Homeschooling with Technology

In today's digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and homeschooling is no exception.

With many homeschool curriculums requiring the use of computers for downloading relevant content, technology has become an indispensable tool for homeschooling parents. However, as with any tool, there is a risk of overreliance and addiction.

In this post, we will discuss homeschooling with technology and how to equip your children to use technology as a tool.

First, it is important to recognize that technology is not inherently good or bad. It is a tool that can be used for good or bad purposes.

In my book, Screens and Teens, I identify five tech lies that can lead to unhealthy technology use.

By recognizing these lies and actively challenging them, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology.

One way to use technology as a tool is by finding educational resources that align with your child's interests and learning style.

With the vast amount of information available online, there are numerous resources that can supplement traditional homeschool curriculums.

For example, if your child enjoys science, there are many online resources, such as virtual labs and interactive simulations, that can enhance their learning. Similarly, if your child is interested in learning a new language, there are many online language-learning platforms that make learning fun and engaging.

Another way to use technology as a tool is by encouraging creativity and innovation.

Homeschooling with technology provides children with numerous opportunities to create and share their ideas with the world.

For example, they can create videos, podcasts, and digital art. By encouraging creativity and innovation, children develop important skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication.

Kids have present value, not just future potential, and allowing them to create in a safe environment will help them long into the future. At Celebrate Kids, we have a 10-year-old who has partnered with us to create a podcast. You can check out Childlike Faith with Ella wherever you listen to podcasts.

It is important to set boundaries
and limits on screen time.

In Screens and Teens, I emphasize the importance of balance and moderation when it comes to technology use. While technology can enhance learning, too much of it can lead to addiction and distract from other important activities, such as exercise, socializing, and reading.

By setting limits on screen time, parents can help their children develop healthy habits and avoid overreliance on technology. How many of you adults resonate with this?

In addition to aligning with interests,
encouraging creativity,
and setting boundaries,
it is important to teach children
to be critical consumers of technology.

In today's digital age, children are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information and media, much of which may not be accurate or reliable. It is important to teach children to evaluate sources of information and to think critically about what they are consuming.

This can be done by teaching them to ask questions, such as: Who created this? What is their agenda? Is this source reliable? By teaching children to think critically, they will be better equipped to navigate the digital world and make informed decisions.

Finally, we must model healthy technology use.

Children learn by example, and if adults are constantly on their phones or computers, children will learn that this is an acceptable behavior. By modeling healthy technology use, parents can teach kids that technology is a tool to be used intentionally and in moderation.

Remember, with no shame or blame for the past, we move forward with new resolve!

I am excited to share more about technology in my keynote talk at the 2023 Homeschool Iowa Conference in June. I can’t wait to hear how you have already started to make positive changes. See you soon!