Tools and Apps

This app's use of the camera to capture problems allows students to interact with math visually, and provide detailed explanations for each step of a math problem. Photomath covers a broad variety of math topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculations. It can also be used offline, which means your child can work on math problems even without internet access.

Cons: There is a risk that your child may become overly reliant on the app for solving problems. The app may also struggle with handwriting issues, especially those who did not write clearly. It may not cover every type of math problem too.

Socratic helps your child by providing step-by-step solutions to a variety of mathematical topics. The easy-to-understand explanations and resources help simplify the learning process, which reduces anxiety and confusion for your child. With thorough, step-by-step explanations, your child will also gain a clearer understanding of the methods needed to solve the questions. 

Cons: Your child might become overly reliant on the app for answers instead of trying to solve problems independently. You can verify your child's understanding by having them solve problems on their own in front of you, without using the app.

MindMup operates entirely in the browser, so there's no need to download or install any software. This makes it easily accessible from any device with an internet connection. Users can add nodes, sub-nodes, and branches with just a few clicks. MindMup integrates with Google Drive, allowing users to save and manage their mind maps directly from their Google account. Users can export their mind maps in various formats, including PDF, PNG, and PowerPoint. MindMup is ideal for quickly capturing ideas and organizing thoughts in a visual format. Its simplicity makes it easy to start a new mind map without needing to learn complex features. 

Cons: Compared to some other mind-mapping tools, MindMup offers fewer options for visual customization, such as advanced formatting, themes, or extensive icon libraries. enhanced collaboration tools are restricted to paid plans. 

SAFMEDS is ideal for students who need to build fluency in specific areas, such as rapid recall of facts or concepts. It’s a powerful tool for students preparing for exams that require quick retrieval of information, as it trains the brain to recall answers swiftly and accurately. It emphasizes on speed and accuracy, helping your child to build confidence in their ability to recall information quickly under pressure.

Cons: It may not be as useful for subjects requiring deep understanding or application of concepts. The repetitive nature of the practice may also not appeal to all children.

Knowt is a study app that automatically converts notes into flashcards and quizzes, making it easy for your child to review and test their knowledge. It saves time by instantly creating study materials from existing notes, making it easier for your child to review content and reinforce their learning.

Cons: It will require clean and well-organized notes for optimal quiz generation. It may not be as effective for comprehensive review across different sources.

A news platform, such as Channelnewsasia (CNA) provides current events and educational content in various formats, including videos, articles, and podcasts. Using real-world content can help your child with reading difficulties connect learning to their environment, making it more meaningful and engaging.

Cons: Requires guidance to ensure age-appropriate content, and some may find it challenging to understand without assistance.

Since your child will receive a chromebook as their PLD, using Google Calendar offers a seamless experience to help him/her manage their time. They can easily view their schedules by day, week, or month, with a visual layout that helps them keep track of upcoming tasks and events, minimizing the risk of missing important deadlines. Homework and due dates are also automatically added to their Google Calendar for those using Google Classroom.

Cons: The full feature set might be overwhelming for some students, especially if they have difficulty filtering out less relevant information.

MyStudyLife offers a structured environment where your child can keep track of all academic-related tasks, reducing the cognitive load of remembering deadlines. The app can be used offline, which is beneficial for your child without constant internet access. It also offers a combination of visual schedules and text-based lists, catering to different learning styles.

Cons:  Unlike Google Calendar, it lacks strong collaboration features. If your child "forgets" to input their homework details, the app won't function as intended. 

Timetree is a shared calendar app designed to allow multiple users to manage and view schedules collectively. It allows students, teachers, and parents to share calendars, making it easier to keep everyone on the same page, hence ensuring consistent support across all environments.

Cons: If your child wants to schedule personal tasks but prefers not to use a shared calendar for them, they'll need to find an alternative calendaring app to manage those tasks separately.

Visual Simplicity: Google Keep offers a very visual and straightforward interface. Notes are displayed as tiles (like sticky notes) on a board, which can be color-coded. Tasks can be organized into checklists, with each item visually checked off as it's completed, providing a clear visual cue of progress. 

Cons: While it supports visual organization, Google Keep lacks more advanced features such as detailed task breakdowns or extensive multimedia integration. It is more suited for short-term task management.

OneNote supports a wide range of media, including images, drawings, audio, and video. Your child can visually enhance their notes and tasks by embedding these elements directly into their pages. OneNote has robust drawing tools, allowing your child to draw diagrams, mind maps, or handwritten notes too, making it adaptable to a wide range of needs.

Cons: It might be overwhelming for a child who prefer simplicity or those who need immediate, visually clear task management without navigating through multiple sections.