So Kayden has been using Snapask (a tutoring app available on iOS App Store and Google Playstore) for a week, and I am back to give you all an update. If you are unsure what I am talking about, please check out my previous post here (to link to 1st post). So without further ado, here are my thoughts and observations:
Did Kayden become too dependent on the app?
Snapask is so easy and effective to use that I found myself worrying that Kayden could become over-reliant on it. I do not want Kayden’s first instinct whenever he encounters some difficulties in his homework to be to simply “outsource” the problem by asking. I want Kayden to try and think through the problem by himself first.
I had communicated this expectation with Kayden, and so far, he has shown himself to be responsible and did not “abuse” the Snapask app by anyhow asking questions without thinking through himself first. Depending on your child’s age and maturity, it would be good to set this expectation with him or her right at the start too.
The good thing is that all the questions asked and the whole chat log with the tutors, are recorded in the app and easily accessed under “My learning path tab” (on the app) or “My Questions- History” (on the website). So you can check through the log anytime to make sure that your child is not asking questions flippantly. This log is great for checking your child’s progress too.
Easy for parents to check kid’s progress – all questions and interactions between child and tutor are recorded on the app
As mentioned above, all the questions and chat logs with the tutors are recorded on the app. The interface is easy to use and you can view all the questions asked in chronological order. Besides being useful for parents to check, this feature is also great for students to monitor their progress and to consolidate their learning. My practice is that I will test Kayden randomly on the questions he had asked, to make sure that he really understood them. So far he has passed my tests =). Kudos to the tutors.
Tip: Checking the questions your child has asked is also a handy way to see if there are any specific learning problems or consistently weaker areas where more intervention might be necessary, such as via Snapask’s mini classes.
Snapask helps to lessen the procrastination tendency
When questions pile up, it is human nature to become avoidant and find all sorts of reasons to procrastinate and avoid having to face the mountain of problems. Hence our learning strategy should be to nip problems in the bud. Never let topics and concepts you are unsure about accumulate. With Snapask, which allows questions to be asked anytime and anywhere, learning becomes a lot easier and much more efficient because doubts can be resolved promptly.
Save on commuting and dressing up
One huge practical plus point for me is that Snapask can be used anywhere (although so far we have only used it at home- brownie points to be able to study in comfortable home clothes). This saves me the hassle of having to send and pick up Kayden from tuition classes.
“Snapask is like a magic lamp. Every time I ask a question, I pretend I am summoning a genie to help me. The tutors are the genies. I like using this app. The tutors are patient and do not rush me” – Kayden, Primary 3
Here’s a quick recap of the Snapask app and how to use it:
Three key features of Snapask
1. “Ask a Question” – quickly get a single question clarified and answered (no time limit).
2. “Mini Class” –Discuss and learn complex questions that require more in-depth discussion (30 minutes). To start booking the session you only need to post your question, book your preferred date and time and select the subject. Snapask will then arrange a tutor to conduct the class at the scheduled time. This is especially suitable for open-ended questions like essay writing or if you have many questions to ask about a particular topic/ concept.
3. Learning resources- Besides the two methods of interaction with tutors above, Snapask also provides value-added learning resources in the form of Courses and Practices. Courses are lessons delivered in video format on key topics and concepts, while Practices are quizzes on key concepts for students to check their understanding. These resources will complement students’ self-directed learning journey.
Try Snapask for free
Everyone can ask two questions for free on Snapask. You just need to sign up for an account and then complete your profile. You will then be rewarded with 2 free credits, enough to ask two questions.
Give your child a head-start for 2021
Studying can be tough. We want to make our child’s journey as smooth as possible. Check out Snapask website for their latest promotion.
