Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

How can the Internet enhance your homeschool program? On today's Home School Heartbeat, host Mike Smith is joined by Zan Tyler to answer that question.

Mike Smith:
Will adding a computer to our homeschool program change the way we teach?


Zan Tyler:
Mike, I don't think it will change the way we teach, I think it will enhance the way we teach—if it's used correctly.


There are a couple of things to remember. The first is that it never replaces basic education, and I think that's important. A literate child still needs to be able to read and write and do math without a computer. Having said that, for our children to be prepared to take their place in the 21st century, I think we need to understand that the world is increasingly moving toward the Internet and toward computer skills and if our children are not literate in these areas, then they will be at a decided disadvantage. There are all kinds of educational resources now on the Internet. For instance, Patrick Henry College is offering classes online or distance learning for homeschooled high school students. And so you have a beautiful marriage, then, of the Internet and technology with unbelievable content and instruction for these students who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to have those classes. There are a lot of programs you can use over the Internet even at the elementary level, and so I think it's just up to the parents to be creative and judicious in their use.


Mike:
I appreciate that answer. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.