I was paid a wee bit to write this review, but just like with all things from The WOLFe Pack, what you will find here is an honest opinion from a seasoned homeschool mom with a Master’s Degree in Education and a decade of experience in the classroom…who also happens to be a mom with way too much on her To Do list, too few meals planned and only 8 months left on her homeschool clock.
Please read our Disclosure Policy for details.
MYTEK LAB Online Technology Classes
When MYTEK LAB came on my radar with the opportunity to review a class for them, I was interested right away but was not sure I could get my teenager on board. He has taken several online classes, some of which have left him disappointed or frustrated, that I was not sure he’d be interested. He seems to have developed a very high bar for what sort of classes are worth his time and, honestly, I cannot blame him. There are a lot of useless classes out there in the online space.
But, I knew Information Technology would fit well on his transcript so I took a chance and signed him up without discussing it with him first. This was a pretty big gamble considering the class would run all year long, August through April and it would be LIVE. But, as much as we are trying to give him more autonomy as he enters his last year of High School, he is a very obedient 16-year old, thank God. I knew he would DO the class. I just was not sure he would LEARN from the class, let alone ENJOY the class.
Read on for a full review!
WHO IS MYTEK LAB?
MYTEK LAB is the creation of husband and wife team, Stephen and Jacky Souders. Jacky has a degree in education and over 10 years of experience teaching kids of all ages Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Florida Gulf Coast University and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Kennesaw State University and has worked in the field of information technology since he was 15 years old. With the perfect marriage of skills and passions, Stephen and Jacky are perfectly suited to operating My TEK Lab.
If you want to read more about them, you can find a lot more on their “Who We Are” page.
WHAT IS MYTEK LAB?
According to their site, MYTEK LAB offers a “quality online technology education” with “engaging lessons” and “professional instruction.” The site also claims they offer “fun, live weekly technology classes” including:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology 1 & 2
- Computer Technology 1 & 2
I would agree with everything stated above but would also add that MYTEK LAB is:
- convenient
- priced right
- high-quality
- easy to use
- interesting
- reliable
- the perfect solution for Middle and High School Technology Courses!
WHO SHOULD USE MYTEK LAB?
MYTEK LAB offers courses for kids 8 years old through High School.
Computer Technology is listed as being appropriate for kids 8-12 years old.
Information Technology is for Middle and High School aged kids and Computer Technology builds off of Information Technology.
WHY SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE A COURSE FROM MYTEK LAB?
In today’s world, teaching computer skills for kids is imperative and I suspect most of our kids know how to use technology. However, it would also seem that they should have an understanding of how technology works. Whether they want to go into the tech field or not, having a basic understanding of the internet, programming, applications, and websites should be expected. My son can use any technology you throw at him, but I want him to understand it as well. And, having a live instructor who can answer questions and bring the information to life makes MYTEK LAB a wonderful option.
HOW DOES MYTEK LAB WORK?
The live option includes a weekly class that lasts 50 minutes. Or students can do the Flex Pace and watch the recorded classes at their own pace. Then there is an assignment based on the new material for the class that needs to be submitted before the next class.
WHAT OTHER TIDBITS ARE IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT MYTEK LAB?
- They are highly organized. They send a reminder email 15 minutes before class starts. And, they post the recording of class within a few hours…and they send an email to let you know it has been uploaded.
- Their website is, unsurprisingly, custom-made and stellar. My son equated it to “their own better version of Canvas.”
- It is a live class with real people including teens/pre-teens. So, of course, there will always be the possibility of somebody saying/doing something inappropriate. However, both Jacky and Stephen have very clear expectations of behavior and when one student did say something a wee bit off one time, they handled it immediately and sent an email reminder of expectations.
WHAT COURSES DOES MYTEK LAB OFFER?
I listed them above but will include more details here. You can also find additional details here.
- Computer Technology: In this live and interactive course, students will learn programming fundamentals, many different creative applications, web design tools as well as many general technology concepts. Computer Technology is a comprehensive year long course. This level is designed for elementary school students aged 8-12.
- Information Technology 1: In this live and interactive course, students will learn programming fundamentals, many different creative applications, web design tools as well as many general technology concepts. Information Technology 1 is a comprehensive year long course. This course is designed for Middle School or for High School students with very little technology experience.
- Information Technology 2: This offers a learning progression beyond Information Technology 1. Utilizing similar applications and concepts initially, Information Technology 2 dives into actual coding for each application, as well as a more intermediate look into each area of study. Information Technology 2 can act as a starting point for older or more advanced students and can also act as a great reinforcement to the concepts learned in Information Technology 1 as students will explore each area in more depth, work with actual code (instead of block code), work with several new applications and technologies, and complete many different projects.
- Computer Science 1: Throughout this course, students will gain an exciting look into many areas of technology and Computer Science from networking and Linux to machine learning, database development, and multiplayer game design. This course builds beyond Information Technology 2 and offers many new and exciting areas of learning.
- Computer Science 2: Computer Science 2 dives much deeper into Computer Science topics. Throughout this course, students will gain an exciting look into many areas of Computer Science from Linux to machine learning, SQL and advanced database development, node.js development, data structures, and algorithms. This course builds beyond Computer Science 1 and offers many new and exciting areas of learning.
CAN MY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT EARN CREDIT WITH MYTEK LAB?
YES! According to their site, “Our middle school and high school level classes meet the requirements for Computer Education and Computer Science elective credit. This information is listed in the course description.”
HOW MUCH DOES MYTEK LAB COST?
MYTEK LAB is $59/month for the live option and $199/course for the Flex Pace option. See below for details on how you can save $15/month for the live classes. And you can find more info on the Flex Pace option near the end of the post.
HOW CAN I SAVE $15/MONTH ON LIVE CLASSES FROM MYTEK LAB?
That’s super easy! Just contact Jacky @ jsouders@myteklab.com to grab your discount and save $15 per month!
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MYTEK LAB?
If you would like more information about MYTEK LAB, click the image below. It will take you to their easy-to-navigate site that explains what they offer, and, more importantly why you may want to consider signing up your students for a technology class.
MY TEENAGER’S OPINION OF MYTEK LAB
He has completed four weeks of his MYTEK LAB course and has had zero complaints. And, considering this kid is very picky about his coursework, especially live classes, zero complaints is a huge compliment. Here are some of the ways he has describes his class so far:
- organized
- helpful
- clear
- relevant
- interesting
- not outdated
- not boring
- fun but not babyish
- purposeful
- not a waste of my time
- favorite class of this semester!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON MYTEK LAB
Ever since 2020, the market of online classes, both live and pre-recorded, has exploded. The option to have experts teach our kids in various subjects is an absolute life-saver for many homeschool parents. Truly. I don’t say this lightly; I almost sent my son to public school when I felt he started Middle School math and science. But, thankfully, technology has made it possible for experts all across the globe to share their wealth of knowledge with our students.
However, there are a lot of mediocre and even downright bad options being promoted to homeschool families. We have tried several and only loved a few.
And MYTEK LAB is one of those few. If you have any need or interest in a tech class for your teen/pre-teen, I would definitely suggest MYTEK LAB as an option.
ADDITIONAL INFO ON THE FLEX PACE OPTION FROM MYTEK LAB
Flex Pace is a highly adaptable course alternative designed to cater to students’ varying schedules. This learning approach involves weekly recorded videos and lesson releases, allowing students the convenience to engage with the course content according to their own timelines. Given the rapid and frequent evolution of technology, the potential for outdated material is a concern for learners. However, Flex Pace proactively addresses this issue by continuously updating our content, ensuring that all students have access to the most current material and instructional modules. Recordings will be released each Monday.
By releasing the recordings on a weekly basis, we ensure that students consistently benefit from up-to-date technology education that encompasses the latest advancements. Through the Flex Pace, do not have to follow assignment deadlines, allowing students additional time to work on their assignments. Flex Pace empowers students to pursue their education at their own pace, without needing to participate in a specific live class schedule.
Need more flexibility? You can pick when you start the course! Register today and start when you want to.
MYTEK LAB Online Technology Classes
