Computers are now as commonplace in schools as calculators, but unlike calculators, they offer many additional ways to support your child’s learning. The problem can be knowing which ones deserve your attention in the sea of digital apps and services. Here, I want to help you figure out which ones could actually help you and your children, and which ones are optimized for laptops and desktops.
These days, many apps are optimized for mobile, as many of us – kids and parents included – spend a lot of time on our phones. But sometimes you need a bigger screen and an interface that offers more functionality, and PCs still have their place in everyday life, so I’ve narrowed my criteria down to that. Desktop devices can be more immersive and less distracting than phones, and might be preferable for schoolwork for that reason.
Also, this is by no means an exhaustive list. There is a whole world of apps that can help you and your child organize their assignments, create learning plans, access educational resources, and collaborate with peers and teachers (even when they aren’t physically at school). This is just a short selection for you to familiarize yourself with to get an idea of the kind of tools used in schools today and that you can use at home with your own children.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an exceptional online learning platform that you’ll find endless praise for on the internet. It offers many high-quality courses on a wide range of topics for many learning levels. I’m talking topics from preschool to college-level subjects – you can support your child’s learning at all of these stages (and beyond). It offers an extensive library of engaging video lessons, interactive practice exercises, and even in-app progress tracking.
Khan Academy has long been free to use, and you can start using it today. First, visit the Khan Academy website and create an account via email or by linking it to a Google or Facebook account. Once you’ve created an account, you can set up a learning profile for yourself or your child and customize the available content to suit your child’s age and level.
Scratch
Scratch is an innovative web platform developed by MIT that aims to introduce children to the world of coding through a fun, colorful, and interactive interface. Aimed at children aged eight and up (though you can introduce it to younger children at your discretion), it allows children to create their own interactive stories, games, and animations using a block-based coding system – think LEGO bricks, but for coding. Scratch also has an online community that your child can join (again, at your discretion), but here your children can share their creations, try collaborating with others, and check out the creations of other Scratch users around the world.
You can start using Scratch by visiting the website and creating an account, which allows you to save and share projects. Then you can dive into Scratch’s extensive resources, including tutorials and sample projects that will guide you (or your child) through the process of learning to code. I could go on praising Scratch, but I don’t think you’ll see its value until you try it for yourself.
Duolingo
For many people, Duolingo conjures up the image of a pushy green owl watching you intently from afar while sharpening an axe, but in case you’re unfamiliar, it’s a language learning platform best known for its mobile app. However, the desktop version of Duolingo offers a comprehensive and engaging language learning experience. It’s aimed at a wide range of language learners, starting from the most beginners, and there are courses in over 30 languages. It offers a gamified approach to language learning, and I think when paired with real live language lessons, it can be a really powerful tool in your arsenal.
To use Duolingo on your PC, visit the Duolingo website and create an account by clicking the Get Started button. You can then sign up with an email address or through a Google or Facebook account. You can then choose the first language you want to learn with Duolingo and take a placement test to determine where you should start. With an account, you can track your progress and have the option to achieve daily goals to stay motivated.
Final thoughts
My selection is a general introduction to some apps that many people find to be effective in helping parents and children with schoolwork. Children come in many different ages, temperaments and many other things, and this is where you as a parent should decide if this app sounds interesting to you. Even if none of my suggestions appeal to you, I would encourage you to look around at what digital learning tools are out there, because there are a lot of them!
If you have a good grasp of the apps above, I think you’re pretty well placed to help your child learn using modern digital tools, and you’ll be able to do that with many other digital tools as well. As you explore and understand these different digital platforms, consider which of them might be best suited to your child’s interests and learning style. And of course, don’t hesitate to go beyond this list.
