How to introduce technology to the homechool classroom.
My kids love video games and computers. I have to admit that I love them to. The fact that we have video games in the house is because I love to play them. I also love to play on the computer - researching, discovering, exploring.
Technology is a good thing. So much of our modern life relies on or is supported by technology. Including tech education in our homeschooling life is a wise plan. Particularly if you have a child that is already fascinated with keyboards and monitors and stuff like that!
The problem becomes how to bring technology education to our home classroom. What is the best way to teach our children something chaanges constantly, and may be something we never learned ourselves?
Two great sites bring fun options in bringing tech ed into the home.
Phyllis Wheeler, the Computer Lady from Motherboard Books , offers a computer course just for the homeschooling family. Computer Science Pure and Simple is recommended for grades 5 and up. Logo Adventures is for kids ages 8-12. Wheeler, a homeschooling veteran, knows just what to offer the homeschooling family to keep up and keep ahead. Basic programming, keyboarding, word processing and more, all at a level that kids can understand. You can purchase the curriculum as a package, or buy the pieces separately.
Another option is a program called Scratch. Developed by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch offers kids an easy way to understand and play with computer programming. Using programming that resembles building blocks that kids "snap" together, this program is fun and gives kids the satisfaction of creating cool games and programs. While recommended for ages 8 and up, our 7 and 5-year-olds have had no trouble creating several cool programs.
Sratch is easy enough that kids can see results right off, giving them an immediate reward that encourages further exploration. However, Scratch also has enough depth that our family has clearly only "scratched" the surface! Thewebsite offers a place for kids to showcase their creations, giving everyone who looks a good idea of what the program in capable of. And the truly best part - it is FREE!
