I try to pick out apps that are free because I know everyone is on a tight budget. Some of the apps on this list might cost money but in my opinion they are worth it for what they do.
I had a lot of trouble narrowing down the list to only twenty apps. I talked a lot with my cohorts in the tech department. There are lots of great apps that we couldn’t fit in. Hopefully the list will be helpful to you.
There are always new apps coming out and you may know of something we don’t so let us know if you find something new!
For up to date information about new and popular educational iPad apps keep checking this page or Follow me on twitter @TeacherTechGuy1
Letter School -(2.99) A fun app to teach letter sounds and writing for early elementary. (There is a FREE version available called Letter School Lite if you want to try it out.)
Handwriting Without Tears – (4.99) Another fun alphabet learning game. This app teaches how to write letters correctly while having fun.
Spelling City – (Free) Spelling games and activities for k-12. This is one of the few spelling apps out there that can realistically be used by all grades. If you feel like testing your skills give the SAT words a shot!
Math Bingo – (0.99) Learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide while playing bingo. This game is great for memorization skills and confidence with mental math.
TeachMe Kindergarten – (1.99) The basics of kindergarten in one app. This is actually one of a series of apps. Currently there are TeachMe apps for toddler age through third grade. Topics that are covered in the kindergarten app include addition, subtraction, spelling and dolch sight words.
Edmodo – (Free) The companion app for Edmodo.com. Take your Edmodo grading and planning on the go. Connect with your students and give feedback on assignments.
Google Drive – (Free) This is by far the best app option out there for word processing on iPad. Once you sign in with your district Google account you have the ability to access and edit your Google documents. You can even enable offline access so you can view and edit when you don’t have an internet connection.
Skitch – (Free) Create and save screenshots and annotated pictures from the iPad. This app is especially helpful when putting together instructions for iPad activities. Skitch lets you add arrows, text, drawing to just about anything on the screen.
Book Creator -(4.99) Make your own eBooks right on the iPad. When you are done you can export your finished book to iBooks or send to cloud based storage like DropBox for distribution to others.
ScreenChomp -(Free) Record your iPad screen as you illustrate ideas and problems on a virtual whiteboard and audibly explain what you are showing.
Puppet Pals -(Free) This app is similar to Toontstic. Record animated characters in various settings and add your own voice to bring the scene to life.
Notability – (1.99) Note taking and productivity. Record audio synced to handwritten or typed notes. Draw, highlight erase, cut and paste. Use the camera to add pictures of a presenter’s screen or bring in pictures and web clippings from the internet.
Spreaker DJ – (Free) By far one of the coolest apps I found this year. Record studio quality podcasts and host them on the web for others to listen to. A free spreaker account will host up to 10 hours of recorded podcasts.
Socrative – (Free) Online student response system. Socrative is easy to use with the iPad app. You can access Socrative from any device with an internet connection but if you have the ability to use it through the app you won’t have to mess with typing in websites or messing with browsers.
Animoto – (Free) Create slideshow videos with music and backgrounds. The free account allows for videos up to 30 seconds in length.
Pixntell – (Free) Get creative with your digital storytelling. This app lets you create a narrated slideshow from pictures on your iPad. Email or post the completed video file when you are finished. (Limited to 5 pictures at a time with free version)
Popplet – (4.99) Mind maps on iPad. This app lets you create bubble style charts with pictures and text.
Photoshop Touch - (9.99) This is an expensive one but it does a lot. If you have a need for high quality photo editing on your iPad this is the app for you. This iPad version of Adobe Photoshop includes all the major functions of the desktop version including the ability to work with multiple layers and apply some fantastic effects. If you don’t need this kind of horsepower Snapseed will be the way to go.
Remind101 – (Free) Send mass text and email reminders to parents and students. This is a great 
service. Remind101 allows you to immediately communicate with students without giving out your personal cell number. You can also manage the service from the website.
Padlet – (Free website) Padlet is not a downloadable app but you can make it work like one buy adding a button to your home screen. Padlet is like a corkboard with virtual sticky notes. You can work on your own or share your wall with others to do some really good brainstorming.
If it seems like I am on an iPad app kick recently you’re right. I can’t help it! Today we have a cool FREE app called Phrasal Verbs Machine. This iPad app seems to be well suited for ELL learners. Phrasal verbs can have more than one meaning and this app helps to differentiate them using animated videos and example sentences translated into several different languages. Once a student thinks they have a handle on how some of these verbs are used they can try their hand at some of the built in exercises to test their knowledge.
