11 THE LEARNING JOURNEY MERGES ONTO THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY

In This Chapter

The computer: your information superhighway vehicle

Plug in and zone out?

Armchair voyages: Africa and other great trips

Simple starting points

Resources

MOST OF OUR survey respondents report using more technology now in their homeschools than when they began their journeys. Travelers incorporate educational videos into their history and science units, and their children take classes online. More often than you might think, eager teenagers drag their reluctant parents into the twenty-first century with their enthusiasm for interactive computer programs, informative Web sites, and instant e-mail communication.

Over the last ten years, we have seen an explosion of educational software and videos. Many companies have developed titles specifically for home educators. From one company, you can buy an entire kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum on a single CD-ROM. In addition, cable channels like The Learning Channel, Discovery, and The History Channel join traditional broadcast stations like PBS to provide outstanding history, geography, science, and art programming. Most turn around and sell these programs as educational videos, which many libraries now stock.

TEENS TALK

I love using computers. I play games, write, and sometimes make graphics for my Web site. I use the Internet to talk to friends, work on my Web site, and visit other sites for a variety of purposes.

—ELLEN, AGE SEVENTEEN, IN NORTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY

We live in an age of technology so pervasive that we sprinkle everyday conversation with countless computer terms. Dot-com has become a synonym for electronic commerce. Hard drive refers to mental capacity as well as computer disk space. Even the dictionary definition of the word “home” now includes “the starting position of a cursor on a computer monitor.” Of course, you can ignore it all. Homeschoolers still succeed with traditional methods. Nevertheless, videos, software, and the Internet can make your homeschooling job easier. Learning becomes not only fun but also addicting. Whether you use technology for curriculum or for enrichment, you will probably benefit when you include videos and computers in your homeschool.

THE COMPUTER: YOUR INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY VEHICLE

Some families find so many uses for computers that they own two or three. Trina, homeschooling four children ages twelve to nineteen, says they use their computer for writing assignments, SAT practice, e-mail, research, games, and online classes. Ron’s thirteen-year-old daughter drills math, learns keyboarding skills, writes to pen pals, prints calendars, makes organizational lists, and explores the Web—all via computer. Carolyn’s son uses computers away from home, both word-processing and art programs, at his volunteer and paying jobs.

HOW WE DID IT

Principal ways our survey respondents use computers to enhance their homeschooling include:

TIMESAVING APPLICATIONS

Word processors

Drawing programs

Desktop publishing

RESEARCH

Encyclopedias and other software

Internet research

INSTRUCTION

Teaching CDs for math, science, history, and more

Online classes

SOCIALIZATION

E-mail

Chat

RECREATION

Edutainment software

Interactive Internet games

LEARNING COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Building hardware

Programming

Michaela’s fifteen-year-old daughter employs timesaving applications, such as word processing, desktop publishing, and drawing software. Michaela also buys educational software and programs to drill typing and math. It doesn’t stop there. She says her daughter enjoys her online classes and uses chat and e-mail programs to keep in touch with friends far and near.

Success with self-directed learning may be one of the best reasons to incorporate computer technology into your home.

We asked our survey respondents what percentage of learning occurs with the computer, either online or with software. Approximately two-thirds say that up to 20 percent of learning occurs with computers. Just under one-quarter categorize half of their teenagers’ learning as computer-mediated. On the average, families using computers report equal use of the Internet and educational software. A few parents say the Internet too much resembles bad parts of town, and they restrict computer use to software only.

Almost all families find that computers facilitate the homeschooling journey and encourage self-directed learning. Our survey respondents report many examples. Reluctant writers become prolific authors when you offer the word processor as an alternative to pencil and paper. Teenagers tackle difficult subjects like trigonometry and foreign languages with self-instructional software. Homeschoolers also take online high school and college classes.

Technically oriented adolescents teach themselves programming and Web-page design, proving that computers have become the ultimate teach-yourself device. Many computer-literate individuals become competent primarily through trial-and-error and self-instruction. Home educators, of course, appreciate that teaching oneself anything builds confidence. Success with self-directed learning may be one of the best reasons to incorporate computer technology into your home.

Soaring into Educational Cyberspace

Research probably tops the list of reasons for using the World Wide Web and other Internet resources. For any subject of interest, your teenagers can now find nearly unlimited information online. Web surfers talk with Civil War buffs, tour the White House, investigate colleges, research environmental problems, and discover family history—all without having to get dressed.

Web surfers talk with Civil War buffs, tour the White House, investigate colleges, research environmental problems, and discover family history—all without having to get dressed.

With millions of Web pages online, Internet research skills come into play. Just as the inability to use the index of an atlas compromises the usefulness of that reference, the inability to use a search engine puts much of the Internet out of reach. You can learn to surf, to point-and-click, in fifteen minutes (five minutes if you are under ten years of age!). But Internet research skills extend far beyond surfing. Effective researchers employ search engine technology and simultaneously exercise the discipline not to chase after every tangent. They combine these skills with surfing to quickly locate needed information. No one learns all the tricks of searching overnight. If you and your teenagers lack these skills, spend several hours with the tutorials of two to three Web search engines to learn effective techniques.

If you would prefer a gentler introduction to the Internet than surf engines provide, check out home education portals or gateways. These Web sites, maintained by homeschooling publishers and other interested parties, let you bypass search engines. Portal publishers search the Web for you and provide links to interesting and educational content. Typically, they review sites and filter so that they link only to content that meets their criteria for excellence. Both beginners and experienced Internet denizens will want to visit one or two favorite homeschool gateways each month to see what’s new. Check the end-of-the-chapter Resources for a list of homeschooling portals.

TEENS’ FAVORITE WEB SITES

Our survey respondents report a few of their teenagers’ favorite Web sites.

American Girls, http://www.americangirl.com

Ask Jeeves, http://www.askjeeves.com

Atrium Center for Classical Studies, http://web.idirect.com/~atrium

Big Idea, Interactive Adventures and Games, http://www.bigidea.com

Disney, http://disney.go.com

History Channel, http://www.historychannel.com

Martha Stewart, http://www.marthastewart.com

Sonique, an audio player, http://www.sonique.com

Star Wars, http://www.starwars.com

The Teen Homeschooler, http://www.eatbug.com/homeschool

Staying Closer to Home with Software

Some families restrict their teenagers to applications and educational software. Applications software includes word processors, desktop publishing and drawing programs, Photoshop, databases, and spreadsheets. Applications software is the tool that allows you to accomplish a particular project, such as writing a paper. Educational software, in contrast, teaches specific subjects. A subset of educational software, edutainment titles educate and entertain at the same time.

TEENS’ FAVORITE SOFTWARE

Adobe Illustrator

Algeblaster 3

American Girls Premiere 2nd Edition

Carmen Sandiego Series (Where in the World?)

Chess Master 5000 Classic

Creative Writer 2

Deer Hunter II

DK Eyewitness History of the World

Dr. Brain Series

Hasbro Civilization II Series

King’s Quest Series

Learning Company Trail Series (Oregon Trail, Yukon Trail, Amazon Trail)

Logical Journey of the Zoombinis

Oddworld: Abe’s Exodus

Photoshop

Starcraft

Stars Wars Episode I Insiders Guide

Ultimate Civil War

You Don’t Know Jack Series Trivia Games

We discussed learning how to use applications software in chapter 6. Now let’s think about the education and edutainment titles that beckon from the shelves of computer and office-supply stores and the glossy, colorful ads in homeschooling magazines. What is worthwhile? What works?

To answer those questions, bring on the reviewers. Most of the homeschool resource books listed at the end of chapter 10 include software reviews. For more current evaluations, read the national homeschool magazines listed in the chapter 1 Resources, which include educational software reviews. After reading the reviews, carefully peruse the software advertisements in homeschooling magazines as well. Many publishers have developed products specifically for the home education market. Finally, check online. Begin at an excellent Web site titled Learningware Reviews, maintained by homeschooling mother Juline Lambert.

Many families also find excellent software the same way they find good curricula—by word of mouth. Talk to your friends and see what they recommend. In addition, ask questions about various software packages on Internet homeschool discussion boards.

POPULAR EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

Artes Latinae

Music Ace

Stars and Stories

Typing Tutor 99 Platinum Edition

World Book Deluxe

After arming yourself with review information and personal recommendations, you may want to preview software in the vendor hall at home education conferences. Publishers and software developers welcome your questions and comments. And they invite you to take their products for a test drive. My rule of thumb? If I cannot understand and learn to use a piece of software in fifteen minutes at a conference, it is too complicated.

The first piece of software many families purchase is an encyclopedia. Fortunately, most encyclopedia publishers now market software equivalents. CD-ROM versions occupy a fraction of the space of the equivalent hard copy. Most of our survey respondents say that they prefer the World Book Deluxe Encyclopedia. The Homeschooling Today reviewer writes, “Finally—a CD-ROM encyclopedia worth recommending.”

Computer Use and Teenagers

Whether learning with software or the Internet, our survey respondents have mixed feelings about regulating their teenagers’ computer use. Approximately half feel the need to restrict time and access. They cite two problems—addictive behavior that excludes the real world and dangerous Internet sites.

Many families also find excellent software the same way they find good curricula—by word of mouth.

Trina describes how the computer snares her teenagers: “They become so involved in what they are doing they lose track of time.” Leanne writes, “We limit the time they spend on the computer because we don’t think it should be the focus of their day. I prefer that they read for pleasure and get lots of outdoor exercise.” Jeannette also limits time, explaining that computers are hard on the eyes. She adds, “Our children also limit themselves because they prefer their real-world activities.”

Other families find no need to set limits. Candace and Brian, homeschooling two teenagers in Texas, say, “Limitations are natural limitations. They cannot go bowling and use the computer at the same time.”

Carrie agrees, noting that computer use is just one of many activities her teenagers engage in. “None of our three children have been excessive or compulsive with the computer. They go in spurts playing one thing or another and then switch to another game or activity. Like all things, they immerse themselves for a while. When they are saturated, they move on to something else.”

Ron avoids providing games and encourages viewing computers as tools, no different from books and pencils and paper. He comments, “We have not had to limit computer time because neither girl spends a lot of time there. We have no computer games to draw them away from books and such, and we don’t plan to own any. Also, they schedule their own time. I think they see the computer as a tool to do, find, or type something. When they complete their task, other activities beckon.”

Kate explains her mixed view of her son’s hours on the computer. “Since computers are our son’s main area of interest and he takes computer classes, I am not sure that limiting his time makes sense. On the other hand, sometimes he gets into a game-playing mode and I consider, in my worse moments, taking a sledgehammer to the device.”

Certainly, games seem to cause the most problems. I had to remove several from my own machine before I could write this book. If you are concerned about addicting computer use, try deleting mindless games from the desktop. Or use games as motivators. Marla says that she puts fun stuff off limits if traditional schoolwork and chores are not completed.

Carrie sees all the positives: “We are not uncomfortable with our teens using a computer. They will need all the computer skills they can develop because most jobs will require computer utilization. There is a wealth of opportunity for the computer-literate.”

If you are concerned about addicting computer use, try deleting mindless games from the desktop.

Many parents say that dangerous Internet content causes more concern than time. Kay writes, “We don’t limit time; we limit content. We have our son’s computer set up to log all Internet usage, so he knows we are aware of what he does.”

Cruising the Net can be as hazardous as cruising the streets of a large city because the Internet contains everything good or bad that you can find in any town. Many parents say that the trick is to find good content and restrict access to negative influences. Some families achieve this goal by not allowing the Internet into their homes. Others use a combination of strategies to provide access to wholesome education and entertainment.

Filters provide some reassurance. Janice writes, “Our Internet provider uses a filter to eliminate unwelcome sites.” You can buy filters for your machine or get them at the Internet service provider level. Mayberry USA is one provider that advertises safe Internet access. Of course, while filters provide some protection, you want your young adults to be safe in any situation. In conjunction with filter use, Janice says that they have taught their teenagers to be discerning and aware of dangers.

Supervision and parental involvement probably work better than all the filters.

Supervision and parental involvement probably work better than all the filters. Lydia writes, “Our teens are always supervised.” Molly agrees, saying that Web access is an adult-supervised activity in their home. Denise uses a library technique, keeping their computer in a well-traveled area of their house. She adds, “I also trust them to use common sense.”

PLUG IN AND ZONE OUT?

TELEVISION PROVOKES MORE controversy than computer use. Many families who log on first thing each morning will not have a television in their homes. Cheryl explains, “We have never owned a TV, mostly because we would not be self-disciplined enough to turn it off and build relationships within the family. We rent a TV for one week per year during the Thanksgiving holidays. Whatever videos we watch then last us the year.”

The American Experience on PBS, classical music on A&E, and science programs on Discovery bring to life many textbook subjects.

Others avoid broadcast and cable networks and restrict viewing to videotapes. They control content in much the same way as do families who use software but not the Internet. Tess writes, “When our children were in public school, everyone plugged into the tube, zoned out, and fought over the remote controller. So we had the cable service disconnected. We cannot get any reception where we live, so now we rely on videotapes. That gives us control over the content, which is important in a household with a two-year-old. Every week we get new tapes from the library that we incorporate into our program. Sometimes we borrow others from friends or a video rental place.”

Molly agrees with limiting access to television. She writes, “We see about one video per week, but avoid network television. We will watch the ‘Civil War’ series this year. We used travel videos for geography last year.”

MONEY SEVER

Search the Internet using keywords like “free educational videos” or “educational video rentals.” Many companies and some government agencies send free videos on request.

In other homes, television use ranges from casual to serious. Certainly, for those who take the trouble, the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and several cable channels (The Learning Channel, Discovery, A&E, and History) provide outstanding educational content. The American Experience on PBS, classical music on A&E, and science programs on Discovery bring to life many textbook subjects.

Jeannette remarks, “We use TV and videos—movies of classics, news, weather, and popular movies. In addition to entertaining all of us, programs spark interest in history, good literature, and current events in other parts of the world. We discuss how to confront our culture when it conflicts with our faith.”

QUICK & EASY

Use television and video documentaries to refine note-taking skills.

Hal and Ellen in Kalamazoo, Michigan, say, “When PBS has appropriate programming or we find videos pertaining to their studies, we incorporate them into our homeschooling. Our children are very interested in the visual arts and they will pay attention to a video sometimes before they will read a book. The visual presentation also enhances recall. Our teens remember what they see.” Jane agrees, saying, “We use videos as often as I can find quality ones because they break up the reading and make it come alive.”

ARMCHAIR VOYAGES: AFRICA AND OTHER GREAT TRIPS

PROPERLY MANAGED, BROADCAST and cable television programs can enrich almost any area of study. Even better, video presentations turn boring material into fascinating subject matter. Reading about the geography of Africa cannot compare with watching several travelogues and documentaries. And surely Shakespeare would rather have us see his plays than read them.

Let’s look at a sampling of homeschooler’s favorite educational stations.

Public Television

PBS rates high with our survey respondents. Programming enriches almost every high school subject area. Perusing my television schedule this week, I see biographies of Andrew Carnegie and Eleanor Roosevelt; performances of the New York and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras; episodes of Nature on buffaloes, otters, and whales; and classic movies like Adam’s Rib and Arsenic and Old Lace. The PBS companion Web site provides enrichment in the form of teacher resource materials and background documents.

Reading about the geography of Africa cannot compare with watching several travelogues and documentaries. And surely Shakespeare would rather have us see his plays than read them.

Discovery Channel

The program Wild Discovery, among others, brings the natural world into our living rooms with scientific programming on subjects ranging from dragonflies to reptiles to mammals. Other favorite programs include Sci-Trek and Science Mysteries. Home educators whose teenagers prefer a low-key approach to biology and earth science will find a wealth of material here. Spin-off channels like The Learning Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Health, and the Travel Channel can provide or enrich not only science instruction, but also history and geography learning.

A&E

This channel and its spin-offs, The History Channel and the new Biography Channel, complement the Discovery “family.” Where Discovery focuses on the natural world, A&E and its associated channels concentrate on history, literature, and music. Recent programming includes The Crossing (a Revolutionary War episode in the life of George Washington), an accompanying biography of the first president, and a dramatization of the nineteenth-century English classic, Pride and Prejudice. Associated A&E and History Channel Web sites include study guides and other educational enrichment materials.

To get the most out of television programming and videos, watch them with your teenagers and discuss what you see. For history overviews, such as the recent multipart series on the history of New York City, watch programs several times. Discussion helps teens understand cause and effect, and repetition mentally fixes names, places, and dates. If you doubt this, see how much of the dialogue of Star Wars or The Wizard of Oz your children can recall. Always follow up on interesting programming. Investigate interesting topics in more depth, at the library and online at associated Web sites.

Video Instructional Materials

Every national homeschooling magazine I receive has new video instructional materials advertised in each issue. Dozens of publishers have joined the grandfather of instructional videos for homeschoolers, A Beka Books. Instead of learning algebra with a textbook, home educators can now choose one of several video algebra series. The same holds true for other difficult subjects, such as Spanish or government or chemistry. While not the least expensive educational alternative, video instruction does provide a way to cover material with your teen that you do not want to relearn yourself.

Discussion helps teens understand cause and effect, and repetition mentally fixes names, places, and dates. If you doubt this, see how much of the dialogue of Star Wars or The Wizard of Oz your children can recall.

Online resources, software, television programming, and education videos provide both basic instruction and enrichment. In our increasingly technological society, it only makes sense to add some of these tools to your travel kit.

SIMPLE STARTING POINTS

Evaluate the usefulness of television and computers for your situation. Which subjects would you rather not teach? Which areas do your teenagers resist learning by traditional methods?

If you plan to limit computer access, discuss why and how with your teenager.

Soar into cyberspace with your teens. Learn to surf. Begin with areas they find interesting and point-and-click, following links to find good Web sites. Bookmark those worth return visits.

With your teenagers, do the tutorials accompanying at least two search engines listed here in Resources. Practice basic search techniques, focusing first on hobbies or fun, easy school subjects.

Read reviews of educational software. You can find these either in national homeschooling magazines or at online review sites, like Learningware Reviews.

If you decide to use television and videos in your homeschool, begin building a video library. Peruse your TV schedule and make a list of programs to tape.

While not the least expensive educational alternative, video instruction does provide a way to cover material with your teen that you do not want to re-learn yourself.

RESOURCES

Books

Dinsmore, Mark and Wendy. Homeschool Guide to the Internet: Your Roadmap to the Information Superhighway. Holly Hall Publishing, 1997.

Glavac, Marjan. The Busy Educator’s Guide to the World Wide Web. Nima Systems, 1998.

Jones, Steve. The Internet for Educators and Homeschoolers. ETC Publications, 2000.

Winn, Marie. The Plug-In Drug: Television, Children, and the Family. Penguin, 1985.

Web Sites

Keep in mind that Internet addresses (URLs, or Uniform Resource Locators) change. If a URL below leads you to a dead link, try the site title in one of the search engines.