As well as options for almost unimaginably varied entertainment, the powerful iPhone platform can be used as a learning tool. Thanks to kind-hearted developers, many of the phone's best educational apps are available completely free.

We've compiled a list of the 10 of the best free iPhone apps that allow you to learn a new skill in about 10 minutes (or less).

Why not download a few now, and the next time you have a spare ten minutes, spend it boosting your life skills level by learning something new instead of mowing down the undead in Plants vs Zombies. Let us know in the comments what other educational iPhone apps you enjoy using.

1. Skill: Learn How to Make Something in Origami App: Dollar Origami Lite







We love this app. In addition to offering instructions on how to make one of five fun objects in the Japanese art medium of origami, the app is specifically tailored to making said object with a one dollar bill. As this is something most folk will already have in their pocket at any given time (and similar sized bills can obviously be substituted in other currencies) it's a real time filler for any of those I've-got-five-minutes-to-spare-and-nothing-to-do-with-my-hands moments.

2. Skill: Learn How to Save a Life App: CPR & Choking







It's no good in a medical emergency fumbling with your iPhone for a quick tutorial if the person in front of you is already turning blue. Instead, why not put your next coffee break to good use and get this app that offers video-based advice and tutorials on how to administer CPR to adults, kids and babies as well as providing similar content for how to carry out the Heimlich Maneuver. Ten minutes of your time now could make a big difference in the future.

3. Skill: How to Tie a Necktie App: vTie - Necktie Guide







A great time-waster for bored cubicle dwellers, this app shows you a few different methods of tying your necktie. If you fancy looking a little swanky round the water cooler then learn how to do "The Onassis" with the easy, illustrated step-by-step guide. There are four other styles included, too, for when you want to mix it up.

4. Skill: Learn a Magic Trick App: Magic Shop







Always having a magic trick up your sleeve is great way to placate a child, break a silence, or, let's be honest here, impress a date. This app gives you a how-to for about ten tricks, such as how to pluck a coin from thin air and how to make a cup levitate. It uses simple, everyday objects, so with a little fairy dust, and the magic word, we reckon you'll be David Copperfielding it around town in no time at all.

5. Skill: Type Like a Demon On Your iPhone App: iTextSpeed Lite







If you're still picking out the letters on your iPhone one-handed and making more typos than a monkey with gloves on, then why not brush up your speed skills with this free app? Packaged as a fun game, the aim of this app is to type as many of the words shown on the iPhone's keypad as you can in a set amount of time. There are stats after stage including your word per minute count so you can see your (hopeful) improvement the more you play.

6. Skill: Learn How to Tie Knots App: Knots Free







The skill of being able to bash out a quick clove hitch, or whip up a double overhand stopper is impressive, and potentially very useful. With Knots Free, it should also only takes a little time to master. Using step-by-step photo illustrated guides to tying common knots, this app will get you reef knotting in no time.

7. Skill: Learn Morse Code App: Free Morse Code







Millions of people across the world communicate with Morse Code. It might sound a little daunting, but it's just another language and one that could help you a great deal if you'd been kidnapped, tied up and gagged and can only communicate your dire situation by tapping the damp floorboards behind you.

Let's hope that never happens, but just in case, the app we've highlighted offers an audio Morse Code alphabet, which can obviously be translated into the medium of flashlight Morse Code by memorizing the dots and dashes.

8. Skill: Learn to Play a Song on The Piano App: Pocket Piano Song Universe Lite







Most folk like to idea of being able to sit down and bang out a tune on the old Joanna, but lessons are time and money. If you're happy to dive right in to piano playing, and perhaps try and learn just a couple of classics, then this app has you more than covered. It offers a Guitar-Hero style of tuition, where the keys you have to press are indicated by dots sliding down the screen. There are also difficulty ratings so you know what you're getting into and the songs on offer are pretty varied - ranging from Fur Elise to Super Mario.

9. Skill: Learn How to Play Chess App: Chess.com







If you already know how all the pieces move, then you can technically already "play" chess, but wouldn't you like to be able to really play chess? As well as a wealth of chess-related video tutorials, this app offers a tactics trainer mini-game where you are presented with next-move situations to help hone your skills. Once you've caught up, you can play the "computer" to test your skills before registering (also free) and playing real-life people online.

10. Skill: Learn How To Make Cocktails App: Mixology: Drink Recipes (Free)







Do you know what liquor goes in an Iguana? How about a Jolly Rancher? Thought not. Get your mixology skills sorted with this good looking free app that provides a huge list of cocktails and a quick how-to on making 'em. There's also a terminology guide and a tips and tricks section, so next time you're bored in a bar you can brush up on the basics.

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