10 Best Tech Tools for Homeschool 2024
Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 tech tools for homeschooling in 2024:
- Google Classroom - Free online hub for organizing lessons and assignments
- Khan Academy - Free courses and exercises across many subjects
- Scratch - MIT's free coding platform for kids
- Duolingo - Gamified language learning app
- Epic! - Digital library app with 40,000+ books and videos
- Zoom - Video conferencing platform for online classes
- Trello - Visual tool for organizing tasks and information
- Code.org - Free coding courses for all ages
- Virtual Field Trips - Alternatives to Google Expeditions
- Schoolio - All-in-one homeschooling platform with customizable curriculum
These tools offer a mix of:
- Free and paid options
- Core subjects and electives
- Self-paced and interactive learning
- Progress tracking for parents
Quick Comparison:
Tool | Main Feature | Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Google Classroom | Assignment management | Free | Organization |
Khan Academy | Video lessons | Free | Math & Science |
Scratch | Block-based coding | Free | Intro to coding |
Duolingo | Language practice | Free/Premium | Language learning |
Epic! | Digital library | Free/Paid | Reading |
Zoom | Video calls | Free/Paid | Online classes |
Trello | Task boards | Free/Paid | Planning |
Code.org | Coding courses | Free | Computer science |
Virtual Field Trips | Immersive experiences | Varies | Exploration |
Schoolio | Full curriculum | Paid | All-in-one solution |
Remember: Balance screen time with hands-on activities. Mix online and offline learning for best results.
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Google Classroom
Google Classroom is changing homeschooling. It's a free online hub for organizing lessons, giving assignments, and tracking grades.
What makes it great?
- Set up classes fast
- No paper needed
- Use it anywhere with internet
- Kids can work together
Here's how it works:
1. Organizing curriculum
Create "classrooms" for each subject:
- Math
- Science
- Literature
- History
Post lessons, resources, and assignments in each.
2. Making assignments
Create different types:
- Quizzes
- Essays
- Video submissions
- Group projects
Set due dates and schedule ahead.
3. Grading and feedback
Grading is easy:
- Comment on work
- Use rubrics
- Track progress
Jessica Waldock, a homeschool mom, says:
"Google Classroom has been a game-changer for us. It's helped my kids become more independent learners, and I can easily see their progress at a glance."
4. Parent involvement
Get email summaries of your kid's work with Guardian Summaries.
5. Works with other tools
Use Google Classroom with:
- Docs
- Sheets
- Slides
- Forms
Create and share content easily.
Want to start? Try this:
Begin with one or two subjects. It'll help you and your kids get used to it without stress.
2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a go-to for homeschoolers wanting free, top-notch education. It's packed with courses and exercises across many subjects.
What's great about it:
- It's 100% free
- Covers math, science, history, economics, and more
- Offers videos and hands-on exercises
- Tracks student progress
- Lets you customize learning paths
Khan Academy's math follows Common Core Standards, but it's not just about numbers.
Using Khan Academy like a pro:
1. Set clear goals for each subject and grade
2. Create a flexible schedule with short learning bursts
3. Use the dashboard to track progress and spot trouble areas
4. Let kids learn at their own pace and link lessons to real life
Got little ones? Khan Academy Kids is perfect for ages 2-7, covering math, English, and creativity.
"Khan Academy changed everything for us. My kids are learning on their own, and I can see how they're doing at a glance." - Jessica Waldock, homeschool mom
Just remember: Khan Academy isn't accredited and doesn't give out diplomas. Use it as part of your bigger homeschool plan.
Pro tip: Start with one or two subjects to ease into the platform.
3. Scratch
Scratch is MIT's free coding platform that's perfect for homeschoolers. It's aimed at 8-16 year olds, but anyone can use it.
What's cool about Scratch? Its block-based interface. Kids drag and drop colorful blocks to make games, animations, and stories. No complex typing needed. This makes tricky coding concepts way easier to get.
Here's how to jump in:
- Go to https://scratch.mit.edu/
- Click "Join Scratch" for a free account
- Hit "Create" to start a new project
Scratch lets kids make all sorts of stuff. Popular projects include:
- Rocket Landing: Guide a rocket to safety
- Candy Collector: Grab candy before time's up
- Flying Space Cat: Take a cat on a space diamond hunt
But Scratch isn't just about coding solo. Kids can share projects, get feedback, and remix others' work. It's like a big creative playground.
Worried about fitting Scratch into your homeschool day? Don't be. There are tons of tutorials and starter projects to help you out. No coding know-how needed.
Scratch teaches more than just coding. It's about problem-solving, thinking logically, and being creative. These skills are gold in any subject.
"Scratch isn't just about learning to code. It's about bringing ideas to life through tech." - Dr. Mitchel Resnick, MIT Media Lab
4. Duolingo
Duolingo makes language learning a game. It's a top choice for homeschoolers in 2024, and it's free.
Here's why Duolingo rocks:
- 30+ languages to choose from
- Quick 5-20 minute lessons
- Kids earn points and climb leaderboards
Getting started? Easy:
- Grab the app
- Make an account
- Pick a language and set goals
Duolingo mixes things up with:
- Listening tasks
- Translations
- Chatbot conversations
- Fun stories
Parents can link accounts to keep tabs on progress.
Feature | Free | Super Duolingo |
---|---|---|
All languages | Yes | Yes |
No ads | No | Yes |
Offline use | No | Yes |
Monthly cost | $0 | $6.99 - $9.99 |
Remember, Duolingo's great, but it's not a full language course. Use it with other tools for best results.
"Duolingo's game-like platform is unique. It offers quick lessons and instant feedback." - Manisha Snoyer, Modulo Co-founder
Homeschool tips:
- Set a daily Duolingo time
- Use it during breaks or trips
- Let siblings compete for extra fun
5. Epic!
Epic! is a digital library app that's a game-changer for homeschoolers. It's packed with over 40,000 books, audiobooks, and educational videos for kids aged 2-12.
What makes Epic! special?
- A HUGE library of quality books from top publishers
- Personalized profiles for up to 4 kids
- Reading progress tracking for parents
- Offline reading for learning on-the-go
Epic! offers two plans:
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Epic Free | $0 | 2 hours of weekly reading |
Epic Unlimited | $7.99/month or $71.99/year | Full access, offline reading, progress tracking |
Getting started is a breeze:
- Download the app
- Create an account
- Set up kid profiles
- Start reading!
Kids love Epic! because it:
- Suggests books they'll like
- Rewards reading achievements
- Tests comprehension with quizzes
For homeschoolers, Epic! is a powerhouse:
- Create topic-based book collections
- Assign reading materials
- Get email updates on your kid's progress
"Epic! has really made my life so much easier as a homeschooling parent educator." - Grass, Author of The Fabulous Scientist
To get the most out of Epic!:
- Set daily reading goals
- Use it during quiet time or before bed
- Explore different genres to expand your kid's interests
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6. Zoom
Zoom's become a homeschooling favorite. It's a solid platform for online classes that lets students connect with teachers and classmates from anywhere.
What Zoom Offers:
- Up to 100 participants
- Screen sharing with audio
- Breakout rooms for group work
- Annotation tools
- In-meeting chat and feedback options
Getting Started:
1. Download Zoom (desktop or Chromebook app)
2. Create an account
3. Test your setup
4. Find a quiet spot for learning
Tips for Better Zoom Classes:
- Use headphones
- Mute when not talking
- Try "Side-by-Side Mode"
- Hide non-video participants
Staying Safe:
Do This | Why It Helps |
---|---|
Use passwords | Keeps unwanted guests out |
Enable waiting rooms | Teacher controls who joins |
Limit screen sharing | Stops disruptions |
Zoom Pro Tips:
- Teachers: "Spotlight" students sharing work
- Students: Learn keyboard shortcuts
- Parents: Ensure good internet and a dedicated learning space
Zoom's accessibility features make it great for different learning needs. It's a tool that can create an engaging online classroom for homeschoolers.
7. Trello
Trello can supercharge your homeschool planning. It's a visual tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to organize your tasks and info.
Here's how Trello can level up your homeschooling:
- Organize subjects with separate boards
- Track daily tasks using cards
- Store resources by attaching links and files
- Team up by sharing boards
A homeschooler shared their Trello setup:
"I use two boards for monthly planning: one for my 3rd grader, one for my 9th grader. Each has reading lists and daily assignments. I save a PDF copy monthly to document plans and attendance."
Trello homeschool hacks:
- Color-code subjects
- Drag and drop to adjust schedules
- Copy assignments between boards for multiple kids
- Create a template board for quick monthly setup
Trello fits any homeschooling style, structured or chill. And you can access it on any device, so you're always in control.
8. Code.org
Code.org is a free platform that brings coding to homeschoolers of all ages. It offers courses from basic to advanced, making it easy for parents to introduce programming to their kids.
Here's what Code.org offers:
- Hour of Code: Quick, fun coding activities in 30+ languages
- CS Fundamentals: K-5 courses starting with basics
- CS Discoveries: Middle and high school courses for apps and websites
- CS Principles: Advanced courses covering JavaScript and HTML
The curriculum mixes online activities with "unplugged" exercises, perfect for balancing screen time. For the little ones, they have:
- Pre-Reader Express Course (ages 5-7)
- Express Course (ages 7-11)
- Sprite Lab for animations and games (ages 7+)
Parents can sign up as teachers to access forums and support. One parent said:
"My son finished 'Super Scratch Programming Adventure' in two days. He needed help with sequencing errors, but it sparked his interest in vocabulary and math concepts."
Code.org's reach is impressive:
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Students reached | Over 70 million |
Countries served | Nearly 200 |
Languages available | 30+ |
For homeschoolers wanting to start coding, Code.org is a structured, free, and accessible option. Its self-paced nature fits well with homeschool schedules, helping students develop problem-solving skills at their own speed.
9. Virtual Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Google Expeditions is gone, but virtual field trips aren't. Here are some top alternatives for homeschoolers:
-
Sites in VR: Explore landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. No extra controllers needed.
-
VR Space: Dive into the solar system with crisp HD graphics.
-
Anatomyou VR: Tour human body systems up close.
-
Civilisations AR: Examine life-sized artifacts with audio guides.
Want more? Check out RobotLAB VR Expeditions 2.0 kits. They offer 700+ virtual field trips and include:
Item | What It Does |
---|---|
VR Headsets | Immerse yourself |
Teacher Tablets | Guide the trips |
Expedition Library | Access 700+ trips |
Router | Use offline |
These virtual trips pack a punch. Just ask Katrina Roman from Bronx Latin School. Her students explored ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tenochtitlan. The result? Kids were hooked.
So, while Google Expeditions is history, virtual field trips are still a game-changer for homeschoolers.
10. Schoolio
Schoolio is a one-stop homeschooling platform that launched in September 2022. It's not just another online learning tool - it's a complete package for families who want to take charge of their kids' education.
Here's what Schoolio offers:
- 8,000+ multimedia lessons
- 100,000+ activities
- Core subjects for all grades
- Tons of electives
But what makes Schoolio special? It's all about personalization. Parents can tweak the curriculum to fit their child's needs, even for neurodivergent learners. And get this: the lessons are bite-sized to keep kids focused and engaged.
Some cool features:
- Custom schedules
- Digital assessments
- Dashboard analytics
- Mix-and-match grade levels
- Vibe CheckTM (tracks how students feel)
Pricing? Simple. $29.99 per student per month, with a 30% discount for each extra kid.
Schoolio's catching on fast. It's now the go-to choice for first-time homeschoolers, with over 7,000 families using it across 11 countries.
Lindsey Casselman, Head of Curriculum and a homeschooling mom, says:
"Finding a one-stop shop that offers robust academic support alongside opportunities for social skills development has always been my dream as a parent."
Want extra help? Schoolio offers Student Success Plans (SSPs) where a teacher creates a personalized plan based on your child's interests and strengths.
Like a mix of online and offline learning? Schoolio's got you covered with both digital and book formats.
Mickey Matthews, a homeschooling parent, loves the customization:
"Just wanted to let you know that both of our kids are doing well with Schoolio. I keep finding features that I really like on this platform. I love that! Being able to edit courses so that my kids can learn in the way that is best for them is an awesome feature!"
Schoolio also has a Future Readiness Library, focusing on practical adult skills. Combined with its interest-based learning approach, it's a solid choice for families looking for a modern, flexible homeschooling solution.
Using These Tools in Your Homeschool
Adding tech to your homeschool can boost learning. But you need to balance screen time with other activities. Here's how:
Set Clear Boundaries
Mix online and offline learning in your daily schedule:
Time | Activity |
---|---|
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Online lesson (Math or Science) |
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Outdoor play |
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Hands-on project |
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Interactive learning |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Lunch and family time |
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Reading or nature walk |
Mix It Up
Use different tools for each subject:
- Math: Khan Academy for lessons, Scratch for coding
- Language: Duolingo for practice
- Reading: Epic! for digital books
- Science: Google Expeditions for virtual field trips
Keep It Short
Limit tech sessions to 30-60 minutes. This helps focus and reduces eye strain.
Track Usage
Use Schoolio's dashboard to check your child's progress and make changes if needed.
Encourage Offline Skills
Balance tech with physical activities, creative projects, and social time.
Be a Role Model
Show good tech habits by managing your own screen time.
Stay Flexible
Change your approach based on what works for your family. One parent using Google Classroom said:
"My daughters have become more independent and confident when taking classes with other teachers in homeschool groups or online programs who use Google Classroom."
Conclusion
Tech has shaken up homeschooling. It's made learning more fun and effective. But it's not about ditching books for iPads. The sweet spot? Blending digital and old-school methods.
Here's why tech in homeschooling rocks:
- Apps that learn with your kid
- A world of info at your fingertips
- Future-proof skills like coding
- Easy progress tracking
But don't go overboard. Set some ground rules for screen time. Mix it up with hands-on stuff and outdoor adventures.
"Take the risk. Try something new. You never really know how effective a tool or approach will be until you try it." - Ryan Greene, MS in Instructional Design and Technology graduate
Start small. Play around with different tools. See what clicks for your family. And keep tweaking as you go.