Navigating Online Learning for our Kids - Episode 107

In this week’s episode, Saren interviews Heather Clayton Staker, mother of five and national expert in online learning.

Saren and Heather talk about how we can help our children more fully reap the benefits of the vast online learning opportunities now available, while keeping their screen time under control.

Resources for Further Information

Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools (Heather’s recent best-selling book)

Blended Learning (Great website chock-full of excellent resources to help with blended learning)

Digital Learning Now (offers information initiatives, policy, and how different areas are doing on including online learning in their schools)

Recommended Online Learning Sites for Children

Khan Academy (many topics, all ages)

Quizlet (study tools for all ages)

Duolingo (teaches many languages; all ages)

Hooda Math (math games for all ages)

Scratch (teaches coding – children ages 6-12)

Common Sense Media (teacher-approved apps, games, and websites for elementary schoolers, current trends in schools)

Recommended Summer Online Learning Program

Brain Chase (use coupon code POWER15 to receive 15% off; purchase before April 30 for early bird pricing)

Image courtesty of imagerymagestic at freedigitalphotos.net

Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks

Audio Editing by Christy Elder

About Saren Eyre Loosli

Saren adores her five energetic, adventurous, precocious children but doesn't totally adore the mess and busyness and bickering that that comes with them! She grew up all over the world, got her Bachelor's degree at Wellesley College and did her Masters in Education at Harvard University (these days, the diplomas on her wall mostly serve as visual aids when she's trying to convince her all-too-smart teenagers that she DOES know a thing or two!). She went on to design and implement enrichment programs for kids and training programs for teachers. But it was only after she finally found her Mr. Right, Jared, and had five children in five years, that her education and work experience began in earnest!

When she's not trying to answer five - or six - different needs and questions at once, she works on this website (she's Co-Director and Co-Founder of Power of Moms).

She currently lives in Ogden, Utah and loves reading, hiking, and biking with her family (or by herself when possible!). She often struggles with balance but finds joy in being involved in many things that are meaningful to her.

Comments

Jennifer Brimhall says

April 16, 2015 at 12:43 pm

LOVED this! We’ve been doing blended learning for several years (though I didn’t know it was called that) and it has been such a wonderful thing for my family. I hope that all school districts get a chance to hear this–it is such an important message and can really help all children. I also got some new ideas for my own family. Thanks!
meganrich says

May 22, 2015 at 11:11 am

Loved this post, especially just in time for summer. Can anyone remember what the name is for the tablets Heather said she has her kids use?
I remember her saying they were about $200 and allowed them to have multiple kids doing their online learning simultaneously. Of course, I could always try listening to the whole podcast again . . .
shj says

May 25, 2017 at 9:22 am

Kahn Academy is promoting the gay lifestyle in its curricula now (questions make reference to it).
- Saren Eyre Loosli says
  
  May 25, 2017 at 2:17 pm
  
  Parents should definitely check out all online resources themselves to be sure they feel comfortable with all that is offered there before having their children participate. I’ve used Khan Academy to help my children learn coding, math, etc for many years now and it’s been absolutely wonderful (and free, amazingly!).