Tech, Tips & Tricks
The Best Tech to Learn at Home
Learning from home comes with their fair share of challenges — outdated technology shouldn’t be one of them. Fortunately, you can make sure all the Google meets, Zoom events, homework assignments, group discussions and distanced exams are successful by setting up your living-slash-learning space with the right gadgets, gizmos and school supplies to keep the kids – and yourself – connected.
Of course, computers and tablets and printers (oh my!) can make for an expensive supply list, so we’re here to curate the must-haves and help you save. Shop with Rakuten to find smarter discounts and, of course, earn Cash Back. Here are some devices you might consider as you enter this exciting educational pursuit.
HP Chromebook Laptop
You want an efficient, intuitive laptop for learning and from home, and nothing that’s too complicated or expensive. Look no further than this Chromebook, which features a 14-inch multitouch screen for easy use, and the built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam is an extra-appreciated feature when it’s time to call into class or catch up with friends and family. It lasts 10.75 hours on a single charge, so your student can be nimble when everyone is working or learning from home. Plus, at just under $300, it’s a great deal.
Contixo Kids Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
If your young student will be learning in a noisy house, consider scooping up a pair of noise-canceling headphones. They don’t have to be super fancy wireless earbuds, a simple option like these ones will do these. They amplify sound but feature a built-in volume limiter to protect your child’s delicate ears.
Contixo KB-200 Premium Kids Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
Brookstone Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Set
Typing on a compact keyboard and using a built-in scrolling mouse pad can be challenging for young students who are already struggling to get a grasp on how to use a laptop. A separate wireless keyboard built for precision and an independent mouse can make learning time significantly easier and more productive for them.
Brookstone Wireless Keyboard and Wireless Mouse
Google Nest WiFi Router and Access Point Bundle
You’re going to want fast, reliable WiFi with little and big people working from home. If your internet isn’t cutting it, consider upgrading. The Google Nest WiFi Router comes with one additional access point to provide speedy coverage for a home up to 3,800 square feet. When synched to the Google Home app, it can handle up to 200 connected devices and multiple streaming videos.
Google Nest Wi-Fi Router and 1 Access Point Bundle
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
These days, you can get a standard printer for about $50. Unfortunately, when it comes time to buy the ink cartridges (and it always feels like you are low on some color!), you can end up shelling out significant cash over and over again. If you plan on printing out lots of worksheets, consider investing in this Epson EcoTank printer instead. The supersized ink tanks can be refilled with ink bottles that save you about 90 percent in replacement ink costs. What’s more, each refill lasts about two years.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
If you have little ones at home, consider supplementing their remote learning with the help of educational apps and a tablet made just for them. The kid-friendly frame on this tablet is made for easy grasping, handling and even dropping. You can set up parental controls to allow screen-time limits and even establish educational goals.
Learning from home will be an adventure, but having all the devices (and distance learning tips) you need will make it a lot more manageable. Whether you’re in the market for a laptop, tablet or a printer, you can save big and score Cash Back when you shop with Rakuten. Happy browsing, and good luck parent educators!
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