How do you choose online resources for your children?

I normally get a lot of information from my daughters’ school group or my friends who are moms. I feel that right research is very important as there is a lot of information out there. So its important to get relevant resources from a trusted source. After researching, I choose them on the basis of what my child needs and what is right for her. 

What are your must have resources for parents?

I don’t use too many resources but there a few which I use. Like I watch a lot of TEDx videos on parenting. They are very helpful. Other than that I follow this group called high school mom son Facebook which has a lot of good information related to teens. 

Also, I would like to mention my own education related group called Education buddy which was started with the aim of getting all the relevant information to parents. You can follow it to get some information around education. 

What are the problems you faced during 2020 and elearning?

I think the first challenge was to adapt to the online education for me and kids both. Initially it was surely not easy as it was something new for kids and for us too. Sometimes there were internet issues, or camera or microphone problem. But, all said and done, apart from the technical issues, it was more challenging to keep kids creatively engaged. Online classes have their own challenges and limitations. 

This is for my younger one who is in 9th grade but for elder one who is going to college this year, its been a roller coaster ride for sure. The entrances kept on postponing and till today we are still deciding a right college for her. So, 2020 has been little challenging for sure but we are getting used to it and hopefully it will work out for the best. 

Do mention a few courses or apps online your children use?

My daughter uses Microsoft teams for school classes.

Exam.net for exams answer sheet scanning and uploading.

Zoom for online coaching and extracurricular classes.

Other than these, she likes to Kan academy videos for any doubts she is facing. 

Want to mention one more app which I reviewed recently. We subscribed to The Toppr app recently and my daughter is finding them helpful. 

What do you feel about excessive propaganda advertising when it comes to learning platforms?

As they say, excess of anything is bad. Same goes with advertising and although it is important for any brand to get their word outside, one must be careful that its not becoming a nuisance for customers. 

When it comes to any app or product for parents, bombarding them with information and false promises is also not right. Parents are not fools, they understand what is right for their kids and what not. 

Do you think the value of such platforms match the money spent?

I am sure its value for money for the apps as they are earning lakhs through it but I am not sure if it’s value for money for parents. Sometimes, parents spend lakhs to enroll kids and later realise that kids are not interested. So, I would say first decide what’s right for your child as every child is different. Do not go by what others are doing for their kids. You know your child better than anyone else. So, make a wise decision. 

What about online gaming advertising aimed at kids? Your opinion? Your tips for keeping kids safe online?

I feel its parents’ responsibility to make sure kids are not exposed any such apps/websites which are not right for them. But easier said than done, you cannot control it completely especially now when everything is online. 

I would say, talk to your kids about right and wrong of internet and explain to them what can be the consequences. 

Second, you can use parental control apps in your child’s phone or laptop. 

Thirdly, Fix the timings and for that also there are few apps which let you control for how long a child is on hos/her phone.