More and more parents are turning to homeschooling instead of looking for the best school in their neighborhood. The pandemic has been an eye-opener for many families who have come to realize that homeschooling was a better option for them.
The benefits of homeschooling are undeniable, ranging from personalized learning to flexible schedules. Homeschooling is particularly effective for kids with special learning needs, whether they are neurodivergent or simply have learning difficulties. The ability to create a safe environment at home where they are free to learn at their own pace is primordial for children’s development.
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding your digital learning environment
Who says homeschooling, says digital content. So as you start your homeschooling journey, you want to make a priority of protecting your child’s and your online presence.
Of course, you want to remember the basics, such as implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all your devices. This will prevent opportunistic hackers from taking advantage too easily. Make sure, as well, to regularly update your operating system, whether on mobile or laptops. Operating system updates always include essential security patches!
That being said, even system security patches may not be sufficient. You want to add a reputable antivirus software solution to protect your main devices from malware, phishing attempts, and any other online threats. You can also add dedicated security apps for your mobiles, such as these security apps for iPhone.
Finally, remember to educate your children about internet safety and how to maintain responsible online behavior when it comes to sharing personal information.
Webcam quality: Clear and engaging video
Clear communication is paramount in online education. Ensure that your device has a quality webcam. You may also want to consider lighting quality. It can be a good idea to invest in a ring light, which can be used to enhance the quality of the webcam image. Lighting is especially valuable if your child takes part in online classes with a tutor.
You will also need to position your child’s workplace in a well-lit area where the direct sunlight doesn’t obstruct the camera or the screen.
Broadband speed: A smooth learning experience
Nothing can beat a reliable Internet connection, as we’ve learned during the pandemic. Your broadband connection is the backbone of your homeschooling setup. Nobody can follow online lessons or take online tests when their connection is slow or intermittent. This is not only frustrating but it can also affect learning altogether.
Unfortunately, there’s no miracle solution here. You may need to upgrade to a higher broadband speed plan to make it work.
VPN for enhanced security
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can add an extra layer of security to all your online activities, including homeschooling. A VPN acts by encrypting your Internet connection, so sensitive information is protected.
This can also give you access to digital content that may not be available in your country. For instance, if you’ve found a great website for online math quizzes but the content is blocked for your country, you can virtually change your location with a VPN to gain access to additional homeschooling content.
Homeschooling with modern digital technologies remains relatively new. There is no denying that we still have a lot to learn on creating the best and most secure homeschooling setup. But hopefully these few tips will prevent many issues!