Tech Connection
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Set for success
Costco tech items can help you equip your child for higher education
by CHRISTINE PERSAUD
Even though it feels like summer just began, it’s already time to start thinking about back to school. If you will be sending your child off to college or university, arming them with the right tech tools will help set them up for success.
The powerhouse
A laptop is a key piece of gear. It should have a sizable high-definition screen while being lightweight and easy to carry all day. A two-in-one touch-screen model that flips into tablet mode for taking notes may be useful. The computer should have at least 8GB of RAM for multi-tasking, and at least 128GB of storage for files, apps, software and more. All-day battery life is important, too. A good set of wireless noise-cancelling headphones can make focusing while studying much easier for many students.
Don’t ignore hard copies
An all-in-one printer that can copy and scan can be useful for reviewing hard-copy reports, having printed backups, making handouts and even sharing scanned handwritten notes for group projects. The best option is a refillable ink printer that comes with an up to two-year supply of ink.
Speaker of the house
Making it to class on time can be a struggle, especially for snooze button lovers. A smart speaker can double as a high-tech alarm clock. It can also be set with reminders of class schedules, assignment deadlines and extracurricular plans. It can even help with research through voice-activated queries.
Smart wearables
Add a fitness tracker or smartwatch to your student’s tool kit and they can keep on top of schedules right from their wrist, and also monitor their health and wellness stats, like stress levels, heart rate and sleep. Many wearables offer mindfulness and breathing exercises, too, which can be useful to students who manage heavy workloads.
A way to unwind
Everyone needs downtime, even students. With a small TV and a streaming stick (and an appropriate service subscription), your student can watch TV shows, movies, sporting events and more when they need to unwind.
Properly equipping your student is a key step to setting them up for success.
Many ways to learn
Just as hybrid work schedules have become more common in the workplace, university students can benefit from digital learning, whether that means accessing some course materials online or signing up for full-on digital courses. In 2016, 81% of col lege students said digital learning technology helped improve their grades, according to Statista.
Face-to-face instruction is important, but kids also need the right tools to facilitate learning from any where and to encourage a healthy school-life balance that makes room for downtime.—CP
JOHN THOMSON
Christine Persaud is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Her work has appeared in Digital Trends, Reviewed-USA Today, XDA, Android Central and at Wifihifi.com.
Costco Connection: You’ll find a selection of computers, tablets, smart speakers, mobile phones, wearables, televisions and a host of other school-related supplies in your local Costco warehouse and at Costco.ca.