My kids are in middle and high school, with a college student in the mix as well.
Our family has found different tech tools helpful at various points in their educational journeys.
Must-Haves: Computers, Laptops and Peripherals
Does your child need a laptop or a desktop computer?
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They don’t always have the same power and capabilities, however, that a desktop PC might.
But for completing most middle- and high-school assignments, they should work just fine.
Some schools or districts provide students with Chromebooks free of charge; others don’t.
Beware of school policies around Chromebook lending.
That can put you on the hook for a spendy replacement or repair you might not be ready for.
The real trick is deciding what you better buy.
Less expensive devices may also lack the speed or power to do everything your student needs them to.
As you make your purchases, consider how long the item will last with your child.
Look for Student Discounts
Check for discounts before you buy!
Several major tech manufacturers offer student discounts, including HP andDell.
Some retailers, likeBest Buy, offer back-to-school deals as well.
Beyond the organization perks, phones are, in many ways, lifelines to peers.
Encourage your child to do their internet research instead.
If your child loves using their smartphone, give them something parent-approved to use!
You don’t need to always download an app, by the way.
Apps and sites can provide fun ways to teach kids what they need to know.
You don’t necessarily need to spend cold, hard cash on them.
There are actually more than a dozen ways toget books free of charge, including textbooks for all levels.
More than 70 percent of schools say their teachers use technology for activities usually done in the classroom.
Source: The Institute of Education Sciences.
