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Tech Homework Helpers

• Posted by animo on August 9th, 2007 filed in Any Topics, Blogosphere, Cars, Gadgets (Tech), Web 2.0, Web Enterpreneur

Tech Homework Helpers

Sometimes, a little tech help can make homework go faster. Start with the obvious: A good computer. I went with the HP Pavilion Slimline, an excellent, affordable desktop PC. Throw in some other homework helpers to help kids get through the rough patches, and (hopefully) homework will get finished before dinner.

HP Pavilion Slimline s3100Y Series Desktop PC

Powerful, affordable family computing

A desktop computer that packs all the power kids and their families need into a compact, affordable, reliable desktop PC. It’s not a great gaming PC, but this desktop will be used for homework, photos, and messaging only, right

Franklin Children’s Speller & Dictionary

Look it up!

I’m a big fan of looking up words in a dictionary, but if an electronic version will inspire kids to learn how to spell a word or understand another’s meaning, I’m all for it. This one is designed for kids ages 6 and up, and includes spell correction, animations, personalized greetings, and games including “Fun with Spanish” and “Fun with French.”

Leapfrog Fusion FLY

A pen full of knowledge

LeapFrog has powered up its ‘Pentop Computer,’ infusing it with enough knowledge to help middle school students with their homework. This new generation FLY pen allows students to take notes (on special FLY paper) and upload them onto a PC via Microsoft Word or email, while giving kids some grammar and sentence structure help as they write. The pen also helps complete math equations and translate French and Spanish phrases.

Texas Instruments Plus TI-83 Graphing Calculator

Standard issue gear for older students

Students can use this calculator for classes ranging from Algebra and Pre-Calculus to Biology and Physics. The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator can do everything from basic math to advanced regression analysis.

Petzl Zipka Headlamp

For nighttime reading

My family has been repeatedly disappointed by standard reading lights that seem to break soon after we get them. So why not use a light tough enough to use backpacking and reading while camping at home? This $24 LED light works with 3 AAA batteries, has a retractable wire strap, and is lightweight.

Crayola Twistables

Endless color fun

Okay, so this is a really low tech twist on a staple in every school-age kids’ back-to-school backpack. No peeling or sharpening necessary with these Crayola crayons—just twist and keep coloring. A clear plastic barrel keeps them from breaking and makes it easy to see how much color is left. Necessary? No. But this is a wish list, after all.