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When I was on bed rest during my first pregnancy, I acquired an addiction: Candy Crush. Now, as a non-stop mom of two, I don't have time for my beloved app, but I suppose that's a good thing, considering it's downright distracting.

While my children are not in school yet, I came across some information I found interesting for parents of school-goers. In lieu of back-to-school season, I thought I'd share the below insight.

Many kids consider their iPad a BFF--and even teachers are jumping on this digital bandwagon. Granted the mass adoption of technology in academia continues to enhance the educational experience, it is also the single biggest distraction students face heading into the school year. 

Vokal, a mobile innovation agency, asked their team of student developers to come up with the top 5 biggest brain booster and buster apps; brain boosters stimulate productivity, and brain busters do the opposite.

Here's the list. (Note where Candy Crush comes in...darn!)

BRAIN BOOSTERS

1. Notability

Notability is a simple note-taking app that allows you to create notes, import media, and edit multiple file types. The app lets you use a unique drawing and highlighting tool that makes file annotation super easy and intuitive.

2. Nearpod

Presentations suck. Nearpod makes them suck less. The presentation tool turns the iPad into an individual slide deck, which allows teachers to send surveys, ask questions and present slides.

3.  Schoology

Schoology is a content management system that allows teachers and students to interact, share assignments, distribute assessments and receive tests scores. Schoology makes it simple to share content quickly and easily between the educator and the student.

4. Google Drive

Google Drive is a personal cloud storage service from Google that lets users store and synchronize digital content across computers, laptops and mobile devices, including tablet and smartphone devices. Whether it’s a group project or edits from a teaching, Google Drive is a must-have this year.

5. Reminders

While many people may dismiss Apple’s default to-do list, in the educational world, it provides a wealth of tools to keep track of homework, projects and upcoming tests.

BRAIN BUSTERS

1. Trivia Crack

The biggest fad of December 2014: Quizzing your friends (and random strangers) on trivia questions. As fun (and addicting) as this app is, it only provides numerous opportunities for distractions inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Messages

Students can sit across the room and message each other funny pictures, things about the teacher/other students, or in worst case scenarios, test answers.  The messaging app is a substitute teacher’s nightmare.

3. The Homework App

The Homework app is recommended by many teachers as a way of managing homework assignments. However, the app is fairly complex and plain cumbersome.

4. Candy Crush

We’ve all heard of this app, and chances are, you’ve played it.  Candy Crush is a pretty simple game in which your goal is to eliminate rows of candy by swiping. If you’ve played it before, you know that this app is ridiculously addicting. Playing Candy Crush in the classroom will not get you any brownie points with your teacher.

5. 8-Ball Pool

8-Ball Pool is essentially just a video game simulation of playing real pool. However, students could connect their iPads and play against each other, making it a game that teachers despise.

About Nadine

Nadine Bubeck is a mom, wife, multi-media personality, host, author, blogger, keynote speaker, and PR professional. She has been an anchor/reporter at TV stations in San Diego, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. She contributes to numerous motherhood-based publications and is often featured as a parenting expert on television, among other media outlets. Nadine can often be found at mommy-and-me classes, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband and sons, Nicholas and Zachary. She's a blessed boy mom and queen of the house. Her book, Expecting Perfect: My Bumpy Journey to Mommyhood, is available on Amazon.  For more: www.allthingsmama.tv

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