How to Use the Internet to Enhance Education

Much like what television did for the 20^th century, the Internet is doing for the 21^st century. It can be a time-waster, it can isolate people, and used properly, it can open the world to your student in ways few people can experience in real life.

You can see the world from your home. There is hardly a landmark, or famous site that you can't find on the internet. There are virtual tours of practically any park, museum, famous homes and foreign country you can imagine. And a lot of places even have webcams where you can feel even more like part of the action.

YouTube and other video sites are great for seeing and following science experiments or underwater explorations; getting to see plant-growing, animal-raising, even harvesting and slaughtering if you so choose.

You can learn almost any handicraft from videos, diagrams and instruction on the Internet. Crochet, knit, play guitar, whittle wood or soap, cast in clay, cook....you can learn it all from experts, and you can benefit from the failures of the non-experts, too.

Foreign languages courses are available online. You can listen to and even watch famous operas, classical music performances, wonderful ballets, theater performances all on the Internet with the wonders of YouTube and other video sites.

Almost anything you are learning can be enhanced and supplemented with online interactive puzzles, games, maps, and printouts. As long as you have a decent Internet connection, a good homeschool education can be practically free.

You can research, read reviews, ask questions about, and many times purchase used for less any book curriculum you are considering using. Most curriculum providers even have sample pages online so you can see if a particular course of study fits your family. There are dozens of sites out there devoted to swapping, buying, and selling used curriculum, too.

And let's not forget things like online tutoring. If your student needs more help than you can give, or is interested in learning a subject that you have shaky knowledge of, there are several sites devoted to providing a tutor online, for much less cost than a live one.

And don't forget simple things like researching your library's database for electronic books, audio books, and books not readily available at your local library. Many people also use the computer to renew their books, as well as place "holds" so the desired books are available at the counter for pickup (an invaluable resource when your children are young!).

So, put aside your fears about the safety of the Internet; fear of inappropriate content and misinformation; and a vague idea that somehow using such a modern convenience just isn't "right". Let the Internet be one of the many tools you use to educate and enrich your family.