Tackling back to school tech support for kids E-learning

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Parents and students will be navigating through this challenging school year.

One way to keep tabs on older students learning from home while parents are at work is the Hoopcam and Hoopcam plus.

“Well this is one of the simplest solutions that I have found so far, these are smart video cameras that let you pop in and see what is going on in their room or study area,” said USA Today Tech Expert, Jennifer Jolly. “Plus they have built in two-way audio, so you can talk with them and there is an assistant built in, so you can set up custom reminders like, ‘hey it’s time to brush your teeth’.”

Jolly suggests home learning aids for preschool and kindergarten age, to limit screen time — like the Speak and Learn puppy from Leapfrog for children ages 1-3, or Versa Tiles interactive workbooks, which is grade specific.

“These are engaging screen free alternatives that really combine the basics of a workbook with the challenge of a puzzle and they can help make learning a lot more tactile and hands on fun,” Jolly said.

A way to manage your child’s screen time or track and monitor internet activity is the Circle Home Plus.

“So the way it works is that parents set their rules for sites, apps and games and then it works across internet connected devices,” Jolly said.

When it comes to school work, Jolly says the youngest student could use an Amazon Fire Tablet then a Chrome Book as the next step up, but older students who need more features may need a laptop, saying,

“Look at something like Lenovo 2-in-1 devices. And then if you do go with those refurbished devices, which I am recommending for the price point and great features, just make sure you get it from a certified apple sales outlet.”

Jolly recommends slickdeals.com for back-to-school bargains.

Learn more about Jennifer at Techish.com.