Episode Details

299:  Pursuing tech literacy in your homeschool

Crystin Morris,  a homeschool mom and founder of Delightfully Feasting, shares ideas on how to approach tech literacy in a homeschool environment. She provides practical guidance for integrating tech skills into everyday learning while maintaining a balanced, holistic approach.

Key Tech Literacy Skills

Kristen outlines three foundational skills that she believes every homeschool should prioritize:

1. Navigation – Understanding and navigating digital devices and platforms.
2. Digital Citizenship – Developing an ethical and moral compass for online interactions.
3. Management/Stewardship – Learning to use technology wisely, balancing its benefits and potential drawbacks.

Balancing Tech and Traditional Learning

Crystin emphasizes that technology doesn’t have to be viewed as separate from traditional learning tools like books. She incorporates tech intentionally, teaching her children to value both tech and non-tech resources. This approach adapts yearly, with regular conversations and adjustments to meet her children’s developmental needs.

Recommended Tech Resources

• Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Media: Engaging, age-appropriate resources for teaching digital citizenship.
• Khan Academy: Quality resources on technology and online safety that Kristen uses in her own homeschool.

Beginner-Friendly Tech Projects

Crystin recommends coding as a great introductory project, as it offers an instant, rewarding experience for kids. She also encourages integrating videos, articles, and online resources as a normative part of homeschooling to show children the wide range of educational tools beyond physical books.

Being Good Consumers, Not Just Creators

Crystin stresses the importance of teaching children to be thoughtful consumers of tech content, not just creators. This means teaching them to curate their digital experiences, exercise discernment, and make intentional choices about what they consume online.

Addressing AI with a Measured Approach

Crystin advises homeschoolers to approach AI with “measured awareness” rather than fear-driven panic. She encourages parents to focus on what they can control, build familiarity with new technologies, and remember that every major technological advancement in history was met with initial concern.

Links and Resources

• Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship Curriculum: Common Sense Media
• Khan Academy Tech and Safety Resources: Khan Academy
• Blog post with a list of