We have 4 children whom my wife homeschools, ages 7 to 13. I guess our 2 year old decided they needed a new computer (they did, 10 year old tower) and destroyed their Windows PC.
Aside from a toddler proof desk solution I am thinking more long-term for a workstation solution. We have a tight budget right now but can supplement over the next year depending on the direction we go.
Immediate Goals:
Mid-term Goals:
In a "perfect world" there would be great 7"-10" Windows Tablets I could afford for each child and they could sync / dock with one of the two monitor/kb/mouse workstations. This way they could use the device for audio books, music, ebooks, etc. for general use and then dock at a workstation for more serious writing, coding, and school work. But I don't think this technology has trickled down quite into my price bracket right now.
My children currently use their PC for the following but as they get older there will be more uses:
Stage 1. Buy a PC/Laptop that meets needs.
Stage 2. Add second PC workstation (will build a desk for such with mounted displays so the desk can double as standard desk work space).
Stage 3. Add DVD/Blu-Ray player and speakers to Monitor (if needed).
Stage 4. Portable devices that sync with their OneDrive files. (I assume this step last as it is the least pressing use and devices will get more powerful / affordable.) Considering ANDROID tablets or dumb-phones as the Android Play Store has a lot of good educational material (like coding aids).
If this route is suggested I am debating a Laptop or Mid-Tower and the best place to purchase such.
Aside from a toddler proof desk solution I am thinking more long-term for a workstation solution. We have a tight budget right now but can supplement over the next year depending on the direction we go.
Immediate Goals:
- 1 work station
- Cloud storage (One Drive)
- Access Control: NSFW filters, access & time management
Mid-term Goals:
- 2 work stations (2x screens, keyboards, mice; DVD & Blu-Ray and Speakers)
- Portable Device to sync with workstation
In a "perfect world" there would be great 7"-10" Windows Tablets I could afford for each child and they could sync / dock with one of the two monitor/kb/mouse workstations. This way they could use the device for audio books, music, ebooks, etc. for general use and then dock at a workstation for more serious writing, coding, and school work. But I don't think this technology has trickled down quite into my price bracket right now.
My children currently use their PC for the following but as they get older there will be more uses:
- Programming: Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Scratch!, Mindstorms
- Educational Material: Code Academy, Khan Academy, StarFall
- Office: Writing (Word), PowerPoint (Syncing audio to PPTs for Church)
- Photography, basic video editing, Webcam and Stop Motion Animation with audio (Audacity)
- Media: Audio Books, DVD Videos (Leap Frog, Planet Earth), light Amazon Prime streaming
- Browsing, Chesskid, and some light Chrome games
Stage 1. Buy a PC/Laptop that meets needs.
Stage 2. Add second PC workstation (will build a desk for such with mounted displays so the desk can double as standard desk work space).
Stage 3. Add DVD/Blu-Ray player and speakers to Monitor (if needed).
Stage 4. Portable devices that sync with their OneDrive files. (I assume this step last as it is the least pressing use and devices will get more powerful / affordable.) Considering ANDROID tablets or dumb-phones as the Android Play Store has a lot of good educational material (like coding aids).
If this route is suggested I am debating a Laptop or Mid-Tower and the best place to purchase such.