abcmouse vs khan academy
When it comes to educational resources for young children, there are countless options available in today’s digital age. Two of the most popular and well-known options are ABCmouse and Khan Academy. Both of these programs offer online learning platforms that are designed to engage and educate young learners in a fun and interactive way. However, when it comes to choosing between ABCmouse and Khan Academy, parents and educators may find themselves wondering which one is the better option. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both ABCmouse and Khan Academy, comparing their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for your child’s learning needs.
ABCmouse, owned by Age of Learning, Inc., is an early learning academy that offers a comprehensive online curriculum for children ages 2-8. The program covers a wide range of subjects including reading, math, science, art, and music, and is designed to be both educational and entertaining. The curriculum is aligned with Common Core and state standards, making it a valuable resource for parents who want to ensure their child is meeting educational benchmarks. ABCmouse is available on both desktop and mobile devices, with a monthly subscription fee of $9.95.
On the other hand, Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that offers a free online learning platform for students of all ages. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, computer programming, and more. Khan Academy’s mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere, and it has been used by millions of students and educators around the world. The platform is available on both desktop and mobile devices, and there is no cost to use it.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of both ABCmouse and Khan Academy to see how they compare.
Curriculum and Content
One of the most important aspects of any educational program is the curriculum it offers. In this regard, both ABCmouse and Khan Academy have a lot to offer. ABCmouse’s curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for young children. It covers a wide range of subjects, with over 9,000 learning activities, including games, videos, books, and songs. The curriculum is designed to be interactive and adaptive, adjusting to each child’s individual learning level and pace. It also includes a progress tracking system that allows parents and educators to monitor their child’s progress and identify areas that may need more focus.
Khan Academy’s curriculum, on the other hand, is more comprehensive and covers a wider range of subjects and topics. While it does not have a specific curriculum for younger children, it does offer a dedicated section for early learners that covers basic math and reading skills. The majority of Khan Academy’s content is geared towards older students, with a focus on more advanced subjects such as physics, economics, and computer programming. However, the platform does offer a wide range of educational videos and interactive exercises that can be beneficial for young children as well.
Ease of Use and Navigation
When it comes to ease of use and navigation, both ABCmouse and Khan Academy have their strengths and weaknesses. ABCmouse’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and easy for young children to navigate. The program uses colorful and engaging animations and graphics to keep children interested and motivated. The activities are also organized into different levels and categories, making it easy for children to find what they are looking for.
Khan Academy, on the other hand, has a more traditional user interface that may not be as visually appealing for younger children. However, the platform is well-organized and easy to navigate, with a search bar that allows users to find specific topics or exercises quickly. Khan Academy also offers transcripts and subtitles for its videos, making it accessible for children with hearing impairments or for those who prefer to read along.
Assessment and Feedback
Assessment and feedback are crucial aspects of any educational program. Both ABCmouse and Khan Academy offer different ways to assess a child’s progress and provide feedback. ABCmouse uses a comprehensive progress tracking system that allows parents and educators to see their child’s progress in different subjects and activities. The program also offers reward systems such as tickets and virtual prizes to motivate children to keep learning and completing activities. However, the feedback provided by ABCmouse is limited to the progress tracking system, and there is no direct interaction with instructors or tutors.
Khan Academy, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive assessment and feedback options. The platform includes interactive exercises and quizzes that provide immediate feedback to children, helping them understand their mistakes and improve their understanding. It also offers a community forum where students can interact with each other and with tutors to ask questions and get help with specific exercises or topics. This feature can be particularly beneficial for older students who may need additional help with more advanced subjects.
Cost and Accessibility
When it comes to cost and accessibility, ABCmouse and Khan Academy are quite different. ABCmouse requires a monthly subscription fee of $9.95, which may be a barrier for some families. However, the platform does offer a free one-month trial, which can be beneficial for those who want to try it out before committing to a subscription. ABCmouse is also available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it accessible for children to use at home or on the go.
On the other hand, Khan Academy is entirely free to use, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This can be a significant advantage for families on a tight budget or for educators who want to use the platform in their classrooms. Khan Academy is also available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy for children to access the platform from anywhere.
Instructor Involvement
Another key difference between ABCmouse and Khan Academy is the level of instructor involvement. ABCmouse is a self-paced program that does not involve direct interaction with instructors or tutors. However, the platform does offer a dedicated support team that can be contacted via email or phone for any technical issues or general questions.
Khan Academy, on the other hand, has a more significant emphasis on instructor involvement. While the majority of the content is self-paced, the platform does offer a wide range of videos and tutorials taught by experienced instructors. It also has a community forum where students can interact with instructors and ask questions, providing a more personalized learning experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both ABCmouse and Khan Academy offer valuable educational resources for young learners. ABCmouse is a comprehensive and engaging program that is specifically designed for children ages 2-8. It covers a wide range of subjects and offers a fun and interactive learning experience. However, it does come with a monthly subscription fee and does not involve direct interaction with instructors.
Khan Academy, on the other hand, is a free online learning platform that offers a more comprehensive curriculum for students of all ages. While it may not be as visually appealing for younger children, it offers a wide range of subjects and topics, with a focus on more advanced subjects for older students. It also offers more opportunities for instructor involvement and feedback.
Ultimately, the decision between ABCmouse and Khan Academy will depend on your child’s learning needs and preferences. For younger children who need a more interactive and engaging learning experience, ABCmouse may be the better option. However, for older students who need a more comprehensive and personalized learning experience, Khan Academy may be the way to go. Whichever program you choose, both ABCmouse and Khan Academy have proven to be valuable resources for young learners, helping them develop essential skills and knowledge in a fun and engaging way.
keep phone cool at beach
Summer is here and that means it’s time to hit the beach! The warm sand, cool ocean breeze, and endless sunshine make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. However, while you’re soaking up the sun and enjoying the salty water, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind – your phone. We all know that our phones are integral parts of our lives, but they are also susceptible to heat and water damage. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to keep your phone cool at the beach. In this article, we will discuss the various ways to protect your phone from overheating and water damage while still enjoying a day at the beach.
1. Use a Waterproof Phone Case
The first and most obvious step to keeping your phone cool at the beach is to invest in a waterproof phone case. These cases are designed to keep your phone safe from water splashes and even full immersion in the ocean. Not only do they protect your phone from water damage, but they also have the added benefit of keeping your phone cool. The case acts as an insulator, preventing the sun’s rays from heating up your phone. There are many options available in the market, from basic waterproof pouches to heavy-duty cases with built-in cooling systems. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
2. Keep Your Phone in the Shade
Another simple way to keep your phone cool at the beach is to keep it in the shade. Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your phone, causing it to overheat and possibly damage it. Whenever possible, keep your phone in a shady spot, such as under an umbrella or in a beach bag. If you plan on spending a lot of time at the beach, invest in a beach tent or canopy to provide ample shade for you and your phone.
3. turn off Unused Apps and Features
We all have those apps on our phones that we rarely use, but they are still running in the background , draining our battery and heating up our phone. Before heading to the beach, take a few minutes to go through your apps and close any that you won’t be using. You can also turn off features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services , which also contribute to your phone’s heat. Not only will this keep your phone cool, but it will also help conserve battery life, ensuring that your phone stays charged throughout the day.
4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
In addition to keeping your phone in the shade, it’s also important to avoid direct sunlight. Whether you’re laying out on the beach or taking a dip in the ocean, try to keep your phone out of the direct line of sunlight. If you must have your phone with you, consider using a towel or beach cover-up to block the sun’s rays. This will not only keep your phone cool, but it will also prevent any glare that may make it difficult to see your screen.
5. Use a Cooling Pad or Towel
If you plan on spending a lot of time on your phone at the beach, consider investing in a cooling pad or towel. These products are designed to keep your phone cool by absorbing heat and dissipating it away from your device. Some cooling pads even have built-in fans to provide an extra boost of cool air. Alternatively, you can also use a damp towel to wrap around your phone. The evaporation of the water will help keep your phone cool, but make sure not to get it too wet, as this can cause water damage.
6. Keep Your Phone Out of the Water
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning – keep your phone out of the water! While some phones are advertised as waterproof, this doesn’t mean they can withstand prolonged exposure to water. If you plan on taking your phone with you into the ocean, make sure to use a waterproof case and keep it above water at all times. Even if your phone is water-resistant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it dry.
7. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Aside from the heat of the sun, extreme temperatures can also cause your phone to overheat. If you’re at the beach on a particularly hot day, consider keeping your phone in a cooler or insulated bag. This will help regulate the temperature and prevent your phone from getting too hot. On the other hand, if you’re at the beach on a cooler day, avoid leaving your phone in a cold, damp place, as this can also cause damage.
8. Limit Your Phone Usage
Let’s face it, the beach is meant to be a place to disconnect and relax. Instead of spending the whole day on your phone, put it away and enjoy the beauty of the beach. Not only will this help keep your phone cool, but it will also allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Take a break from social media and emails and just enjoy the moment. Your phone will thank you.
9. Take Breaks
If you do need to use your phone at the beach, make sure to take breaks. Constant usage can cause your phone to heat up, so it’s important to give it some time to cool down. When you’re not using your phone, put it away in a cool, shaded spot and take a walk, swim, or simply relax. This will not only give your phone a break, but it will also give you some much-needed time away from screens.
10. Keep Your Phone Covered
When you’re not using your phone, make sure to keep it covered. This will not only protect it from the sun’s heat but also from any sand or dirt that may get into the ports and cause damage. You can use a small towel or cloth to cover your phone or invest in a phone cover specifically designed for the beach. These covers are made of sand-resistant materials and have a clear window for you to see your screen.
In conclusion, your phone is an important part of your life, but it’s also important to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. By following these tips, you can protect your phone from overheating and water damage while still having a great time at the beach. Remember, the beach is a place to relax and unwind, so don’t let your phone distract you from the beauty around you.