technology is a tool {plus $50 currclick giveaway}

Friends, I can’t wait to tell you all about my new journey. In the meantime, I hope that you are enjoying the special features from so many gifted writers. Today we have the privilege of learning from Leah.

We are in the digital age. We’ve gone from homes having a single computer with one family email account to homes where you now find multiple computers and/or mobile devices.

I’ve found being the parent in this new digital age exciting.  Why? Because it’s given me the opportunity to create guidelines and shape how my children are using all of this new technology.  It has also provided my family access to great tools for learning.  Along the way I’ve been able to teach my kids that computers and mobile devices are powerful tools for work, research, and learning.

Ebooks and Apps for education are a couple of my favorite learning tools.

Why select an eBook over a printed book?

In our home there are many benefits.

1. School on the road is easy.  Our books are stored on one easy to go device.  It means we don’t have to worry about forgetting a book we needed while doing school at grandma’s house.  All our titles are right there.
2. It saves on shelf space and has helped uncluttered our home.  Plus many of the titles were cheaper.
3. My son was excited to read on our eReader, so he would tolerate fiction where he would typically not want to read ANY fiction title at all.
4. You can change the font size.  This is a huge advantage for readers who are reading above their grade level, those with special learning needs etc.
5. You have the ability to look up the definition of a word instantly.  Kids are more likely to do so for words because it’s easy.  They can also do so for words they can’t pronounce. They no long glaze over words they can’t pronounce or don’t understand.
6. It’s easy to take notes right as you read.  This is a great feature for kids as they begin working on book reports or other projects.  And as a homeschool mom it’s a great way to encourage independent study. You have an easy way to follow up checking to see how your student is processing as they read.

Apps for Education are really just a mobile device video games aren’t they?

Like all games, it depends on the game.  There are tons of apps for learning. And you’ll find apps can be useful for all ages.

1. There are great apps for learning.  Who says learning has to be dry and boring!  Many learners respond when they are engaged.  Apps can be especially helpful when a subject is particularly tough for your child.  Maybe you have a child who is struggling with reading or a child who is trying to master their multiplication facts.  Good new, there’s an app for that! Here’s a list of some great free educational apps
2. Apps are especially useful for special needs learners.   Here are 13 Of The Best Special Needs Apps of 2012 from TeachThought.com.  Best of all they are free!
3. Apps can be great for High School students as they work towards preparing for college and/or the workforce. Mashable has a great list of apps for High School Students. If you are an Android user like us, here is a handy list of SAT Prep Apps available in the Google Playstore.

Keeping our kids safe should always be a priority.  But, teaching our kids how to use the internet and the vast resources available to them is important. We can’t be so overwhelmed that we don’t approach the subject openly with them at all. We need to teach our kids computers, iPads, and phones are powerful learning tools.  It’s our responsibility as parents.  And, we’ll learn so much by walking this road with our children.  Join them on the journey into the digital world.  It IS their future.

Currclick has generously offered to giveaway one $50 gift certificate toward any classes or curriculum on their website. To enter, click on the rafflecopter below.
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Hi! I’m Leah Nieman. I’m a wife, homeschool mom and Co-founder of CurrClick.com. My husband and I live with our 2 children in Central, Illinois. We’ve homeschooled since 2001 and have just crossed the “homeschool finish line” with our oldest daughter. I’ve been using eCurriculum and other forms of online educational resources in our home since 2002.  I juggle family life, homeschooling and work while trying to keep it all balanced with the amazing love and support of my family. It’s somewhat of a learning curve and I find it’s always a work in progress.

Kim Sorgius

Kim is just a girl, crazy in love with Jesus. She's a single mother of 4, a passionate homeschooler and life-long student. After teaching 8 years in public school, she traded her M.A. in Early Childhood for sippy cups and homeschool co-ops. Kim is the owner and editor of The Homeschool Village and Not Consumed where she encourages others to rest victoriously in the hands of God, rather than allowing life's difficult circumstances to consume.

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Last updated by Kim Sorgius at February 17, 2013.

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