instructor’s scenario editor that facilitates the rapid and efficient development of bespoke training scenarios to meet organizations’ and trainees’ unique needs.

 

• Minute-by-minute planning of the training session by scheduling when each element of the scenario will be displayed to trainees and the time they must respond.

 

• Easy management of templates and planned and past training sessions for multiple companies. Separate servers storing each company’s data ensure its security and confidentiality.

 

• User-friendly design that ensures a clean and intuitive interface for effortless navigation and use by all users.

 

Results: KPMG, one of the world's Top-10 consulting companies, uses the 4DiSimulator for its staff training simulation activities. The biggest training so far has been held for 7 teams and involved over 100 trainees.

 

Conclusion

In this article, we've covered the key points you need to know if you're considering developing a mobile education app. Of course, there are many more details to delve into, but if we cover everything, you might find yourself nodding off.

 

So, thanks for reading this far!

 

Do you have questions? Need advice? Ready to kick off development? Our team of experts is here to help.

 

All you need to do:

Just share your idea, and we'll analyze it and schedule a call to get started on bringing your concept to life.

 

Get in touch with us here!

 

FAQ

 

What do you need to know before developing an education app?

Before developing an educational app, it's essential to understand the target audience, their specific needs, and the educational goals the app aims to achieve.

 

Additionally, knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in education, as well as the regulatory and compliance requirements, is crucial.

 

What are some successful examples of an education app?

Some successful examples of education apps include:

 

• Duolingo: A language learning app that offers interactive lessons and gamified activities.

 

• Khan Academy: An educational platform providing free online courses and tutorials in various subjects.

 

• Coursera: An online learning platform offering courses and degrees from top universities and organizations.

 

• TED-Ed: A platform providing educational videos and lessons created by educators and experts worldwide.

 

How long does it take to develop an education app?

The time it takes to develop an education app can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the app's complexity, desired features, and development approach (native vs. cross-platform).

 

Generally, a simple education app with basic features may take a few months to develop, while more complex apps with advanced features and integrations can take six months to a year or more. Thorough planning and analysis are essential to accurately estimate the development timeline.

 

How can Onix help in developing an educational app from scratch?

Onix team can assist in developing an educational app from scratch by providing comprehensive expertise and support throughout the development process. 

 

Our team of experienced developers, designers, and project managers can help in:

 

• conceptualizing the app idea
• conducting market research
• designing user interfaces
• developing the app using the latest technologies
• testing it to ensure functionality and performance 

 

With our collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions, we can help bring your educational app idea to life effectively and efficiently.