Tablets, laptops and desktop computers are being used, but if you need a device and don’t qualify for government provided laptops, deciding on which device your child needs and then finding one at a reasonable price point can be overwhelming. Here we look at some affordable options to help your child access e-learning for less!
One of the most affordable ways to participate in e-learning is by opting for a Chromebook. These budget friendly laptops are ideal for browsing and running simple apps, they are also straightforward to use and set-up, perfect for parents who struggle with tech and more modern operating systems. More importantly you can use Zoom and Microsoft Teams with the devices.
The computing demands for home schooling are quite basic, involving browsing the web, working on documents online and streaming videos, the Chromebook is a great and very affordable traditional laptop alternative.
To save yourself some cash, purchasing a refurbished laptop is another great option. Refurbished laptops work just like new but may have slight cosmetic damage. Online retailers like Amazon Renewed and Ebay are great for getting your hands on more budget friendly options. Most online retailers also offer warranties, so you can shop safe knowing you’re covered in case something goes wrong. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask about warranty timeframes before parting with your cash!
Budget laptops have previously had a reputation for being slow and fragile machines, but now with so much choice on the market, manufacturers have upped their production game when it comes to cheaper devices.
Buying a device for home learning need not cost the earth if you know what to look out for. We recommend opting for machines with a long-lasting battery life and a solid-state drive (SSD) for best performance.
Some of our favourites include:
ASUS E210 11.6in Celeron 4GB 64GB Cloudbook
Lenovo IdeaPad S340 15.6in Ryzen3 4GB 128GB FHD Laptop
The Department for Education is offering devices and broadband to disadvantaged children who may be struggling to get online. Read more here about the help that is available to access remote learning.
Don’t forget to check which devices you already have. Internet connected consoles (Xbox and PS4) can also help kids access e-learning platforms using the console browser by connecting a keyboard and mouse, something many people forget!
On the Xbox, access Microsoft’s Edge browser from “My games and apps” and you’re able to browse the net to sign into online platforms. On the PS4 home screen, open the library then click applications. From there select the “www” sign, and you’re able to sign in on learning platforms as you would on a desktop browser.
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