Technology-Based

Home Education Method

Technology-based learning can be used to supplement a single subject or as an entire curriculum. Some math and science textbooks have accompanying DVDs to explain concepts. Children can learn to use word processing and other office tools for assignments.

Popular subjects to teach or supplement with the computer include keyboarding, math drills, music theory and foreign languages. Online courses are commonly used by high school students. These are offered publicly or privately. Synchronous scheduling requires students to stream lectures, take exams or hand in assignments at set times, while asynchronous scheduling allows students to log in or submit assignments at their convenience, sometimes with a course completion deadline.

A technology-based learning day generally involves moving through one or more websites or using apps through an electronic device. Children may be guided by an online teacher or their parent, but learning is mostly done independently.

Father helping son with homework on laptop

* The Resources on this page are examples of resource options that many homeschooling parents have found helpful. Note that they are not created or distributed by HOMESCHOOL.TODAY. For your convenience we occasionally add links to helpful websites, books, etc. but these will open in a separate tab.

Advantages

  • Tech-based learning can be used in combination with most other homeschooling methods.
  • Useful for those who are pulling together their own curriculum.
  • Online academies or virtual schools offer accreditation.
  • Some parents feel more comfortable having a third party oversee their child’s education, particularly for high school subjects.
  • Good choice for families who need their children to work more independently.
  • Accessible websites anywhere any time which is a good option for families that travel or participate in activities outside the home.
  • Learning about a topic in a video format can help children understand things in a way that might be harder to visualize with just words or pictures (e.g. science experiments, historical settings, or the sound an instrument should make).

Points to Consider

  • Working independently can reduce the opportunity for parents to learn alongside their children.
  • Watching DVDs or videos doesn’t allow for the two-way communication with the teaching parent that children benefit from.
  • Student interest may be impeded if concepts are explained too quickly or too slowly.
  • Technical, educational or teaching level of support varies.
  • Costs vary from free to expensive for some websites.

Resources*

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