What are the best digital tools to help students with homework and home learning?
Digital Tools to Support Homework and Home Learning
In today’s connected world, homework is no longer confined to pencil, paper, and a kitchen table. Digital tools have transformed home learning, making it more interactive, accessible, and personalized than ever before. But with so many platforms out there, how do families and educators know which tools truly support student learning?
This blog post highlights the most effective, user-friendly digital tools to help students stay organized, deepen understanding, and manage homework more independently across grade levels.
Why Use Digital Tools for Homework?
When used intentionally, digital tools can:
Reinforce class content with multimedia and interactive features
Offer real-time feedback and practice
Support diverse learning needs and styles
Encourage time management and independent study habits
Increase student engagement and motivation
The goal isn’t just to use more tech - it’s to use the right tech for the right reasons.
Categories of Digital Tools That Support Homework
1. Learning Platforms (All Subjects)
These comprehensive tools help students access lessons, complete assignments, and get feedback in one place.
Top Picks:
Google Classroom: Central hub for assignments, links, and teacher feedback. Integrates easily with other Google tools.
Schoology / Canvas / Microsoft Teams for Education: Common LMS options that let teachers post materials and track progress.
Khan Academy: Free, high-quality instruction in math, science, ELA, and more, with built-in quizzes and videos.
Best for: Elementary through high school
2. Study and Organization Tools
Help students track assignments, set goals, and break tasks into manageable steps.
Top Picks:
MyStudyLife or MyHomework App: Schedule tracker and reminder system
Trello or Todoist: Visual task boards for older students to organize study plans
Google Keep / Notion / Evernote: Digital note-taking for organizing ideas and research
Best for: Middle and high school students learning time management
3. Gamified Practice and Review
These tools turn review into fun, low-stakes learning.
Top Picks:
Kahoot!: Game-based quizzes - students can play solo or in groups
Wayground: Self-paced quizzes with immediate feedback
Prodigy (Math): Role-playing game format with embedded math challenges
Blooket: Customizable games for fact review and vocabulary practice
Best for: All grades, especially for building fluency and motivation
4. Reading and Literacy Tools
Digital platforms that support fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development.
Top Picks:
Epic! (K-8): Digital library with thousands of age-appropriate books
Newsela: Real-world articles at different reading levels
CommonLit: Free reading passages with questions, ideal for middle and high school
Flocabulary: Hip-hop videos and activities for vocabulary and ELA concepts
Best for: Elementary through high school
5. Math Practice Tools
Interactive tools for math homework, concept reinforcement, and skill tracking.
Top Picks:
IXL: Adaptive practice with skills aligned to state standards
Desmos: Free graphing calculator and interactive math tools
Photomath / Microsoft Math Solver: Snap a photo of a math problem for guided explanation
DreamBox: K-8 personalized math learning with engaging visuals
Best for: Students needing practice, feedback, or visual math support
6. Writing and Feedback Tools
Help students plan, write, and revise effectively.
Top Picks:
Grammarly (middle/high): Real-time grammar and clarity feedback
Google Docs: Ideal for drafting, sharing, and collaborating
Quill.org: Grammar and writing practice for upper elementary and secondary students
Hemingway Editor: Simplifies sentence structure and improves readability
Best for: Middle and high school writing assignments
7. Support Tools for Diverse Learners
Tools that offer scaffolding and accessibility for students with different needs.
Top Picks:
Read&Write by Texthelp: Text-to-speech, picture dictionaries, and highlighting tools
Speechify / Natural Reader: Converts text to audio for auditory learners
Snap&Read: Universal tools that support text access and simplification
Immersive Reader (built into many Microsoft tools): Assists with decoding and comprehension
Best for: ELLs, students with IEPs, or those who benefit from multisensory instruction
Technology makes homework and home learning more accessible
Tips for Families and Educators Using Digital Tools
For Families:
Create a consistent space and time for digital learning
Monitor screen time but focus more on screen quality
Ask your child to “teach back” what they practiced online
Stay in contact with teachers about recommended platforms
For Educators:
Limit the number of platforms used to avoid overwhelm
Offer quick tutorials or training sessions for tools
Use data from digital tools to guide in-class instruction
Be mindful of students’ access to devices and the Internet
Final Thoughts: Technology Should Support Learning, Not Replace It
Digital tools can make homework and home learning more dynamic, personalized, and efficient, but only when used intentionally. The best tools:
Reinforce classroom learning
Empower students to learn at their own pace
Support skills they can apply in the real world
With the right support, digital homework can shift from routine to relevant, and help students take charge of their own learning journey.
Quick Recap: Best Digital Tools by Category
Need: Learning platforms | Top Tools: Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Canvas
Need: Organization | Top Tools: MyHomework, Trello, Google Keep
Need: Review and practice | Top Tools: Kahoot, Wayground, Prodigy
Need: Writing | Top Tools: Grammarly, Quill.org, Google Docs
Need: Accessibility | Top Tools: Read&Write, Immersive Reader, Speechify
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