MathPad

MathPad is a digital note-taking tool that lets kids create mathematical expressions within documents. Kids use a special math keyboard that draws, resizes, and aligns characters so expressions are easier to read. Additional features include iCloud document storage, the ability to email and print documents in PDF format, and the ability to share documents with other MathPad users.

The app opens as a large display screen with a few tappable icons. The information icon is a great place to start, as it contains helpful information about features and links to resources, including tutorial videos on how to use the app. Under the information icon, kids can choose the "How to Use" option to learn details about each feature for creating, modifying, and sharing documents. At the tap of a button, kids can start a new document and start adding expressions with one of two types of easily accessible keyboards: an expression keyboard and a text keyboard. Once kids are finished with a document, they can save it to the iCloud, email it as a PDF, copy it to the iPad clipboard, or share it with other MathPad users. It's worth noting that the free version of MathPad includes functionality for users to try some of the basic features. An in-app purchase of $4.99 upgrades users to the advanced features discussed in this review. MathPad EDU is a paid full version with no in-app purchases.