Are You Struggling to Keep Students Really Engaged? Check Out These Powerful Educational Apps For Middle School Students

If you’ve ever looked up in the middle of a lesson and noticed your students more engaged with their devices than your teaching, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Instead of fighting it, why not use that screen time to your advantage?

The best educational apps for middle school students have the power to transform your middle school classroom into a space full of collaboration, creativity, and even (dare I say it?) fun. As a 6th grade teacher, I’ve tested dozens of learning apps, from digital reading platforms to interactive games, and I’ve found that when used with intention, they can spark real learning and meaningful student engagement.

So if you’re looking to bring more classroom technology into your teaching without adding to your prep time or your stress levels, here are 5 tried-and-true ways to use the best educational apps for middle school students in your classroom.

1. Reinforce Concepts Through Gamified Practice

Why It Works

Middle schoolers love games—especially when there’s a leaderboard involved. Gamified learning apps like Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Blooket have completely changed the way I do review sessions. Instead of handing out a worksheet, I launch a quick game, and suddenly, the same content feels exciting.

I’ll never forget the day one of my more reserved students shouted, “Yes!” after answering a question correctly during a Quizizz game. He beamed when he made it to the top five. That’s the power of gamified learning—instant feedback, friendly competition, and major student engagement.

How to Use It

Use for unit reviews, exit tickets, or formative assessments.
Let students create their own quizzes on Quizizz or Kahoot! to demonstrate mastery.
Use Blooket homework mode for optional extra practice outside class.

✅ Teacher Tip: Keep it quick—10–15 questions max. That way, it feels like a bonus, not a test.

2. Boost Independent Reading with Digital Libraries

Why It Works

We know reading is essential, but getting middle schoolers to read independently can feel like pulling teeth—unless they have access. Apps like Epic, Sora, and Libby provide instant access to thousands of books, audiobooks, and magazines. These digital learning tools are especially great for reluctant readers.

One year, I had a student who “hated reading.” (Don’t we all hear that at least once a week?) But after exploring Sora, she discovered a whole collection of sports biographies. Suddenly, she was asking if she could read during lunch. That’s when I knew these educational apps were a game-changer.

How to Use It

Set up digital reading challenges.
Pair independent reading with response prompts in Google Classroom or Padlet.
Use audiobooks for read-alongs or student accommodations.

✅ Teacher Tip: Let students post book reviews using a classroom app like Padlet to boost peer recommendations.

3. Make Collaboration Easier with Shared Digital Tools

Why It Works

Technology in education can make group work smoother and more meaningful. Apps like Jamboard, Padlet, and shared Google Slides allow for real-time collaboration. Whether students are brainstorming, peer-editing, or co-creating, these edtech tools foster interactive learning.

I began using Google Slides as digital posters for group projects. Each group worked on a slide simultaneously—no scissors, no glitter glue—and even shy students contributed easily.

How to Use It

Use Jamboard for brainstorming and visual thinking.
Create collaborative decks in Google Slides for project-based learning.
Encourage discussion and reflection with Padlet posts.

✅ Teacher Tip: Assign clear roles (researcher, designer, presenter) to keep collaboration purposeful.

4. Support Differentiation and Student Choice

Why It Works

Middle school students have a wide range of learning needs. The best educational apps for middle school students support blended learning, giving students the chance to work at their level while offering you tools to scaffold or enrich instruction.

I use Newsela for current events because it allows me to assign the same article at different reading levels. It’s one of my favorite apps for teachers trying to differentiate without doubling prep time.

How to Use It

Use Edpuzzle to embed questions and checkpoints in videos.
Try Flip for oral responses, reflections, or video book reports.
Offer choice boards with app-based activities in Google Docs or Google Classroom.

✅ Teacher Tip: Implement “Tech Flex Time” once a week, where students choose a task from a list of approved learning apps.

5. Turn Assessments Into Engaging Experiences

Why It Works

Who says assessments have to be boring? With the right educational apps, you can turn traditional assessments into creative, authentic demonstrations of learning. From Google Forms to Book Creator, students have options beyond paper and pencil.

One of my favorite projects involved a student using Book Creator to write a historical fiction story with embedded images and audio. It was both engaging and deeply educational.

How to Use It

Try Formative or Google Forms for daily checks for understanding.
Let students build eBooks or digital comics using Canva or Book Creator.
Use Vocaroo or Flip for podcast-style reflections and self-assessments.

✅ Teacher Tip: Share a digital rubric before the project starts so students know what success looks like.

Bonus: Managing Tech in the Middle School Classroom

Even the best educational apps for middle school students won’t help if tech use becomes a distraction. Here’s how to keep it in check:

Set Expectations Early

Create a digital citizenship agreement. Set boundaries around device use and model what responsible tech use looks like.

Build Routines

Decide what happens when tech fails, when a student finishes early, or when apps won’t load. Avoid chaos by planning ahead.

Have a Backup Plan

Always keep printed materials or offline options ready. Tech in the classroom is amazing—but it’s not always perfect.

Conclusion: Why the Best Educational Apps for Middle School Students Belong in Your Classroom

You don’t need to master every tool overnight. Pick one or two educational apps, test them out, and build confidence from there. Over time, you’ll discover which tools work best for your students and teaching style.

The best educational apps for middle school students aren’t just engaging—they support blended learning, build independence, promote collaboration, and increase student engagement. When used with intention, classroom technology becomes a powerful teaching ally.