How to find Balance with Technology in your Homeschool, With Angie Ferrell

Please, no matter how we advance technologically, please don’t abandon the book. There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the book.” ― Patti Smith

Tech is here to stay, and it is such a useful tool! But it can also be difficult to balance tech usage with other academic options. Listen in as True North Homeschool Academy Teacher, Angie Ferrell chats with TNHA Director, Lisa Nehring about finding balance between amazing technology and solid academic pedagogy and tools!

We talk about the SAMR Hierarchy of online learning (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Reimaging) and how important the usage of this hierarchy is when evaluating online classes and learning. Not all e-learning is created equal, as the world discovered in 2020!

It’s also important to understand Tech Stacking and giving our kids actual technological tools to use. For example, Angie always has her class watch “Death by Powerpoint” before any presentations are due How to avoid death By PowerPoint | David JP Phillips | TEDxStockholmSalon – YouTube

Angie’s recommendations for Tech Balance in your homeschool is

Make sure your kids are learning the correct tech skills. Most kids know a certain gaming system, but few understand word docs or excel spreadsheets, powerpoint or a graphic design program, like Canva.

Create whitespace for your kids – unplanned time during every day that often includes “Green Therapy ” (getting outside/ being in nature).

Put the phone away nightly, or weekly- include Tech Detox’s as a regular part of your routine and habits. Constant dopamine hits stress the brain and interfere with sleep.

Resources

Blog Posts :

Teach Your Kids Online Etiquette!

How to Homeschool Jr High and Jr High Brain

Why Use Homeschool Academic Advising?

Podcasts

Getting Started with Online Learning!

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