cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/28283915

The article doesn't make any recommendations, but rather what to look for /avoid.

Who the authors are:

Emma Liptrot; PhD student, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University

Adam Kenneth Dubé; Associate Professor of Learning Sciences, Faculty of Education, McGill University

Relevant sections:

What to ignore

1. User ratings & reviews:

Popular EduApps in Apple’s and Google’s app stores typically have very positive ratings (above four stars). Yet, experts still raise concerns about their quality and expert-approved apps do not necessarily receive the highest star ratings. Written reviews are rarely more informative. Research shows most reviews simply praise apps rather than explaining specific features. [...]

2. Apple or Google rankings

Educators and parents may visit an app store’s “top charts” lists to find EduApps. Yet, how Apple’s and Google’s algorithms determine which apps “top the charts” is unclear. [...]

3. Recommendations from app review websites

Educators and parents might look to external app review websites like Common Sense Media for recommendations. But research shows many of the apps recommended by these websites still need substantial improvement [...]

What to look for

1. Curriculum: What apps teach

At the bare minimum, EduApps must include content that is covered in an established learning program. Yet, many EduApps are what researchers call “educational misfits” because they are only weakly related to education, if at all. Look for apps that clearly state which curriculum their content is based on (for example, a particular provincial curriculum, a supplemental curriculum for learning an Indigenous language) or detail the content (suitable for grades 1–3 math). Don’t bother with an app that doesn’t tell you what it covers.

2. Learning theory: How apps teach

[...] Look for apps that describe how they teach. Choose ones using approaches that align with your needs.

3. Scaffolding: How apps support learning

EduApps should include supports that help children build their understanding and accomplish learning goals. These supports (called scaffolding) can include hints or instructions when children get stuck and breaking down complex tasks into smaller chunks or adapting difficulty to match children’s abilities. [...]

4. Feedback: How apps correct learning

If we want children to learn from their mistakes, feedback is essential. Look for apps that give children informative feedback so they know where they went wrong and why.

5. Educational expertise: Who made the app

Many app developers are not education experts, and their priorities may not align with those of educators and parents. [...]

Water filtration 

https://a.co/d/4c6qJzV

Cost 33$

 replacement filters

 15-25$

Per year 45-85

2 cases of Kroger water x2 month 

3-4$ per case 

156$ per year 

Filtration system needs replacing every 3-6 months. I based it off; Top Maintenance and Quality Drinking water. 

This also reduces trash and plastic waste 

Cons 

May require buying a set of stainless steel cups for sorting and avoiding taste/texture mixing due to my sensory sensitivities

Now secondly 

RGB Bulbs

https://a.co/d/8OnnCio

28$ 4 pack 

I need 4 bulbs

Power Consumption at 10% Brightness:

• Typical power usage at 10% brightness: Approximately 1 watt per bulb (for simplicity).

2. For one bulb running 24/7 at 1 watt:

• Daily consumption: 1 watt × 24 hours = 24 watt-hours or 0.024 kWh.
• Daily cost: 0.024 kWh × $0.12 = $0.0029 (about 0.3 cents).
• Annual cost: $0.0029 × 365 = $1.06.

3. For one bulb running 3 hours per day at 1 watt:

• Daily consumption: 1 watt × 3 hours = 3 watt-hours or 0.003 kWh.
• Daily cost: 0.003 kWh × $0.12 = $0.00036 (about 0.04 cents).
• Annual cost: $0.00036 × 365 = $0.13.

4. For four bulbs at 10% brightness:

• All bulbs running 24/7: $1.06 per bulb × 4 bulbs = $4.24 annually.
• All bulbs running 3 hours per day: $0.13 per bulb × 4 bulbs = $0.52 annually.

If all four bulbs are dimmed to 10% and used as described, the total annual cost would be:

• Four bulbs running 24/7: $4.24
• Four bulbs running 3 hours daily: $0.52
• Total annual cost: $4.76

Edit: I’m getting all of this myself

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19162675

Our 6-year old has been having problems, socially, or so she says. I'm not sure whether to believe it's as severe as she says, because we just threw a birthday party and she was very much the center of attention for the kids that were able to make it, and well, the limitations of her age.

But when she has mentioned it, she gets very emotional and says something to the effect that her friends don't want to play with her; she's made mention of it a few times.

The problem is, as her father, I've been antisocial my entire life, and her mom's not much of a social butterfly, either. And I feel unequipped and powerless in how to guide her.

Any advice for a way forward would be appreciated more than I could ever convey.

Hey all,

I'm looking for some advice on some age appropriate punishments for my four year old when they hit/push/scratch. My older, 8 yearold is easier to pick punishments for, because we can limit or restrict certain things they like to do, but because my four year old is still in a go with the flow phase, it is a bit harder. What ideas do you have?

I'm in the process of developing a concept for a "private" school here in the United States. The goal is to make education highly accessible, with tuition being exceptionally affordable—just a few hundred dollars per year. Additionally, there will be significant financial assistance available, with the possibility of free tuition for those who qualify.

Earnings for Students:

• Grades K-7/8: Students will earn $10 per hour for attending school.
• Grades 8-12 and Beyond: Older students will earn $17 per hour.

Our schedule is designed to balance rigorous education with personal time, offering 3 school days per week, each lasting 9 hours.

Financial Structure:

• Younger Students' Earnings:
• • While younger students (K-7/8) will earn money, they won’t be able to access these funds until they demonstrate a certain level of maturity or reach age 16. This is around the time they might start needing to make significant purchases, like a car. Annual Earnings:
• • $13,000 per year, with opportunities to increase this amount if students choose to attend additional days or participate in special programs. Total Accumulated by Milestones:
  • $103,000 to $116,000 by the time they complete 7th/8th grade.
  • $191,128 to $204,128 by the time they finish 12th grade.
  • $176,256 to $220,320 if they continue their education to a doctoral level.

Spending and Financial Independence:

• Students will have autonomy over how they spend their money, reinforcing financial independence and responsibility.
• For large purchases (especially for those under 18), we encourage a discussion with a school advisor to ensure they are making informed decisions.
• When buying anything for parents or family, we require a consultation with a school advisor to protect the student's financial interests.

There are no restrictions on how students can use their funds:

• They can spend on personal items (e.g., cars, technology, hobbies), educational expenses (e.g., college tuition, courses, travel for study), or even entrepreneurial ventures.

Academic Structure:

• Starting from grade 3, students will be introduced to combat training, including survival skills and etiquette, which are essential for self-defense and personal development.
• After grade 8 or 9, students can diverge into specialized pathways, similar to college tracks, and graduate with a degree.

Classroom Environment:

• Class Sizes: 17 students per room, with 30 rooms and 10 districts in total.
• Teaching Model: Each room will have 17 specialized teachers and one head teacher to ensure personalized and focused instruction.
• Health and Data Collection: We will collect comprehensive health and educational data on each student. Parents will have full access to this data, with transparency on who is viewing the information. However, sensitive information, such as sexual activity (unless a risk is identified), sexual orientation, gender, and religion/culture, will remain private.

Student Wellness and Education:

• Sex Education: Basic sex education will begin in 5th grade, with more detailed instruction in 8th-9th grade. Additional learning opportunities will be available for students interested in areas like medical fields.
• Health Exams: Due to the physical nature of some of our programs, such as combat and martial arts, we will require two separate body exams each year. Parents will have the option to opt in, but ultimately, we encourage students to make their own decisions regarding their participation. If there's a disagreement between the student and the parent, a council will review both perspectives and determine the best course of action.

Technology Integration:

• VR Helmets and Avatars: For interactive remote learning or sick days (which are optional, not required), students can use VR helmets and avatars to stay engaged.
• Augmented Reality (AR): AR will be integrated into daily learning, with noise-cancellation headphones and customizable lighting available to enhance the educational environment.

Feedback from Parents:

I value the input of parents and guardians, as your perspectives are crucial in refining this concept. I'm open to suggestions, concerns, or ideas on how to make this school a place where every child can thrive academically, socially, and personally.