Now that we’re well into the school year, you and your kids are probably coming to terms with the homework load. There’s no app to help your kids carry their books, but there are apps that can help you and your child keep track of all those homework assignments. There are even a few that can lend a hand when your kids need help with math formulas you’ve long forgotten.
MyHomework
iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows 8, Web, Kindle; Free
MyHomework lets you track homework assignments and classes. When you add an assignment or test you can indicate the class, due date (time optional), and priority level (color-coded as low, medium or high). You can set up reminder alerts, which are saved to your calendar. You can then see your homework assignments by your calendar or in a queue by class, priority or type.
Another function allows you to add classes, either by time or by period, so it’s helpful for middle school, high school and college students.
Teachers can sign up to use the app to send students announcements, and hand out syllabi, reading lists and other materials to students who also have the app.
My GradeBook: Student Grades (Also called My Grades and Homework)
iPhone, iPad, Android; $0.99
Maybe you want to track your child’s grades as well? My GradeBook focuses on tracking grades as well as homework assignments. It’s a bit friendlier toward grade-school students.
Start by adding courses, indicating the instructor, term, units or credits, grade style (points-based or weighted) and grade scale. Once you’ve added all your classes, you can add assignments by clicking first on the class, then on the notepad icon. You can assign a due date and time plus notes. Mark the assignment as “submitted” once it’s completed.
When it’s graded, simply add the points earned out of the total and My GradeBook will calculate the overall class grade based on all graded assignments. Then it calculates overall GPA. My GradeBook also syncs to DropBox to backup your data.
Other options to consider for tracking homework include:
iStudiez Pro: iPhone, iPad; $1.99
iHomework: iPhone, iPad; $1.99
Evernote plug-in Everstudent: Android; Free
MATH HELP
So far so good. Now about that math homework? A few apps can help your middle and high school students when your own memory of algebra fails.
Meta Calculator
iPhone, iPad, Android; free
Gone are the days when you could only graph on a clunky Texas Instrument calculator. This app is a graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator. Not only is there an app, you can also use it online.
WolframAlpha
iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle, Nook; $2.99
This app solves equations. Just plug in the problem.
Is this too much homework help? Creator Conrad Wolfram answers that question in his TEDx talk. Basically, it depends on how you’re using it — and how important it is to your child’s teacher that they learn to calculate by hand.
The app can be used to walk students through problems so they more clearly understand equations and the steps needed to solve them. It’s probably more helpful to students in advanced math courses than for 6th graders.
STUDYING
What about when homework includes studying for a test?
StudyBlue
iPhone, Android; free
One helpful tool is StudyBlue. This app allows you to create your own flashcards and use flashcards used by classmates and friends. It optimizes study by tracking which cards have been mastered so students can focus just on what they still need to learn. Cards can be text, images or audio.
And you’re set! Now if only there were an app to make homework more fun.
Adriana Velez