Digital Learning

While schools are tasked with the goal of bringing “education into the 21st Century,” there is no reason to wait for your child to learn essential technology skills. Even if your digital skills are limited to sending emails and finding deals on eBay, you can discover computer literacy with your children.

It’s easy to surf the Web with your child, and learn skills just a little at a time. Home School Educators have the advantage of large blocks of time, but even if you’re not home schooling your child, anyone can find a little time to enrich technological literacy.

Follow our ongoing step-by-step guide to computer literacy:

Explore The Wired World With Your Kids – Have the talk. Yes, anytime is a good time for a discussion about online safety and responsible behavior on the Internet. Be sure you and your kids sign the Online Safety Pledge.

How To Set Up Your Child’s New Computer – Even if you’re not starting out with a new computer, take these steps to protect your computer.

Selecting A Browser For Your Child’s Computer – There are several popular browsers for exploring the Internet. Choose the one that best serves your purpose.

Customize a Web Browser For Home School Use – Set up the Flock Browser to enable your child to access desired online applications such as Email or photo editing programs quickly and easily.

21st Century Technology

Nowadays, digital knowledge is an important parenting skill, but being tech-savvy goes way beyond knowing how to send Emails or surf the Net. Find out why you need to get wired, and a couple of easy ways to do so on Living By Learning In The Wired World. Also, find out why We’re Not Waiting For 21st Century Learning and discover why you can’t assume that your child is achieving technological literacy in Is Your Child Computer Literate?

Someday, RSS will be as ubiquitous as Email. Stay ahead of the curve and learn how to Control Online Information: Use RSS.

Expand your Net Surfing Horizons and go beyond Google to fine-tune your online queries on Regarding Research.

Online distance learning classes are providing new opportunities to Gifted students. Find out about a new program that offers engaging, multimedia-rich classes while encouraging student activism on Bright and Wired: The Gifted Kids Network.

Get driving directions and listen to your favorite tunes and audio books when you are Wired On The Road.

Find suggestions for selecting an audio book and leading a discussion on Reading On The Road.

Buying video games that your kids will love is easy when you use the links on Armchair Shopping Hero.

Does your child have an IM account? Many tweens are spending hours each week chatting online with their friends using an IM account. It’s fun, but not without significant risks. Discover ways to keep your independent child safe online in a Tween Virtual Party.

Avoid identity theft and spam. Find out how to share your email safely on Do you trust the Internet?

Back up your wired world so you never have to say, “Oops! I did it again. Why didn’t I back up?“

Fun and Games In The World Wide Web

Occasionally, I sample new ways that families can explore online technology. Here are some of my finds:

Green Dimes – Stop unwanted junk mail and share ways to “green up” our world.

Kids Cooking Activities – Ideas and resources to inspire budding chefs.

Wordle – Turn your words into a work of art

Mr. Picassohead – Unleash your inner abstract artist.

Hulu – Watch a movie or catch up on your favorite TV shows on your computer.

Instructables – Find instructions for art projects, high tech gadgets, or offbeat jokes. You can even upload your own instructable such as my son’s Digesting Dragon.

Thinkfinity – This educational resource is the gateway to limitless learning. Really!

Animoto – Upload your pictures, select your music, and produce a music video. This is one of the easiest online projects, and the results are mesmerizing.

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