How to Pick Computers for Online Education
Learning has changed drastically in recent months. Parents have had to step in to help educate their kids at home as distance learning becomes the norm in many school districts. Educators have access to a wide variety of tech tools designed to enhance the student academic experience, but reaching kids of all ages depends on placing the right technology in their hands.
- 61% of students agree that digital learning technology was helpful for exam preparation
- 60% of students found that computers in the classroom helped significantly improve their grades [1]
Not only can a computer help streamline classroom activities for teachers, but it’s also crucial for students learning at home.
Even in a conventional classroom setting, 61% of students agree that digital learning technology was helpful for exam preparation and 60% of students found that computers in the classroom helped to significantly improve their grades [2].
Now, being able to join online learning platforms is essential to attending school in many districts across the country and around the world.
With the pressure for seamless online learning mounting, you might be at a loss when it’s time to choose computers for your child’s schooling from home. There are many factors to consider when making your decision, including the age of your children, your academic goals, and the price point of the device.
Computer literacy is an important lesson for students to learn in our increasingly tech-dependent world. With laptops and computers integrated into online classroom learning, students can gain advanced working computer knowledge.
Even for those school districts moving to in-person education, there is a very real possibility of one or more students needing to stay home for days or weeks at a time. Using computers in the classroom opens up the ability to easily transition to home-based learning if needed.
Also, having their own computer at home provides increased research opportunities for inquisitive students excited about exploring new subjects. Computers also allow for flexible learning and teaching methods so educators can customize lessons based on an individual student’s interests.
For students who are a little older, computers empower them with improved assignment and calendar organization with apps like Google Calendar.
Relying on computers instead of paper also means reduced paper waste, which is ultimately better for the planet. Plus, it also means schools and school districts can save on paper expenses. In fact, one school district in Missouri was able to save $20,000 by going nearly paperless. [2]
Choosing the right computer for your home or classroom is key to enhancing any learning space.
What are the top HP laptops for elementary school students?
Students between the ages of 5 and 11 need to focus on word processing, reading fluency, reading comprehension, creative thinking, and collaboration. It’s important to pick out tech that supports growing minds and interests.
The HP All-in-One 20-inch desktop computer
Our elementary computer pick is the HP All-in-One 20-inch desktop computer. This HP All-in-One PC offers a large, interactive display screen, optimized processing power, and an operating system compatible with educational program downloads.
Starting with 4GB of memory, 1TB of HDD storage, and Intel UHD graphics make this an ideal, budget-friendly choice. The simple setup helps students feel less intimidated by the tech they’re learning on so they can become computer masters in no time.
It’s an ideal tool to use for foreign language learning programs, general creative expression, and for students learning to type on a full-sized keyboard. There are also larger typefaces available for reading and math programs.
What are the top HP laptops for middle school students?
Students heading into their early teens focus on essay writing, reading assignments, note-taking, research, and developing critical thinking skills.
The HP Chromebook laptop computer
Our middle school computer pick is the HP Chromebook laptop computer, which offers lightweight portability, long-lasting battery life, and a high-powered Intel Celeron processor. It comes with either an 11-inch or 14-inch screen, so you can weigh portability with screen real estate for your child’s best fit.
HP Chromebooks are known for their user-friendly interface and function with an enhanced Chrome browser. Students can download a wide variety of free apps for learning through the Google Play store. Upgrade to an optional HD IPS touch screen for even more hands-on fun and interactivity.
It’s a great device for middle schoolers who want to learn more about coding. This laptop can also be used to type up Word documents, for calendar creation, and as an introduction to WebQuest lesson formats.
What are the top HP laptops for high school students?
Rounding out their final years in grade school, high school students mature their fact and opinion-based thinking through high-level critical thinking, writing literacy, project ideation, leadership, and defined collaborative skills. This is a crucial time period to develop skills that will be used later in higher education.
The HP Pavilion TG01 gaming desktop computer
Our high school computer pick, the customizable HP Pavilion TG01 gaming desktop computer, is one that is versatile enough to perform well in every teenager’s area of interest. It’s easy to customize it at checkout to meet their exact needs. And while education may be your first priority, your child wants to know that their PC will meet their creative, gaming, or coding requirements.
Add one of our webcam monitors for a seamless educational set up for online video schooling or connect an external webcam to the monitor you already own. Your student will have everything they need for video-conferencing and peer collaboration to get the most out of their studying and learning.
The HP Pavilion gaming series may be rated for video games, but It’s not just for gamers. The powerful components of this desktop mean it has the graphics ability for your budding cinematographer with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or an AMD Radeon RX card.
If you have a beginning coder, the processing power from the Intel i5 or i7 will give them all they need to create that app or build that online world. And with the EPEAT® bronze status, you won’t have to worry about your electric bill skyrocketing from all the at-home school work.
What are the top HP laptops for college students?
Operating with more academic independence, college students home in on their strong suits and begin to actualize how to turn their interests into career paths. Taking on complex theories and encountering intricate data sets, college students are at the peak of their educational careers.
A laptop is often a better choice over a desktop for the majority of college students. A laptop’s portability means they can carry their device to class, coffee shops, and the library to take notes and work on assignments without being tethered to one location. Click here to read our article on the best laptops for college students to help you pick the best one for your student.
The HP Spectre x360 13t laptop
Whether your college classes take place online or in-person, the customizable HP Spectre x360 13-inch touch laptop gives your student the versatility and adaptability to tackle every assignment. With the option for either an Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, they’ll have the power to run programs for any discipline, from graphic design to engineering to coding.
Light at under 3 lbs and slim at just ⅔-inch high, this is an easy device to slip into your student’s backpack. But the 13-inch screen and full-sized, island-style backlit keyboard will give them all the tools they need to comfortably write papers, review notes, and research online, even when working late into the night.
Start with 8GB of memory and 512GB of SSD storage, then customize for the needs of their major up to 16GB of memory and 2TB of SSD storage. And with the x360 hinge, they can use their laptop to present to the class or binge-watch their favorite Netflix shows when schoolwork is finished.
HP computers for home classrooms
If you’re a parent looking for the perfect tech to enhance your child’s online classroom experience, look no further than the HP Store. With options that include touch screen displays for hands-on learning to robust processors to handle intensive computer applications, there’s an HP laptop for every student and education scenario.
Infographic text:
Elementary school
Students between the ages of 5 and 11 focus on:
- Word processing
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration
Our elementary computer pick: HP 20-inch all-in-one desktop computer
HP all-in-one desktop computers offer:
Interactive large display
- Optimal processing power
- Operating system compatibility for educational program downloading
Great for:
- Foreign language learning programs
- Creative expression
- Learning to type on a full-sized keyboard
- Larger typefaces for reading and math programs
Middle school
Students heading into their early teens focus on:
- Essay writing
- Novel reading
- Note-taking and research
- Perceptive thinking
Our middle school computer pick: HP Chromebook 11-inch or 14-inch laptop
HP Chromebooks offer:
- Lightweight portability
- Long-lasting 10-hour battery life
- High-powered AMD or Intel processing
Great for:
- Learning how to code
- Word document processing
- Calendar creation and organization
- Introduction to WebQuest lesson formats
High school
Rounding out their final years in grade school, high school students mature their fact and opinion-based thinking through:
- High-level critical thinking
- Writing literacy
- Project ideation
- Leadership
- Defined collaborative skills
Our high school computer pick: HP Pavilion gaming desktop
HP Pavilion desktop computers offer:
- Powerful CPU to run multiple programs
- Discrete graphics card for enhanced interactive education
- Versatile for school and recreational programs
Great for:
- Interactive group collaboration
- Video-learning software operation
- High-quality resolution for digital design classes
College
Operating with more academic independence, college students home in on their strong suits and begin to actualize how to turn their interests into career paths. Taking on complex theories and encountering intricate data sets, college students are at the peak of their educational careers.
Our college classroom computer pick: HP Spectre x360 13t touch laptop
HP Spectre x360 touch laptops offer:
- Supreme versatility between work and play
- Exceptional Intel Core™ quad-core processing
- Unparalleled customizability for every major
Great for:
- Graphic design and image manipulation programs
- Multi-disciplinary students with varied computing needs
- Big data analysis
- Website creation
Related student computer articles:
Infographic sources:
[1, 2] McGraw-Hill; 2017 Digital Study Trends Survey
[3] Scholastic; Paperless Dream
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