Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Computers and Home Education

Our family began with using a computer mostly for word processing, especially for the production of homeschooling newsletters. Soon the kids were playing all sorts of games. They found the so-called educational games dull and boring, and felt the 'shooting' ones provided enough learning opportunities in language and maths skills.

After eight years of 'playing' with the computer all three children are proficient with managing files, word processing for letters, brochures, advertisements, stories and a range of applications, as well as finding their way around complex role playing or simulation games.

More recently Thomas, eleven years, has developed an interest in letter writing using email. This has improved his writing skills and given him confidence. The best thing about email is the speed with which a reply returns, boosting motivation to write!

Families don't have to spend a fortune to 'get' into computers. At seventeen April purchased an IBM compatible 486 with a CD ROM drive for $300. Although a computer this 'old' won't play the latest games, it is good enough to run useful applications such as Microsoft Word and Publisher and spreadsheet programs like Excel. April can produce top quality essays and projects, incorporating photographs and artwork, to equal anything put out by a publishing company. This really helps motivate April in her studies, and helps her to become familiar with the world of computers.

Roger, at fifteen, is more interested in the hardware side of computers, and how to integrate them with his other love - Lego! He is pursuing studies in personal computer upgrade and repair and hopes to start a business with his father in a year or two. Understanding computer jargon is essential in his life. It is a whole new language! Roger’s problem solving skills and deep understanding of computer systems and programs astound me.

Thomas insists that playing computer games has been the main vehicle for learning to read for him, as increased playing time has coincided with his increased reading ability. The games he plays all require a great deal of reading, and his brother is often off doing something by himself, and unavailable to read for Thomas.

I marvel at the speed in which both boys scan the screen and locate information, and make decisions based on that information. Often there are complex tables to be read, or key words to be found in scrolling text.

Computers have stimulated learning in very many different areas in our household.

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More than 60 essays covering a wide range of home schooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Learning in the Absence of Education is an intimate and honest look at day-to-day homeschooling life spanning several years. Includes articles on learning maths, reading and writing, spelling, socialisation, part time schooling, fathers and homeschooling, value of play, grading and testing, coping with stress and illness, and much more.

"These essays are the real life experiences of a long term home educator and activist and make inspiring reading... a valuable resource for all those interested in home education.... What I particularly appreciate are the personal day-to-day stories that are so specific in the incident or outcome These are essays written over time that reflect natural learning (read life) as it really happens.

I really enjoy Beverley's writing style in this book. It is very direct, sometimes even challenging the reader. She tries to be scrupulously honest always so we read of advantages and disadvantages of whatever topic she is discussing. She will also point out the ideal situation and how she thinks she falls short. Sometimes she is self-deprecating; sometimes she glows with enthusiasm for their successful lifestyle. There are touches of humour and sometimes wry cynicism.

Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style."
Janine Banks, home educator, Qld

ISBN 1876651016, 128 pages... $22.95

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Homeschool Australia SA HE Network Unschool~Kidz! About Beverley Paine

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