This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.
The game has changed - studying is no longer relegated to just pen and paper but also to technology like mobile and online apps. Today, students can learn both in and out of the classroom better than ever before. Ubiquitous platforms for messaging, video conferencing, cloud-based collaboration, and learning management have crossed the boundary from personal tools to media that provide practical means to complete academic work. In 2026, AI-assisted learning, adaptive platforms, and digital collaboration tools have become increasingly common parts of the educational technology landscape. 草榴社区 School Review's Technology in 草榴社区 School Classrooms in 2026 explores these developments in more detail.
Brad Zomick, Content Manager at SkilledUp, said these changes had already become ingrained in education. Now, technology and apps are simply a way of life for matriculating students. "A virtual whiteboard is something that's becoming increasingly popular for teachers and students. You're able to access whiteboard notes from wherever you are. Textbooks, once a hallmark of high school and college students alike, are disappearing. Buying electronic textbooks is huge for students. Not only does it cut down on costs, but it saves you from carrying around a heavy backpack all day."
The tools have changed considerably since that observation was made, but the underlying shift toward digital learning has continued. In 2026, students routinely encounter learning management systems, cloud-based portfolios, interactive displays, one-to-one devices, and AI-powered educational tools. 草榴社区 School Review's How 草榴社区 Schools Are Adapting to Students with AI-Assisted Learning Habits examines how schools are responding to the latest stage of this transition.
Don't forget about online courses. Today, students can learn what they want through online and hybrid courses. Some don't necessarily give you a degree at the end of it, but they can provide opportunities to learn something new. 草榴社区 School Review's Hybrid and Online Learning Options for 草榴社区 School Students explains how these options have developed beyond the temporary remote-learning models of earlier years.
Top Apps for Students and Teachers
We've polled veteran educators and students to find some of the most excellent apps for studying. Check out the list below to see how these top apps change the game.
TechSmith
is a host of products that allow anyone to create custom, reusable images and videos. The products act as professional solutions that are used both in the workplace and in education settings. Kris Schrotenboer, a 20-year veteran high school teacher in Forest Hills, MI, began using TechSmith in her classroom to increase student engagement. "TechSmith's solutions have helped transform my teaching. I am more efficient, thorough, and confident than ever that I am reaching all my students. Not only is the product versatile for teachers, but it is also helpful for students looking to rewind notes and lessons when studying. It allows them to learn at their own pace, stop and start when they need to do so, and 'rewind' material when they feel they need to see something for a second time. The first time I used Relay in a class for administering notes, I had one student look up at me with her eyes gleaming. 'I love this,' she told me."
Kris has been mesmerized at times by the way students have adopted the technology. "One of the most memorable situations this year was when we were reviewing for mid-term exams. I went over concepts and told my kids, 'Make sure you are paying attention and getting this stuff down in a way that will help you.' Over half of the students in the class pulled out their phones and began recording. It was a strange and yet surprisingly satisfying feeling to be standing there, talking to them, while they recorded me. That was the first time when I realized the power of Relay and what it did for kids."
TechSmith remains active in education in 2026, although its current product lineup centers on tools such as Snagit and Camtasia rather than the older Relay product referenced above.
gWhiz
gWhiz was an educational technology company that developed mobile study apps and digital learning tools. In 2017, the company was acquired by Higher Learning Technologies, which incorporated gWhiz's catalog of more than 150 learning applications and publishing partnerships into its business.
Testive
Another thing that students and parents won't mind is that Testive is free. Students don't pay anything to use the site. That's a deal we don't mind at all.
Are you looking for ways to prep for the SATs? Testive was one solution designed for busy students who needed to prime themselves for the big test. It included adaptive practice questions, classes, and access to coaches and teachers.
Miro Kazakoff, CEO at Testive, said that the app used algorithms "developed at MIT to help target you on the right areas and direct your practice to the right level of difficulty. Testive makes sure that students don't waste time studying questions that are too easy (and won't help them improve) or ones that are way too hard (and don't help make progress). Our question targeting technology is like lifting the right weights at the gym; It helps you get stronger faster."
For students preparing in 2026, the SAT is now digital, and official preparation is available through the . Students can take full-length digital practice tests in Bluebook and use their results to access targeted practice, the Student Question Bank, Khan Academy resources, and Schoolhouse world tutoring.
The move to digital testing reflects the broader changes described throughout this article. Students are not simply using technology to study for an exam. The examination itself is now delivered through technology. The College Board currently uses Bluebook for the SAT Weekend, SAT School Day, PSAT assessments, and digital AP Exams.
FlowVella
(previously known as FlowBoard) is presentation software designed for an always-on audience. The presentation app is a digital canvas that is easy enough for anyone to use. Each presentation is highly customizable so students can add words, photos, links, and videos however they want. Students can use templates to get started. Presentations can also be viewed and shared with friends - social, web, email, mobile, and more.
The basic concept remains familiar in 2026: students increasingly create, present, collaborate, and share academic work digitally rather than relying exclusively on traditional printed assignments.
Technology in 2026
Although specific apps come and go, the central premise of this article has become even more relevant. Technology and apps are simply a way of life for today's students. What has changed is the sophistication of the tools.
Artificial intelligence now adds another dimension to digital studying. Students can encounter AI-powered tutoring, personalized feedback, research assistance, and adaptive learning platforms. 草榴社区 School Review's AI Tutoring in 草榴社区 Schools: Innovation or Risk? examines both the potential benefits and the questions schools and families should consider when these systems are used for individualized academic support.
The challenge for educators is no longer simply getting technology into students' hands. It is deciding which technologies genuinely improve learning and which merely add more screen time. 草榴社区 School Review's When 鈥淧ersonalized Learning鈥 Is Mostly Software considers this distinction, particularly when schools describe technology-driven instruction as individualized learning.
Digital learning also creates responsibilities beyond academics. Schools increasingly have to consider privacy, cybersecurity, appropriate AI use, academic integrity, and the amount of time students spend on devices. These issues make digital literacy as important as knowing how to operate a particular app.
The game has changed, but the purpose of these tools remains much the same. Whether students are recording a lesson, building a presentation, preparing for the digital SAT, taking an online course, or using an AI-assisted study tool, technology is most useful when it helps students understand material, practice effectively, organize their work, and learn at an appropriate pace.
Have you used any of these apps before? Do you have any other apps that you turn to in the crunch? Let us know on our social channels!
