Internet schooling:- What equipment do I need?

What do I need to start Internet schooling?

A computer: A computer will open up the world to a home schooler. It will allow them to use thousands of free to download resources and worksheets and let them store the completed sheets on the hard drive, making it very easy to find them again.

A computer will also improve a students presentation and typing skills – key skills in the modern world - essential for Internet schooling.

As to what type of computer to buy – this is more tricky.

A desktop is the cheapest option and it is very easy to upgrade it. It would live in one part of the house, although I would recommend not being placed in the bedroom (like no TVs there either), as these are areas where a child is not fully supervised. It is cheap, durable and a solid solution.

The second solution is the laptop – this is much more flexible and means that a child can continue to learn or make notes while in different locations. This also has the benefit that children can share their learning and findings with other home schoolers, without needing to go onto the internet.

The third option – a highly under rated, but exceptionally useful piece of computer technology is the A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld computer also known as palmtop computers. I have found that if you can buy an older version, and then buy a small key board for it, or a new version, complete with a keyboard, that this is a wonderful tool to have. It is small enough to slip into a pocket or a bag, but means that a child can write down all their notes and ideas on the move. It also means a student can directly access the internet from any wireless spot, letting them check their facts on the move.

The computer you do decide to buy must come with the best anti virus software you can afford. The chances are that most of your child’s work is on the computer and so needs as much protecting as anywhere else in the house.

Don’t forget to regularly back up the computer you use for Internet schooling – to prevent any disappoint when the hard drive dies days before the end of the year!

The second item one needs for Internet schooling is high speed Internet Access. If you have access to the Internet, you truly have access to the worlds largest library. All the facts a child ever needs to learn are out there somewhere, waiting to be found. You can also develop or find great teaching tools called ‘web quests’ where students search the web for information on different topics.

If you have Internet access, you can also then buy a site name and server space and build your own online home school – where you can share your ideas with other students from around the world, expanding your circle of friends far wider than anyone else can think. Think of how many cultural exchanges can now take place!

It also allows you to use videos and other media files – letting you watch and learn from other people’s teaching ideas. I have often found that You Tube is full of highly educational videos and can often explain a concept or idea better than I can. It is also an excellent place to use as a resource of modern history – anything from the second world war onwards.

A printer and scanner combined. These take up very little space, about as much as a traditional printer. The printer allows you to print off sheets from the Internet. The scanner allows you to take materials you have created and place them on the internet to share with others, or to keep on a disk as part of a growing portfolio. The printer also allows you to print off key documents, as insurance against anything going wrong with the computer.

The final important item needed for Internet schooling is a special area for the learning to take place. It could be a simple table with some shelves above, to hold all the books and information you need. It will require storage areas to keep it all neat and organised.

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