This post contains one sponsored link.*
For all the fretting, hand-wringing, and mommy guilt that appears when the topic of "screen time" comes up with parents, more and more homeschool parents are relying upon iPads and computers to fill up hours in the school day.
Is that a good or a bad thing?
Tough call.
If like me you balance work and homeschool with a minimal social support system, then technology can be a real lifesaver, er, job saver. I know in my career, as a writer and consultant, there are some weeks when technology is utilized more than others. High volume technology weeks for our son track with my deadlines and appointments.
I believe that the issue of "is computer/screen time a good or bad thing" is a question with too many variables to warrant a pat answer.
For me, responsible use of technology hinges upon two central questions:
1. Does the technology involve age-appropriate content that moves the child forward in a desirable area?
We have deleted apps and restricted access to website that we feel are inappropriate. For the most part, our kid uses iPad applications that reflect academic or social goals. Oh, sure, we have Angry Birds but the apps that hold his interest the longest tend to have some sort of educational bent to them.
Note that "educational" doesn't have to mean games descended from Frogger but with cutesy language lessons incorporated. In fact, some of the best options bring real world experiences into the virtual world. Take for example the Bookboard subscription service* and Dragon Box. Both are dynamic, modern spins on old-fashioned experiences: reading books and learning the underpinnings of algebra. (These two particular apps are so popular here that I actually keep them, together with MindSnacks, on our lesson plan rotation.)
2. Are parental and child attitudes to technology positive?
If you want to have kids that have responsible attitudes about technology, then you need to start nurturing those attitudes from the moment you allow access. For example, use a timer or schedule to keep track of who has been online for how long. With older kids talk about how it feels physically when one stays on too long. Ask them to compare that sensation to running, swimming, or playing or other outside, physical activities. (That conversation will clue you in to what your kids need more--or less--of.)
Parents, if you work out of the home--and if your job involves heavy computer use, be sure to visibly take breaks--in other words, model healthy usage--in your own routine. Kids don't really grasp that Mom is making money from writing. Much of what we do looks like it could be play to them as well.
Parents: I'd love to hear from you on this topic.
How do you navigate technology use in your homeschool setting?
What mistakes have you made?
What have you learned?
* FCC Disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for Bookboard and receive compensation for referrals to the site through my social media accounts, including this blog. The opinions expressed here are my own.
