Computer for 2nd Grader

[MrsK]

K1 has been getting homework assignments that need to be done via computer. He has a school email address and will get assignments that require logging into websites. He has a kindle but these are not apps and are not easily accessible via kindle. I have an old laptop which is just miserable to use. I have an iPad and I love it. But too pricy for a little kid. I'm afraid to let him touch mine. Also, I need advise on how to supervise his computer use. He already sneaks off to watch t.v. or use the kindle when it's prohibited. He's not much of a rule follower. What should I do?

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[scrub-jay]

Computer for 2nd Grader

There’s a local place that sells office equipment and refurbished computers very inexpensively. It’s likely where I’ll start when looking for a starter computer for dd. She likes coding and wants to practice typing.

[ballibeg]

I'm a big fan of Chromebooks. Do the basics really well and little gaming opportunities.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I can’t believe that. Second graders using computers! This comment is completely unhelpful but wow!


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[Thirteen]

My first grader has nothing but digital homework and has to log into a portal for homework. 😳


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[SoonerTexan]

It isn't "assigned," but N is starting to use mine for a "Spelling City" website the teacher sent out a link for.

Actually, in the age of tablets, it's kind of surprising how hard it is for my kids to use the computer! They need a lot of help at first! However, it doesn't surprise me that it is starting at that age nor does it really bother me, though I know it isn't easy to provide that resource. My whole family shared one computer til I left for college. I cannot imagine how that would be possible now.

I have an almost 5 year old iMac that will become the kids computer in another year or two--I like the idea of it NOT being portable and in a place I can monitor it. I trust N a decent bit...I do not trust #2.

[spotty_dog]

Even in this day and age, it's not appropriate for teachers to make assumptions about computer and internet access at home. It's not universal. That said, we've had (optional) online IXL math and RAZ reading homework since at least first grade.

We have hand-me-down iPads from my family that the kids use. You might be able to get a cheap early generation one on eBay. I agree with ballibeg about Chromebooks, they use those at school and they handle the basics just fine. We also have an 8yo Mac laptop that I bought used on eBay about 5 years ago. The kids watch Youtube and do homework on that one. (We do Youtube instead of TV here since we don't have cable. They're restricted to specific channels and I think I've got comments turned off and ads blocked.)

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I’ll be honest, it bothers me a whole lot. You can’t assume computer and internet access. And with the ubiquity of screens, kids get PLENTY of sunscreen at school in various centers (all my friends kids talk about their iPad time during each Center).

I don’t see a reason why a kid in elementary school needs computer based homework. They will definitely be able to use a computer later. It’s not holding them back to not use a computer at home. I hate this for the kids of this generation.

After school should be play time! Not getting on a computer!

I read an article years ago that many of the Silicon Valley big wigs send their kids to Waldorf schools with NO computers until middle school.


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[OrionGrad]

They started using Chromebooks in J's Pre-K class last year. 😳 I don't think they're using them this year in TK, but his teacher did just recommend some kind of educational website during our parent/teacher conference. Both of our boys are comfortable using the iPad, but we haven't really introduced the computer until now.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Sorry, I realize I’m ranting.


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[spaz]

I'll chime in with everyone else. My daughter ( 10th grade) has a chromebook. I haven't because our Christian school does it for us, but you can set it up for time limits, block sites, etc. I also think it is ridiculous to have computer homework for elementary.

[Ladybug]

It's weird. None of my kids had computer *school* emails until 5th grade. We have an amazing school. Sheet homework until then. One page only.

[SoonerTexan]

I just got a survey from N's school that asked to detail what we own, how we use it, how easy it is for us to do certain things (send emails, collaborate online), and some other relevant stuff. I'm happy they are at least listening!

I feel like I needed to put "I am a former IT Analyst" in there somewhere though!

[peggyfromwastate]

Computer for 2nd Grader

This is funny.

I missed this thread when it came out but about 2 years ago we had the kids lining up to access computers to do assignments. We had at the time my laptop, dhs laptop, and a kid laptop.
People were staying up until 2 am to finish assignments and were wanting to use my laptop. It was terrible- and the local library and school access to computers is very limited.

Now the middle schooler and the 2 high schoolers have their own laptops. I got our youngest a chrome book bc she has all sorts of online learning homework. Microsoft is making the parental controls worse all the time, so it’s a total struggle with the PCs to set limits. I basically am admin on everything and they need my permission to do any downloads and I just hate it. I just hate having to track online stuff, school stuff, reading, phones, etc etc.

All my kids could get by with chromebooks bc they have most assignments through Google Classroom. But it’s nice to have the experience of utter hatred and extreme frustration that only dealing with a PC (specifically HP) can give me. Makes me appreciate my iMac and MacBook all the more.

I won’t waste energy on getting upset about it all- this is definitely the way things will be.

Oh and we didn’t start the “personal laptop” for kids until my dd was in high school in Silicon Valley. Showed up for class and every 11th grader pulled out their iPhone and MacBooks at the start of class to take notes (MacBook) and look up links (iPhone). We were pushed into getting her a laptop at that point. It’s an “eat or get eaten” scenario.

[MrsK]

So, now my Kindergartener came home with instructions for a new app for me to download. A student teacher is using the app to communicate with parents. It had a minute by minute account of his classroom behaviour. Thumbs up at 11:13 for listening. Thumbs down at 12:58 for wiggling during circle time. I consider myself an involved parent but I don't care for that level of information. Kids wiggle. I don't want my phone to ping every time he's corrected in class.

Then, there were instructions for him to download the app on his own devise. On my kindergartner's own devise. He's not getting his own devise until middle school. Am I totally out of line to be irritated by this?

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