Technology: the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.
This word to some is like Kryptonite, and a perpetual conversation in the homeschool community. Recently, I was asked my thoughts about handwriting (i.e. cursive) and keyboarding – which do I find more beneficial? Hands down, for us, is keyboarding. Now, before the gasps and wide eyes begin, let me explain why . . .
When I am teaching Logan, I am keeping the future in mind. When Logan attends college, he will not be hand writing his notes or papers. When he attends, they will probably use iPads instead of laptops. When I attended college, I didn’t hand write notes, everything was done on a laptop or computer. I started typing well before I could cursive a perfect Z. At any of my jobs, every letter or memo dictated was then transcribed into a computer document.
Logan was taught handwriting and the kid can sign his name in cursive like a pro but we hold a higher value on keyboarding. And with the way that Logan learns, this style is more compatible for him. Here are a few of our favorite keyboarding programs:
- http://keybr.com/
- http://cathyduffyreviews.com/electives/typing-instructor.htm
- http://www.tenthumbstypingtutor.com/
- http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/typing-curriculum.htm
Now, on to another techie controversial topic…the calculator, Duh Duh Dun! The scientific calculator to be more precise. The other day, when Logan was doing his Thinkwell math program, the instructor whipped out his scientific calculator and showed him how to compute the equation in the mathematical contraption. Logan has been blessed with his dad’s internal calculator, so, it’s a rare occasion when he actually needs one but when he does, I encourage him to use his handy dandy scientific calculator.
Again, I am thinking ahead.
When I worked in an insurance agency and I would put together quotes for clients, I didn’t hand write my figures, throw in percentages, do long division…nope, I had a computer program that did that for me. I entered in the numbers and POOF, there was my total.
In any profession that Logan is aiming his sights towards, technology is a big part of it. I have heard homeschool mamas say, “I don’t want to say anything about using a calculator or the computer because then I get lectured by other homeschool moms.” Well, that’s just crazy. We all teach in our own way and what works best for our child(ren). Logan always says “I’m a tech kind of kid.” And he is. We have structured his curriculum in a more technological way. That doesn’t work for everyone; but people shouldn’t be anxious to say that they use a calculator or prefer keyboarding over handwriting.
As we move ahead, so does applied science; embrace it, let your hair down, use a calculator, you know you want to… Sorry – I got a little carried away.
Do you have a favorite keyboarding program? Are calculators your friend or foe?
About Andrea Beck
Thank you – Thank you – Thank you!!! We also value the keyboard and the calculator. when I found out that my daughter was able to use her calculator on the ACT, I realized that I was holding her back by requiring hand figuring – especially since she has an amazing ability with word problems and difficult concepts! But, if you say this to most homeschool moms, they act like you are guilty of neglect or something instead of pursuing a thought out plan.
I admit that I am a calculator Nazi. I don’t allow my students to use calculators (including Matthew) until it is necessary…..graphing in Algebra is usually the start of it. Here is why….I have tutored way too many kids who can’t even add, never mind do simple multiplication. Why? Because they have used a calculator since the beginning of time. Yes, most jobs or careers that involve frequent us of numbers will involve a calculator, BUT in daily life a person needs to know how to do simple math in their head! When shopping, giving change, etc. If a child has a learning disability then that is one thing, but when a person is just being plain old lazy that is another. Use your brain. That’s my 2 valuable cents on the matter.
OH, and I’m fine with keyboarding. I do encourage Matthew to practice his hand writing though to keep it neat.
Love the emphasis on doing what works best for your child, as well as keeping an eye on what will be required in the “real” world. Isn’t that what any school — home or other — is supposed to be about??
I agree, as far as using mental math in daily situations, I think it’s important to know the basics. But once you hit some pretty challenging math sections, calculators are needed. The way Logan’s brain operates, this is what we choose to do. I have seen forums clash on this topic and I may use more technology then some but that’s how we roll. That is the absolute joy of homeschooling, we do what is best for our children.
Love the keybr.com site for me too. What fun to practice again. Thanks!
We love technology, and we all have lots of gadgets and stuff.
I still have the boys do cursive, mostly for fine motor skills, and they do the figuring so they understand the why and the how of the math. Once they understand the concepts, they are free to do the icky parts using a calculator.