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In today’s fast-paced world, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, ensuring your homeschooled child is digitally literate is as crucial as teaching them the fundamentals of maths or science. However, it can sometimes feel that the balance between keeping children up to date with technology and creating Fortnite zombies is a hard one to strike. Parents are constantly receiving the message that screens are bad for children, social media poisons young minds and that scrolling is killing our attention span. And they’re not wrong. But as parents we also have to be realistic about the world that our children will grow up to live in. It isn’t feasible nor advisable to keep children completely separate from technology. While we all would like to romanticise a childhood playing pooh sticks down by the creek, the reality is children need to understand technology, now more than ever. So if you’re battling your inner demons attempting to strike the ever illusive balance, read on, and let us help guide you through teens and technology.
Why Digital Literacy Matters
In an era defined by information technology, digital literacy is a key skill for academic success, future job prospects, and active participation in society. It equips students with the ability to critically assess the reliability of online sources, understand digital safety, and harness the power of the internet for learning and creativity. By using this framework we can better create boundaries for what is useful computer use and what might be better regulated and controlled. Reading different news outlets, watching Ted Talks and taking part in an online model UN are all amazing ways to use ‘screen-time’ but make it educational.
Now this isn’t to say that other forms of internet use are inherently bad full stop. Staying in contact with friends and family, finding and listening to music and staying up to date with celebrity gossip are fun and safe outlets for young adults, but may not be teaching the skills of digital literacy. A healthy mix of the two, with an adult's guidance, is the aim.
Start with the Basics
Before diving into more complex topics, ensure your child is comfortable with the basics of using digital devices and the internet. This includes understanding how to navigate the web, basic keyboard and mouse skills, and the fundamentals of online safety. Incorporating educational apps and websites that offer interactive learning opportunities in subjects like maths, science, and language arts can make this step both fun and educational.
Also, if your child engages with any online education such as tutoring or an online school like Eton Academy, ensuring that they know how to best use tools such as microsoft or google is always useful. These skills will follow them through their academics and will help them in years to come.
Foster Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
Teach your child to approach online information with a critical mind, questioning the reliability and bias of the sources they encounter. Discuss the importance of cross-referencing information and identifying credible sources. Activities like researching a topic together and evaluating the information you find can be both a bonding experience and a learning opportunity. Allow children to read from a range of (pre-checked) sources just as you would reading paper materials, and encourage questioning. Try not to stunt curiosity or shame a child if they’ve found information that shocks you or you disagree with. Praise them for talking about difficult topics, discuss what their thoughts are and reiterate the importance of staying safe, both physically and mentally, online.
Encourage Creative Use of Technology
Digital literacy isn’t just about consuming information; it’s also about creating it. Encourage your child to use digital tools to express themselves creatively. This could be through writing blogs, creating digital art, coding their own simple games, or producing videos. These activities not only build technical skills but also foster creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling abilities. Websites and tools such as Blender, Chat GPT and (SOMETHING) can be used to grow imagination in ways that we haven’t seen before. Foster their creativity and you may be amazed at the end results.
Make Use of Online Learning Resources
The internet is a treasure trove of educational resources that can enrich your homeschooling curriculum. From virtual museum tours and online courses to educational YouTube channels and podcasts, there’s a wealth of content to supplement your child’s learning. Leveraging these resources can provide your child with a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the subjects they’re studying. From a very early age, educational programming may be all you feel comfortable allowing. You are still teaching your child how to use technology, but in a safe and highly controlled setting. Whatever you feel comfortable with.
Practise Safe and Responsible Digital Citizenship and Stay Informed and Involved
Digital literacy also involves understanding the ethical use of technology and the internet. Teach your child about the importance of protecting their personal information, respecting copyright laws, and the impact of their digital footprint. Discussions about cyberbullying and the importance of kindness and respect online are also crucial.
As digital technologies continue to evolve, staying informed about the latest trends and potential risks is important for homeschooling parents. Participating in online homeschooling communities or forums can provide valuable insights and resources for integrating digital literacy into your curriculum.
Integrating digital literacy into everyday learning doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking it step by step and making use of the myriad resources available online, you can provide your child with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. Remember, the goal is to make learning engaging, relevant, and fun. By embracing the opportunities that technology offers, you can enhance your homeschooling experience and prepare your child for a bright future in the digital age.
Homeschooling in the digital era offers unparalleled opportunities for personalised, interactive, and expansive education. By prioritising digital literacy, you’re not just teaching your child how to use technology; you’re equipping them with the critical thinking skills and creativity needed to navigate and shape the future. Let’s embrace the digital age together, making every learning opportunity an exciting adventure into the vast world of knowledge at our fingertips.