11 Must-Have Electronic Tools for Online School and Homeschool Especially For Middle School and High Schoolers

Online Tools For Homeschool For Middle School and High School

Looking to maximize your student’s experience with online school and homeschool? Me too! We are just four midterm tests away from the completion of first semester for my 8th and 9th grade kiddos who participate in online school. Looking back over the last few months, I identified 11 technology must-haves and online tools for homeschool for successfully making it through each week of online school and e-learning.

In addition to a carefully selected curriculum with top-notch teachers, my children have thrived using specific apps, Chrome extensions, or other technology ‘helpers’- online tools for homeschool.

1. Educational Podcasts

My podcast addiction began about 15 months ago when I first discovered a few personal development shows. Over time, my subscription list has exploded and I have found countless educational shows that my kids actually enjoy. I have a weekly series in which I identified specific episodes we listened to each week, or you can simply go into www.listennotes.com and type in a search item of your choice. For example, when my daughter was learning about Harriet Tubman, a quick keyword search revealed a 45-minute podcast reviewing her dramatic and impactful life.

Personally, I use Apple Podcasts to play our shows, but there are several players out there (all free).

Complete List of Podcasts for Teens

Ultimate Guide to Podcasts for Kids

2. Google EVERYTHING…..(Drive, Docs, Google Calendar, Slides, Sheets, Forms)

Truly, I’m not sure how we survived without Google Drive and its components for effective e-learning and it’s an online tool for homeschool I can’t live without. Although my children ‘grew up’ using Microsoft and still use it for some assignments, we have transitioned as much as feasible over to Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets. Why? It’s simply seamless. They have the capability to work on their laptop, then later open their document using the appropriate app on their iPhone and make additions or corrections. In one click, I can open their work on my laptop or app and provide suggestions that they can see immediately.

No more messing with version control, attachments, or hard to read photos of their printed work.

In addition, we have one master Google Calendar for the family and each one of us has their own component with classes, activities, and events that only they can see as necessary. Game changer for sure….oh, I didn’t even mention the fantastic autosave feature- no more losing work! If you need guidance on how to use the Google platform, the Homeschooling with Technology podcast has a few extremely helpful shows on Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms.

3. Grammarly Extension for Google (and also the Grammarly app)

My son really loves Grammarly (it’s FREE). We added it in November and he commented to me about a month later how much it helps him with writing. It provides live, autocorrect and recommendations immediately as he is typing within Google Doc. I think it’s improving his spelling, grammar use, and overall speed in writing and editing. If you need help with installing and activating it, this blog post provides step by step directions for this online tool for homeschool.

4. Quizlet

Tons of flashcard apps are available, and I’m sure each one has its pros and cons. Personally, we prefer Quizlet because of its simplicity and ease of use. We’ve used flashcard sets that are already created and available and my kids have also developed their own. I like it because the kids can access their decks via the laptop or the app on their device.

5. Easybib Extension for Google Drive

Does anyone really like creating a bibliography? Cumbersome and time-consuming, anything to make the process easier is a win in my book! Previously, my kids used www.easybib.com and copied the results into their papers, but now, they can actually do it within Google Drive. An instructional, simple video is available here.

6. Canva (free version)

Honestly, creating eye-catching graphics, posters, flyers, or banners seems like a must-have skill for students in 2020 and beyond. Social media isn’t going away, and chances are, my kids’ future career will require some type of media creation. Canva is so simple and easy to use (and free if you use the basic version). My daughter developed several fliers for her gymnastics team this season, and also developed her own Youtube banner and other key graphics. We love Canva!

7. Stockpile App

I didn’t actually learn about the stock market until I was in my 30s, and I still don’t fully understand a lot of it. I gifted my son $150 to Stockpile for his birthday last spring and let him invest it however he chose. It’s an easy to use app and he has been able to navigate the ups and downs of his chosen stock, and it instigated questions from him (some I knew, some we looked up together).

8. Tiny Scanner Plus App

Last year, my kids had to take pictures individually of each page of their assignments when it was a drawing or worksheet that was handwritten. It was frustrating and time consuming, and often they were turned to the side or all of them wouldn’t upload. TinyScanner app to the rescue- this small investment is used on a weekly basis and ensures all pages get uploaded and turned in.

9. Procreate on iPad

My daughter discovered the Procreate app this year in her Mixed Media course and has tons of fun with it (and creates some pretty amazing art). Costing a one-time fee of $9.99, the Procreate app is worth the investment. She uses the Apple Pencil 1, and generally does a mix of her own artistic creations and editing photos with writing and enhancements. She has discovered several helpful videos on Youtube and just has learned by doing- it is her favorite of the online tools for homeschool.

10. Noteability on iPad

Obviously note-taking is a necessary skill moving forward into high school- this app really makes it easy and costs only $8.99. I’ll give you an example- if your student is given a handout for a Powerpoint presentation, they can download it into the Noteability app and take notes directly on their iPad right on the slides. We found it easy and seamless- plus no more looking for lost copies of paper notes- they are saved right in the iPad. Students can highlight and mark up their notes just like using a traditional notebook.

11. Calm App

No doubt about it- 8th and 9th grade academics and social aspects present a higher level of difficulty and new stressors. I’ve used the Calm app myself, and my kids have started to play around with different features and actually enjoy it. The stories are entertaining, yet soothing- I guess you are never too old for a good, old-fashioned bedtime story. I encourage technology like this to implement excellent sleep habits – not an easy feat!

What are some of your best technology discoveries and online tools for homeschool this semester? Share below in the comments, and help others in their online school journey. Make sure to JOIN our Private Facebook Group to get more tips and tricks related to Online School!

Don’t forget to check out our full list of recommended homeschooling resources!