Learning Tools for Kids

This is a really huge topic and difficult to deal with when there are so many forms of learning difficulties that children have but here are a few preliminary thoughts and if anyone would like to elaborate on the specific problems then we can narrow down the field a bit.

There are literally hundreds of bits and pieces of software on the Internet that provide technological assistance to teachers and learners at all levels and included in that broad group are some sites that are really just fun sites but that do have a learning outcome.

The trick is to find one or two places where you are comfortable with the structure of the site and/or the software as well as with the community to which the learner (and you) will be exposed.

If the child can manage on the computer then you can help direct their inquiry on the Internet through WebQuests. This requires a little preparation on your part but can be fun - all you have to do is prepare a series of questions based on a particular site and the child has to find the answers. E.g. "How many content capsules are offered on Hub Pages"

This gives shape and direction to working on the Internet while not being too threatening.

Another play site that I have mentioned in another hub is Toondoo which is a cartoon building site. If the child can put thoughts and sentences together they can create fun cartoons from the library of images and clips there. Check it out and see what you think - there is also a 'safe' button to stop your child being exposed to anything deemed offensive.

There is a new programme being promoted at the moment called Raptivity which is mainly designed for teachers and which I have not yet explored in detail myself, but have a look at the site and see if there is anything there that you think might be useful to you.

Another site that is used in a number of schools is one called Kahootz which is also fun while meant to be a learning and teaching tool.

If your child can talk but not write well then consider looking at Podomatic (which is like a voice You Tube) or Voki where it is voice oriented rather than written so they can record their ideas and messages.

Also along this line is my own specialisation, digital story telling, this is where your child can take a few still photos and then add a voice commentary to them and make a movie. You may need to help them get started but it is a lot of fun and very rewarding as there is no wrong outcome from this.

I have put links behind each of the above for you to have a look at, there are lots and lots more but if this sparks an interest or is of value I am happy to scratch my head further and offer more suggestions.

Please do let me know what the learning difficulties are then we can work out something even more specific.