In recent years, many people have participated in a “30 Days of Thanks” challenge on their blogs or social media by expressing gratitude for at least one thing every day in November. At NextGen Homeschool, we’re going to take on this challenge together, and we’d love for you to join us! Let us know what you are thankful for this year in the comments below.

30 Days of Thanks: Technology

To kick things off, I’m sharing one thing that I am personally thankful for today: Technology! LOL — literally. Like most people, I have a love/hate relationship with technology, depending on how well it’s cooperating with me. However, I am always thankful to have it!

On days like today, when nothing seems to work right, I make a point to remind myself what a blessing it really is to have all the technology tools we have, especially for homeschooling. Access to the Internet, laptops, printers, e-devices, and smartphones makes it possible to do “school” anywhere, anytime! Access to a library at our fingertips, research resources, videos and music, online lessons, and more. The learning possibilities with the use of technology are endless.

Here are just a few reasons why I am so thankful for the technology that supports us in our homeschooling:

• We have instant access to reading material via Kindle and to new curriculum via digital downloads.
• We can access online learning resources, such as virtual classrooms, online lessons, video tutorials, language courses, and music lessons, among others.
• We can save money by printing only what we need to use.
• We can work outside and on the go.
• We can easily share resources.
• We have 24/7 access to information online, and research is a snap.
• We can learn from others through blogs, online communities, and other sources.
• We can easily stay in touch with family and friends, no matter where we live.
• We can easily share photos and journal our experiences to share with others.
• I can work from home!

So, even though my laptop had memory glitches that took forever to remedy and our new printer was printing blank pages for a while, I am still extremely thankful today for technology and the blessing of owning the tools we do have — even when they’re glitchy!

Will you join us in 30 Days of Thanks this month? What are you thankful for today? What are you most thankful for in your homeschooling journey this week? Share with us in the comments below: We love to hear from you!