Encouraging the use of technology with your child/student as a supplemental learning tool.

As the school year is now in full session, kids are back, eager and ready to learn! We should all encourage the use of technology as a supplemental learning tool for all age ranges. Technology has changed the way we think, work, learn and play. Through the use of technology, learning becomes more interactive. When technology is incorporated in education, there are countless benefits to the students. Students are more engaged and motivated in the subject matter because their minds are more stimulated with hands on learning therefore, retaining more information. It allows for students to think critically and solve problems on their own.

Various technologies promote different kinds of learning in students. For example the use of the iPads, internet and can be used to customize the material based on the individuals strengths and focus on the areas of concentration. In addition, using technology at an earlier age benefits the students with skills that are essential to the 21st century!

There are so many great resources, apps and websites, that can be used to supplement their education. Here are some examples that technology can be used as an excellent source for a fun and engaging way to learn.

General for all ages

* Khan Academy – (website and app) – www.khanacademy.org – For ages K-12
Students can use this site to learn at their own pace, master skills that are challenging and appropriate for their level, reinforce skills already learned, and use hints and videos to provide help when needed.

* Duolingo – (website and app) – www.duolingo.com – For all ages
Students can use this for a fun and interactive way to learn a new language such as Spanish, French, German, Italian and so many more. This app is great for foreign language learners.

* typing.com (Website) – www.typing.com – For all ages
Students can use this to learn to type and practice their typing skills.

* Peak – (app) – For all ages
For those looking to challenge and improve cognitive skills in areas of memory, problem-solving, language, mental agility, focus, emotion, and coordination while playing games.

* Lumosity – (website and app) – https://www.lumosity.com – For all ages
Looking to improve cognitive skills and brain training in areas of speed, processing, memory, and attention, this is a great app for that.

* Coding (website) – https://code.org – For all ages
Everyone can learn the basics of html and javascript with this interactive website.

Pre-K – Kindergarten

* ABC Mouse – (website and app) – www.abcmouse.com – For children ages 2-7
Students can use this interactive tool as a fun way to explore reading, math, colors, shapes, and the world around us.

* PBS Kids – (website and app) – www.http://pbskids.org – For children 2-7
Students can learn through fun and interactive games.

Elementary School

* ABC Ya – (website and app) – www.abcya.com – For grades K-5
Online games for kids in K-5 sorted by grade level. Games incorporate areas such as math and language arts while introducing basic computer skills.

* Cool Math For Kids (website) – http://www.coolmath4kids.com – For ages 12 & under
Math lessons, brainteasers and games for kids under 12.

Middle school

* Cool Math (website) – http://www.coolmath.com – For ages 13 and older
Students can practice pre-algebra, algebra and pre-calculus lessons while interacting with games.

* Brain Pop (Website/App) – https://www.brainpop.com – For ages 8 and older
This tool engages students through animated movies, learning games, interactive quizzes, primary source activities, concept mapping, and much more

High School

* Purdue Online Writing Lab – (website) – https://owl.english.purdue.edu – For grades 7th to 12th
A great resource for writing, grammar and style guides

* Collegeboard – (website) – https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice – For 9-12th grade
Students can use this tool to practice and get ready for the SAT, PSAT

College and Beyond

* iTunes U – (ios app) –
This app provides free online courses in a variety of subjects developed by instructors in some of the world’s leading universities. Courses come with loads of materials, such as audio, video, ebooks and more.

* Coursera – (Website/ App) https://www.coursera.org – For Adults
Coursera is an education platform that partners with top universities and organizations worldwide, to offer courses online for anyone to take.

The limits to all the great resource out there ere endless! The internet and apps have made it possible for continued learning to be a fun and engaging experience for everyone. Have a great school year!!!