I am pleased to announce that I have made a major update to the Primary School Notes App. When I developed this app about 7 years ago, I honestly never imagined that it would grow to become one of the most popular educational apps used by teachers and students across Malawi. I remember hiding it for months in my PC and then I thought of releasing it for downloads.
According to the records I have, the app has been downloaded more than 20,000 times. Through the research I made and the feedback I have been receiving over the years, I have also discovered that users of the app are found in almost every part of the country and in almost all primary schools across Malawi. This means a lot to me. It is a reminder that it is possible for each one of us to contribute something positive to our country, regardless of where we are or what resources we have.
For a long time, many users have been asking me to update the app. Some people would even call or send me messages late at night asking when the new version would be available 
. And whenever they did, I would tell them, “I will update it one day.” But, like I have always done, I wouldn’t update it. I never felt there was a need to rush. I knew that the right time would come. Sometimes, it is good to be patient. The best time always comes if we are patient. Well, that time has finally come! Is this the best time. Oh yes! It is! You will surely agree with me when you see the app.
Why have I thought of updating it? The original app was developed for much older versions of Android, around Android 1.0–5.0. As Android evolved over the years, many users started experiencing problems installing the app on modern smartphones. Some phones could not even allow it to be installed. So, I decided it was time to rebuild the experience and bring the app into the modern era while keeping its original purpose of helping Malawian primary school learners and teachers access quality educational resources.
What’s New?
1. A Completely Modern User Interface
I have redesigned the interface to make it more modern, attractive and easier for both students and teachers to navigate.
2. Timed Exams for Every Subject
The app now includes exams for each subject. The exams are timed, giving learners an experience that is closer to a real examination environment. After completing an exam, the student receives feedback on their performance and is shown the areas where they need to improve.
3. Student Study Tracking
The app now keeps track of what a student has studied. When a learner comes back to study, the app can remember where they stopped and help them resume their learning journey instead of starting all over again.
4. Student Profiles
I understand that not every student has their own smartphone. The app therefore allows different students to have their own profiles on the same phone. Each student can have their own study progress, exam performance and achievements, almost as if they were using their own device.
5. Teacher Profiles
The app is not only for students. Teachers are also an important part of the Primary School Notes community. The new version therefore includes a teacher profile.
6. Awards and Achievements
Learning should also be motivating! The app now gives students awards and achievements when they perform well in exams or successfully complete lessons. The goal is to encourage learners to keep studying, keep improving and celebrate their progress along the way.
I am excited to see how teachers, parents and, most importantly, our learners will use this new version. To every teacher, student, parent and everyone who has used the Primary School Notes App over the years, thank you for believing in it, using it, giving me feedback and continually asking me to make it better
The Curious Mind 