LanSchool is award winning, classroom management and monitoring software that has many great features that can be used in any family. Since it was designed for a teacher/student environment, it is especially valuable for home educating families. Originally developed in 1986, it is a tried and true software application.
Listen to what Lanschool has to say about this innovative software:
“Parents today are faced with the challenge and opportunity of using technology in the home. Computers are amazing educational and entertainment tools, but they can also be a huge distraction and danger to kids. LanSchool Home v7.5 allows parents to easily keep track and restrict what happens on the family computers.”
“Teachers today are faced with the challenge and opportunity of using technology to teach. Computers are amazing educational tools, but they can also be a huge distraction to learning. The Internet, instant messaging, email and games are a constant temptation for students.”
“LanSchool v7.5 removes these distractions so you can teach more effectively. No classroom management solution is simpler to install, easier to use or better suited for teaching in a 21st century classroom.”
For full information on all of the properties of this product:
LanSchool Home Product Brochure
We were truly impressed by this product and can see how this would be a tremendous asset in a large classroom with students on computers. But the question is, how valuable is it for the average homeschool environment? To answer that, I’ll tell you a little about the functions we used most frequently:
Test Builder – I enjoy being able to make up a short multiple choice or True/False Test to give them on the fly! (No, we did not study flies.) For instance, after reading Gilgamesh, I logged into LanSchool and greated a short ten question quiz. While generally I would just do this orally, but I think the kids had more fun with it on the computer and I got to keep the results.
Messaging/Chat – I enjoy this feature as an alternative to walking across the house, or yelling for a kid to come see me if I need something!
View mode – I love being able to see what they are working on or what website they are playing on from my office.
Monitoring online history and key strokes – This is the feature I use most frequently. My kids have been on the internet for many years and we trust them…mostly! They have been told and continue to be told frequently the dangers that are out
there. They are good, trust-worthy children. BUT… I like knowing, and it is my job to know, that they follow the rules we have set down. Not only can I see what websites they have been to, but I can see every key stroke they have typed when they are on the internet. Spying, you say? Maybe! But just knowing we can see what they’re saying, is a deterrent to the temptation. If you use this software for no other reason, this function alone makes it worth the price.
Internet Security – to add to the above, you are also able to block websites, apps, and the entire internet if you’d like. We haven’t had the need, but its a secure feeling to know that you can.
There are many other features available with this software that we haven’t had the need to use, so be sure to check out the link above for the LanSchool Home Product Brochure.
Lanschool Home v7.5 can be purchased at the LanSchool website
Price: $99 (License plus 3 yr support)
Product Type: Software
Other Products: Classroom Version
Without any hesitation, I would give this product the full “five-rock” rating. The benefit of internet monitoring and security is the feature that makes it worth the cost for us. However, since it has MANY other features as well, it is much more than just an Internet Security package. If you take the time to read a few different reviews of this product, I’m sure you will find that each family used it in different ways.
To read more reviews on this product, please visit:
Disclaimer: Members of the TOS Homeschool Crew were given this software for free in return for an honest, written review. No other compensation has been received.
Mindful Ramblings 
#1 by Cheryl on October 6, 2010 - 8:28 am
Awesome overview and review! Thanks for sharing! ;-))
#2 by April on October 6, 2010 - 8:53 am
I like the “rock” rating. Neat idea! I thought about the keystroke logger – haven’t had to use that, but, like you, would be willing if I felt the necessity. Good review!
#3 by Catherine on October 6, 2010 - 2:53 pm
Whoops, I posted under the wrong entry. (although I did love the other post, too! Great picture) I also thought this (LanSchool) was a wonderful program, and you did a great review.