Millions, if not billions, across the world are practicing social distancing and self-isolation, in order to flatten the curve of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Being in lockdown is a state we really haven’t found ourselves in before, but this concept is helping save lives — ours, as well as countless others. But how will this lockdown help our current monotonous lives? Can we actually do something that will help us learn something new? A skill, probably? Well, you have an answer to that question.
We are bringing you 10 apps that you can use to learn a new skill during the lockdown. It’s time to explore your passion and curiosity. Are you ready for it?
1. Duolingo
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language before, but didn’t really have the time to make it to that language school or enroll yourself in the online learning program? Fret not, language learning is in your hands. Literally. Look at that phone you’re holding, there’s an app waiting for you with over 90 different languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Arabic, High Valyrian from Game of Thrones, and Klingon from Star Trek, if fictional languages are your thing.
Duolingo gives you a gamified language learning experience. You get hearts that you lose when you answer a question incorrectly. But you also earn virtual coins that can help you get those hearts back and keep learning. Duolingo teaches you grammar by asking you to translate languages in complete-the-sentence style and vocabulary by using flashcards. And the best part? The app is free to download. But if you wish to remove the ads and want to learn offline, you can get Duolingo Plus for $9.99/month.
This is that one app that I will personally recommend. I have been learning Japanese on Duolingo for over a year. And if you keep the consistency, you get to build a steak. As I write this, my current streak is 407 days. So, what are you waiting for? You have languages waiting for you now.
2. Anchor
People hit it off with Podcasts, and it doesn’t take too long to jump on the bandwagon. Easy to access, great to listen to, you end up getting a lot of information through Podcasts. Have you ever considered having one of your own? Here’s an app that will teach you the ins and outs of producing these podcasts. Anchor helps you record, edit, and publish podcasts. Once you have started recording and editing, Anchor will host and distribute your podcasts for free. Anchor also offers tools on analyzing the traffic and opportunities to monetizing your podcasts. There are some guides in the form of podcasts (!!) that will help you learn the technical aspects of podcasting as well.
3. Khan Academy
Are your kids or siblings at home and learning online? Or would you like to explore a topic that interests you and learn a new skill? Look no further, Khan Academy can help you with that. Be it Computer Programming or Algebra, it’s all there. And it’s all free. You can take courses, watch videos and take practice tests in the subject you are interested in.
Here’s a look at the courses Khan Academy offers:
4. TED-Ed
You must have watched TED talks. TED is, after all, one of the biggest events in the world. TED-Ed is something that will help you feed your curiosity. Do you want to know what Coronavirus exactly is? Or how underwater tunnels are built? And why doesn’t the Leaning Tower of Pisa fall over? You can get all your answers on TED-Ed.
You will find educational videos, many of which represent collaborations between talented educators and animators nominated through the TED-Ed website (ed.ted.com). TED-Ed doesn’t have an app, but you can check out their website and YouTube channel.
5. Codecademy Go
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to learn how to code? It’s pretty much like learning a foreign language, you start from the basics. With Codecademy Go, you can practice coding anywhere. You get to learn Web Development, Data Science, Computer Science, HTML & CSS, Python, JavaScript, SQL, and more. Codecademy Go lets you practice coding syntax, you get daily flashcards that you can quickly skim to remember the codes, and you get to learn how to apply your skills in your day-to-day with advice from industry leaders. Oh! You also get to build your streak like Duolingo.
6. Headspace
Lockdown hasn’t been easy on any of us. Our world is going through some serious testing time, this brings a new wave of anxiety and stress that we need to tackle in the best way possible. Talking to people does help, so does Meditation. Closing your eyes for a few minutes, listening to a soothing voice in your ears, let Headspace be your guide to everyday mindfulness. It’s time to stress less and sleep better and get through these tough times as our best versions possible.
7. Elevate
Your brain is an extraordinary thing, imagine challenging it by playing games (!!) for critical cognitive skills like focus, memory, processing, math, precision, and comprehension. Elevate is designed to improve focus, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory, math skills, and more. You can make use of this during the lockdown to improve your critical cognitive skills that are proven to boost productivity, earning power, and self-confidence. It’s reported that users who train at least 3 times per week with Elevate have reported dramatic gains and increased confidence.
8. Tasty
Your brain is an extraordinary thing, imagine challenging it by playing games (!!) for critical cognitive skills like focus, memory, processing, math, precision, and comprehension. Elevate is designed to improve focus, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory, math skills, and more. You can make use of this during the lockdown to improve your critical cognitive skills that are proven to boost productivity, earning power, and self-confidence. It’s reported that users who train at least 3 times per week with Elevate have reported dramatic gains and increased confidence.
9. Yousician
Is there a guitar in your room that you haven’t played in a while? Or do you wish to learn a new musical instrument? You can do that while being at home. Meet your new music teacher — Yousician. This app covers Guitar, Piano, Singing, Ukulele, and Bass. You can play songs on your real instrument and get instant feedback as the app listens to you play and gives instant feedback on your accuracy and timing. Yousician offers step-by-step video tutorials that guide you through each lesson. It makes learning fun with rewarding gameplay and challenges.
10. YouTube
Last but not the least, the second largest search engine after Google. YouTube is one of the most useful apps to learn anything if used effectively. You can start by searching for any new skills that you wish to learn, YouTube will provide you with thousands of videos related to that.
And if you ever wanted to be a YouTuber? Now is a great time.
Special mention goes to:
MasterClass
Ever wanted to learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay? Filmmaking from Martin Scorsese? Acting from Natalie Portman, Helen Mirren, and Samuel L. Jackson? Hold on, Tennis from Serena Williams and Writing from R.L. Stine? All this seems like a dream, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have to be.
These professionals are actually instructing on MasterClass. Each class offers 24 video lessons. The classes are created by the instructor and include extensive pre-recorded video content, a class workbook, interactive assignments, and community activities.
Of course, learning from professionals is not going to be free, but the iOS and Android app sure is free to download. MasterClass all-access pass costs $180 per year or $15 per month. All-access means you can watch any class, with no limitations. If you want only one class, it’s $90 per class.
