Aktiv Learning vs ORCA+
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Aktiv Learning
This platform offers dynamic problems and interactive tools for college-level chemistry and math. It helps students visualize abstract STEM concepts and provides instructors with real-time insights into class understanding. Features include a mobile-friendly Lewis structure drawing tool and over 250 practice questions.
- Interactive Lewis structure drawing tool
- Dynamic STEM problems
- Real-time class results
- Over 250 built-in practice questions
- Create in-class or homework assignments
- Isoform recognition for answers
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Aktiv Learning is an active learning platform built specifically for college-level chemistry and mathematics. Say goodbye to static content and generic multiple choice questions and hello to dynamic problems that are designed to help students learn and visualize abstract concepts in STEM. Aktiv Learning allows chemistry instructors to ask students engaging questions, such as drawing Lewis structures, and receive real-time information on what structures the class is drawing. The app features a custom-built tool that allows students and instructors to quickly and intuitively draw Lewis structures on mobile devices. Additionally, both students and instructors have access to over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. Features: • Intuitive Lewis structures drawing tool built specifically for mobile devices - Use as engaging demonstration for your students to show example Lewis structures and reinforce concepts such as the octet rule, formal charge, and VSEPR. Students can take advantage of the drawing tool to visualize the relationship between Lewis structures and molecular shapes. • Create in-class or homework assignments - Perfect for clicker, recitation, or review problems. Students receive push notifications to alert and remind them of pending assignments. • Assign or practice with over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. • Real-time class results - Quickly find common incorrect structures to address student misunderstanding before exams. • Isoform recognition - Aktiv’s technology recognizes correct answers independent of the drawn structure orientation. • Export student activity - Student participation and performance exported in a tap of a button. • Easy sign-up - Students and instructors can create accounts and join courses all within the app in a few steps. • School IT and device independent - Assign, work, and review from any mobile device and over any network connection. More content and features coming soon!
ORCA+
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ORCA is a research app built by the Werchan Infant Learning and Development (WILD) Lab at UC Irvine (the-wild-lab.com). It helps families participate in approved studies on early child development—from the comfort of your home. BUILT FOR RESEARCH, NOT DIAGNOSIS ORCA is designed to support scientific research. It does not diagnose, treat, or monitor medical conditions. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please speak with your pediatrician. WHO IS ORCA FOR? ORCA is for families who have been invited to join a research study and received a study ID from their study coordinator. You will need that code to begin an assessment. HOW IT WORKS 1. Create an account and add your child’s profile 2. Enter the study ID provided by your research team 3. Follow simple on-screen instructions to prepare for the session 4. Complete short, child-friendly video activities together 5. Your session data is securely uploaded and accessed only by authorized researchers WHAT THE APP COLLECTS (WITH YOUR CONSENT) • Video recordings during assessment sessions • Optional heart rate data when a compatible Polar H9 sensor is used in select studies • Basic profile information needed for the study YOUR PRIVACY MATTERS • The camera and microphone are only active during an assessment you start • Data is fully encrypted and stored on secure research servers • Participation is voluntary—you can stop at any time and request deletion of your data • Only authorized members of the research team can access study data DESIGNED FOR REAL FAMILIES Young children move, look away, and explore—that’s normal. ORCA’s activities are built for everyday family life, with clear guidance before and during each session. ABOUT THE WILD LAB The Werchan Infant Learning and Development Lab at UCI studies how infants and toddlers learn and grow. ORCA brings families into that work as essential partners in discovery. REQUIREMENTS • iPhone or iPad with a front-facing camera • Study ID from an approved research study • Internet connection to upload completed sessions Questions? Contact your study coordinator or visit the in-app Help Center. ORCA — partnering with families to advance early child development research.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ORCA+ at none against Aktiv Learning's 1. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Aktiv Learning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ORCA+ asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Aktiv Learning | ORCA+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.2 (184 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 184 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 95 MB | 62 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Top Hat Monocle | Denise Werchan |
Bugs and requests
Aktiv Learning
Reported bugs
10 issues- Pop-up warnings flicker and disappear too quickly
- Drag-and-drop fails 70% of the time on iOS
- App crashes on specific problems with no recovery
- Login errors and password reset failures
- Users locked out of questions permanently
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- Window resizing issues on iPad 12.9in
- Questions don't load properly or display incompletely
- Subscripts/superscripts not displaying on Mac
- Split-screen functionality disabled
- Inconsistent performance between app and web versions
Requested features
10 requests- In-app notification system for assignment reminders
- Ability to sign up for courses on mobile app
- Split-screen functionality on iPad
- Zoom capability for periodic table
- Reset button for Lewis structure questions
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- Full solutions displayed after using all attempts
- Better hints and guidance for dimensional analysis
- School login integration on mobile app
- Improved question clarity and directions
- Subscript and superscript display on web version
ORCA+
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Aktiv Learning
- Chem101 Course Activation$29.99
ORCA+
No in-app purchases









