Appolicious, the app search and discovery portal which helps users find new mobile applications for iPhone, iPad, and Android, is today launching a new service today aimed at parents, teachers and others in search of the best educational apps for children: appoLearning.

Not too long ago, an autism diagnosis was seen as a door tightly shut on a world that communicated differently. Today, people with autism have a powerful key to unlock that door — thousands of apps to help them communicate.

Responding to worries that school is not preparing students for the jobs of the future, there’s been a concerted effort lately to emphasize the importance of learning STEM subjects.

As technological developments in computing and digital media grow with leaps and bounds, education has started to get a piece of the action. Just a few short years ago, districts struggled to an adequate number of laptops to accommodate all students.

With smartphone and tablet users getting younger, new apps can help parents of 2-to-13-year-olds monitor and control their children’s use of the Internet.

National social media and technology reporter PETRA STARKE lists the top 50 learning apps for children and teens.

(*Prices correct as of January 14, 2013)

BRONZEVILLE — Alice Zhao believes a cartoon owl can teach the world’s children about different languages.

Zhao, a Bronzeville resident, is the co-creator of “Gus on the Go,” an app that debuted in June and has slowly built a following.

San Francisco-based kids’ app platform Fingerprint is teaming up with UK educational app maker Mindshapes. The two companies are collaborating on a series of new digital learning activities called “appisodes,” which combine both storytelling and games. It’s the first in what promises to be a busy year of Fingerprint announcements, partnerships, and app launches

The initative will award $50,000 to a sharp programmer that can develop a middle-school application to teach crucial skills for the science and technology jobs of the future.

City schools contest will award programmers $50,000 for best mobile STEM app to improve middle-school math education.