Homeschooling with Technology: How to Use It Wisely

1 December 2024

Homeschooling has seen a massive rise in popularity over the past few years, and technology has played a crucial role in making it more accessible and effective. It’s no secret that the internet offers a seemingly endless trove of learning resources and tools. But, as homeschooling parents, how can we ensure we’re using technology wisely? Like any tool, it can either enhance your homeschooling experience or turn into a distraction.

I’m sure you’ve been there: one minute, your child is watching an educational video, and the next, they’re lost in the labyrinth of unrelated YouTube videos. It’s a fine line to walk, but with the right mindset and strategies, technology can become your homeschooling MVP (Most Valuable Player). Let’s dive into how to harness the power of tech, while keeping its potential pitfalls at bay.

Why Use Technology in Homeschooling?

Before we move on to best practices, it’s important to understand why technology is such a game-changer in homeschooling.

Endless Resources at Your Fingertips

When it comes to homeschooling, technology opens up a world of possibilities. Gone are the days when you had to rely solely on textbooks (and let’s be honest, textbooks can get pretty dry). With a few clicks, you have access to virtual libraries, interactive apps, online courses, videos, and even VR experiences. The variety of materials ensures that you can find something to match your child’s learning style—be it visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

Flexibility and Customization

One of the biggest benefits of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to fit your child’s needs. Technology takes that personalization and puts it on steroids. Whether your child is a math whiz who needs extra challenges or someone who needs extra time to grasp certain concepts, online resources allow them to learn at their own pace.

You can easily switch between subjects, adjust the difficulty level of lessons, or dig deep into a topic they’re passionate about—all within the confines of your own home. It's like having an infinite library right at your fingertips.

Preparing Kids for the Future

Let’s face it, technology isn’t going anywhere. In fact—love it or hate it—it’s the future. By incorporating digital tools into homeschooling, you’re not just teaching subjects like math and history; you’re also helping your child develop critical 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

That said, not all tech is created equal, and it's important to be intentional about how you use it.

Incorporating Technology: Finding the Balance

Just because you can use technology doesn’t mean you should use it all the time. Finding a balance between screen time and other learning methods is important for your child’s well-being.

Set Rules for Screen Time

Like I said, it’s easy for a child (or even an adult, let’s be real) to get sidetracked by technology. Suddenly, productive learning time can transform into hours of mindless browsing. To avoid this, consider setting some ground rules for screen time. This doesn’t need to be a prison sentence—just clear, structured guidelines.

For example, you could designate specific times of the day for using the tablet or computer for school tasks and limit recreational screen time. Another good strategy is the “screen-time sandwich”: start the learning day with offline activities such as reading, then transition to online tasks, and end the day with non-tech activities like art, crafts, or physical exercise.

Tip: Use apps or device settings to implement time limits automatically. Apps like Freedom or Google’s Family Link can make managing screen time easier.

Mix It Up

Make sure technology doesn’t dominate your homeschooling day. Mix digital learning with hands-on activities. For instance, if your child is learning about ancient Egypt, they can watch a video on pyramids (technology) but follow it up with a DIY project to build their own mini pyramid using Lego bricks or clay (hands-on).

This not only reduces monotony for your child but also reinforces learning in multiple ways. Remember, the brain retains information better when it receives it through different methods.

Keep an Eye on Content

Kids are naturally curious. Once they have a device in front of them, they’ll inevitably want to explore. As much as we want to encourage curiosity, the internet can be a double-edged sword. You don’t want your child wandering into corners of the web you didn’t plan for.

Make sure the apps, websites, and platforms your child is using are appropriate and education-focused. Use parental controls to lock certain apps or websites if necessary, and have regular discussions with your child about safe and responsible internet use.

Must-Have Tools for Homeschooling with Technology

So, what are the best tools to have in your homeschooling toolkit? Here are some that can enhance your child’s learning experience without overwhelming them (or you).

Educational Apps

There’s an app for literally everything—from math drills to learning to play the piano. And the best part is that many of these apps turn learning into a game, making education fun and interactive.

- Khan Academy: A classic go-to for subjects like math, science, and history. Their videos aren’t just informative—they’re easy to follow and engaging.
- Duolingo: Teaching a foreign language? This app turns language learning into a game, making it perfect for kids who might otherwise find language lessons repetitive.
- Scratch: For kids interested in coding, Scratch is a beginner-friendly platform that teaches the basics of programming through interactive play.

E-Books & Audiobooks

Not every child is a fan of reading physical books, but digital books and audiobooks can often bridge the gap. Using tools like Kindle or Audible allows you to bring stories to life in a different medium. Plus, you can keep an entire library on one device, which is a huge space-saver in any homeschool setup.

Virtual Tours & Field Trips

You may not always have the opportunity to take a physical field trip, but virtual tours are the next best thing. Museums, zoos, and even space stations offer virtual tours that allow your child to explore new places from the comfort of home.

- Google Arts & Culture: This offers virtual access to some of the most famous museums around the world, including the British Museum and the Louvre.
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Take a 360-degree tour through its exhibits right from your living room.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

An LMS can help you organize academic content, track progress, and keep assignments in one place. There are free options like Google Classroom or paid versions like Seesaw and Canvas. These tools provide a structure that can help both parents and kids stay on top of homeschooling lessons.

Avoiding the “Tech Trap”

Technology is fantastic—until it isn’t. So how do you avoid falling prey to the tech trap, where devices become more of a hindrance than a help?

Avoid Over-reliance

It’s tempting to let technology do all the heavy lifting, especially when certain apps and platforms offer attractive, all-in-one solutions. However, relying too heavily on tech can have its downsides. Just because your child is watching an educational video doesn’t mean they're fully absorbing the information, especially if they're passively watching.

Balance tech-based lessons with active discussions, worksheets, or even storytelling. Go beyond the screen by engaging in conversations about what your child has learned and applying those lessons to real-world examples.

Encourage Problem-Solving Without Google

We all love Google, but there’s something to be said for allowing your child to struggle a little and figure things out without immediately turning to a search engine. Encourage your child to think critically, reason through a problem, or look for solutions in books, nature, or hands-on experimentation before relying on tech for the answer.

This kind of critical thinking can sometimes feel slower, but it builds cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities that they will need in life.

Practice Digital Detox

Because homeschooling already involves a lot of screen time, practicing “digital detoxes” is essential to avoiding burnout and screen fatigue. Incorporate screen-free days or hours where you and your child step away from the devices and engage in outdoor activities, exercise, or creative play.

Wrapping Up: Tech Is a Tool, Not a Teacher

At the end of the day, technology should be a tool in your homeschooling toolbox, not the teacher itself. It can open doors and provide incredible learning opportunities, but it should never replace real-world experiences, hands-on activities, and, most importantly, your involvement in the learning process.

You’ll need to find what works best for you and your child, and that might mean some trial and error. Use technology wisely, and it can be a fantastic ally in your homeschooling journey—but never forget that the best lessons often happen beyond the screen.