A Non-Technical Parents’ Guide to Digital Tools for Kids Online Classes

The post says online schooling changes the experience for students, parents, teachers, and schools, and focuses on the tools that can help kids take part in the new learning setup. It recommends thinking first about the room, the device, and the audio setup before moving on to software and upgrades.

Reading notes

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• Online schooling requires a quick change for families, and the text treats this change as something that involves students, parents, teachers, and schools.
• For classes, the text suggests a separate space or room for the child, with good lighting and light coming from the front or from an angle with sunlight, avoiding direct light on the screen.
• If artificial light is needed, the text recommends an LED lamp.
• Before buying something new, the text recommends testing the device the child already uses and observing the audio and video quality, giving priority to audio.
• If it is necessary to buy new equipment, the text prefers a desktop computer, because it allows easier upgrades, offers better performance, and costs less.
• The text suggests 16 GB of RAM and SSD, with at least 200 GB, and mentions that an older or refurbished Mac Mini can also work.
• For the microphone, the text puts first the microphone with pop filter and stand, then the lavalier, and last the headset.
• For sound, the text says to use the device’s own speaker, if there is one, or a desktop speaker.
• For the camera, the text treats video as less crucial than audio and advises using the integrated webcam on the laptop when the budget is limited.
• The text recommends a basic UPS to protect devices against power failures that could cause data loss or damage.
• Among the basic software, the text includes calendar, task app and password manager.
• The text suggests separating the video call device from the study computer, using a tablet, phone or iPad for classes and another device for schoolwork.