Tech-savvy tips for back-to-school organizing

When it’s time for the kids to head back to school, they’ll often find themselves buried in binders, folders and enough loose-leaf paper to transcribe “War and Peace.” Your son or daughter might be able to keep these supplies neat and tidy for a couple of days, maybe even a week or two, but eventually, organization is going to fall by the wayside.

Unless, of course, you were to find a way to store it all in a space the size of say, a hard drive. Remember folks, it’s 2014 — technology rules the day. So stop treating back to school like they did last century and take a look at some techno-savvy tips that can keep your kids organized year-round. 

APPly Yourself

A variation on a familiar parental refrain. We’re not talking about effort, however, we’re talking about the power of applications. Sure, when you were in school, you’d write your assignments down in your notebook — but you also walked to school uphill, both ways.

There are plenty of great mobile apps that can help your young student keep their ducks in a row, and the most basic is an iteration of a classic: the to-do list. While your son or daughter might lose that sheet of paper they wrote their assignments on, they won’t be so cavalier about the phone that connects them to their friends and to the world at-large.

Digitize

We’ve established that sheets of paper can disappear, but notebooks and binders can vanish as well. Problem is, to lose one of those, is to lose much more than just a day’s homework. Luckily, it’s a little more difficult to lose a computer.

If you decide to digitize, look for something that’s both portable and durable. Consider HP’s Next Generation PC and Print Portfolio, which has some great choices for students. The HP ENVY x360, for instance, is a convertible PC offering up to a terabyte of storage and a unique hinge that shifts from notebook to tent or tablet mode; it’s powerful enough for work and versatile enough for play (not during class, of course). The HP Split x2 is another option.

A sleek, lightweight model, this 2-in-1 detachable PC enables users to easily switch from notebook to tablet and back, and its fan-less design allows it to run quietly, meaning it won’t disturb the rest of the class.

Before going this route, just be sure to find out whether your local school district allows such devices in the classroom.

Ink and Paper Have a Purpose

While having all your course materials in one place is convenient, most teachers don’t accept assignments sent as email attachments.

A multi-functional printer is a staple in any modern household, so you’ll want to make sure your kids have access to one. Try the HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One printer if you’re in need. It doubles as a copier/scanner and features HP Instant Ink, a monthly service that automatically orders replacement cartridges before your ink runs out, saving you time and up to 50 percent on ink. Plus, it can print from most smartphones and tablets.

Staying organized the old-fashioned way can be cumbersome, so why not use all the technological tools at your disposal? When your son or daughter heads back into the classroom, make sure they’re well-equipped and that they can never use the excuse: “my dog ate my homework.”