educational software Archives

10 awesome online STEM camps for kids

Let’s talk about online STEM camps for kids! The closure of so many summer camps has been — let’s face it — a huge bummer. But the good news is that the virtualization of camp means families aren’t limited by geography; you have your...

Zoom alternatives for schools: 7 video conferencing options until Zoom fixes…some stuff

by Liz Gumbinner | Best Apps, Internet Safety, Kids

With the news last week that Zoom had some big security concerns to patch up, educators of all kinds started seeking out Zoom alternatives for schools and other kinds of remote learning. Especially after the NYC DOE took the big step of forbidding NYC public schools...

Sponsored Message: An educational gaming system from VTech that turns screen time into learning time

What are the best typing websites for kids to learn to type online? Reader Q+A

by Liz Gumbinner | Educational Apps For Kids

Hi Cool Mom Tech, any suggestions for fun kid-friendly typing apps or websites? – Tiffiny via Twitter How perfect — I’ve just been looking for typing websites myself, to get my own kids to learn how to type online. Especially after the pain of...

Crayola goes high tech with ColorStudio HD

by Cool Mom Staff | Fun Apps for Kids

One of my kids’ favorite things to do with the iPad is draw. Actually, one of their favorite things to do anywhere is draw. So I am always looking for fun coloring apps that can keep the artistry flowing, and that I find easier to justify than video games. And...

Leapfrog Tag Maps help kids make sense of a great big world

by Cool Mom Staff | Educational Apps For Kids

There’s a lot going on in the world these days. Kids are hearing rumblings about so many countries, many of which are new to them. Depending on their ages, there are some good tools to help initiate conversations about friends and foes overseas, like the clever...

WordQ makes writing easier

by Jeana | Helpful Services

As a writer, there are several tools I have at my disposal to create good content–my computer, my AP Style Guide, and my Roget’s Thesaurus. When I recently came across a software solution aimed at helping writers create more eloquent copy, I thought...

Smart Starterz – Language learning in the womb. Yes, the womb.

by Cool Mom Staff | Meta

Having never learned a foreign language myself, I’m determined to make sure my kids are fluent in something other than “whine.” Too bad that doesn’t count towards college credit. So in my search for cool language programs for kids, I was...

3 reasons why I love my iPad

by Cool Mom Staff | Tips and Tricks

When I brought home the first generation iPad, I admit that I actually knew very little about its capabilities. But as a co-founder of a tech site being bombarded day after day with new iPad apps, I knew that I needed to take the plunge for work’s sake. (Ahem.)...

Readeez, now for your mobile viewing pleasure

by Jeana | Entertainment

If you’re not familiar with Readeez, and you have a child who’s starting to read, then you’re in for a treat. This series of adorably-designed videos are paired with songs, poems and written words to help kids associate letters with their...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.