Internet Too Slow

I often get asked about how people can speed up their Internet connection. To begin with, there is no software that can do this. If someone is trying to sell you software that they claim will speed up your Internet connection avoid them. It’s snake oil. There are some very easy things you can do yourself to diagnose a resolve a slow Internet connection. Before you begin diagnosing get a baseline for your connection speed using SpeedTest.net. Run it on every device possible.

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1. Restart Everything – Shut off everything and restart devices in this order: Cable modem > Router > Computer(s) connected to your router > Wireless devices like iPods, iPads, gaming consoles, etc. As you start each device test your connection speed from a computer connected directly to your home router (if you have one). Most of the time the process of restarting devices will clear up the problem. If you figure out which device on your network is causing the problem you can begin troubleshooting there.

2. Verify Internet connected software is working properly – It could be that you have a security update or cloud backup software that’s using up your bandwidth. It could also be iTunes trying to download a HD movie. Check various software packages to make sure they’re not the cause. A few years ago I noticed with Skype on iOS 6 that my son had on his iPod it would flood my wireless network.

3. Connect your computer to your cable modem – Most people use routers at home and the problem could be your home router. If software or other devices don’t appear to be the culprit, connect your home computer directly to your cable modem and run check your speeds. If you’re still experiencing slow speeds and you’re sure you’ve verified that all your computers and devices are working correctly the problem could be with your ISP. Pick up the phone and make the call.

Sometimes when you’re running a speed test you’ll find the culprit quickly. Maybe you get slow speeds on your child’s laptop but everything else runs great. You can now zero in on the laptop and skip all the other diagnosing. Problems that affect every device on your home network can be a little more difficult to ferret out so you need to be methodical in your approach to resolving the problem.

Events

Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Homeschool

Workshop at Faithful Heritage LEAH on April 14, 2014 at Eastport Bible Church in Eastport, NY at 7:30PM (via Skype). More details to come.

Connect Socially!

Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

After April 8, 2014 Microsoft will no longer offer security updates for their Windows XP operating system. How does the impending end of support for Windows XP impact you? What precautions should you take if you intend to continue using Windows XP? The way I see it you can do one of five things:

1. Continue to use XP but stay off the Internet. This is probably the easiest solution. If you only use XP within your personal home network and don’t ever use it to access the Internet you’ll be fine.

2. Continue to use XP but be very careful on the Internet. Make sure your antivirus is up to date and disable Java and Javascript. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you don’t open any email that has attachments or links.

3. Replace the computer. You could replace it with a new computer or a tablet depending upon your personal needs. Both of these options will run you around $300.

4. Upgrade to Windows 7 or 8. This is probably the most difficult to do. Depending upon the age of your computer it may not meet the hardware requirements for either operating system.

5. Convert to Ubuntu. Again, it’s not easy but if you’ve just been using the XP machine as a secondary computer for your kids this is a very easy solution to implement. You may want to call a local geek for help.

Events

Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Homeschool

Workshop at Faithful Heritage LEAH on April 14, 2014 at Eastport Bible Church in Eastport, NY at 7:30PM (via Skype). More details to come.

Connect Socially!

Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

There’s been a lot of talk about the game Flappy Bird in the past week. After the creator of the game pulled it from the AppStore I got to thinking about how we are preparing our kids for success. I duscuss that and more in this week’s episode of the podcast.

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Tech Tip

Windows XP is coming to its end of life on April 8, 2014. That means you’ll no longer receive security updates for the venerable operating system. Your antivirus software should continue to work but your computer will still be vulnerable to many security flaws. It’s hard to let go of something that’s still working. There’s only three options I think you have when it comes to Windows XP.

1. Replace the computer entirely.

2. Upgrade the OS.

3. Continue to use the computer but not on the Internet.

In my next episode I’ll expand on these options so if you have any questions or suggestion let me know in the comments below.

Homeschool Like Steve Jobs

The way Steve Jobs managed Apple can be applied to how we homeschool. Here are the four ways I think you need to consider if you want to homeschool like Steve Jobs.

1. Think different.

2. Simplify your life.

3. Anticipate needs.

4. Be a little crazy!

For my complete thoughts on read the article 4 Ways You Can Homeschool Like Steve Jobs

What’s the Deal with Flappy Bird?

Rounding out this episode I shared my thoughts on what we can do to prepare our kids for sudden success. It’s unlikely that our kids will find sudden success to the point where the public will recognize them but surely as homeschoolers there’s something we can do to prepare them. What do you think? Leave your comments below.

Events

Homeschool Dads Hangout – Discovering and Developing Talent in Our Children

Join Jonathan Harris from 10ktoTalent and me as we look at how we can use homeschooling to discover and develop our child’s talents.

Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Homeschool

Workshop at Faithful Heritage LEAH on April 14, 2014 at Eastport Bible Church in Eastport, NY at 7:30PM (via Skype). More details to come.

Connect socially!

Voicemail – 518-290-0228 or record a message with your computer

Follow @wiredhs

// Follow @jwilkers

//

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Today features an interview with Jimmie Lanley of the iHomeschool Network. iHomeschool Network is a cooperative of almost one hundred outstanding homeschool bloggers. Their blog posts, videos, ebooks, and podcasts provide practical how-tos and inspirational encouragement to homeschool parents across the globe.

About Jimmie Lanley

Jimmie Lanley, co-owner of iHomeschool Network, is a work-at-home mom who homeschools her daughter Emma. Jimmie’s background is in education (BA in English and a MS in education). It was after seven years of teaching middle school language arts in public schools that she began homeschooling her then Kindergartner.

Her online work began with blogging over five years ago. You can find her primary homeschool blog at Jimmie’s Collage. Her second blog, The Notebooking Fairy, is devoted to notebooking.

Besides her work at iHN and her own blogs, Jimmie is a social media consultant and manager for several clients.

Jimmie lived for over eight years in China and currently lives in Memphis, TN.

About iHomeschool Studio

iHomeschool Studio is an event when homeschool parents receive the continuing education and encouragement they need to persevere in the homeschool journey with excellence and resolve. The 24 convenient online sessions will take place during the afternoons and evenings of Tuesday, February 11 through Friday, February 14, 2014.

Your ticket price of $25 gives you access to

* the 24 live sessions

* the MP3 audio recordings of all 24 sessions

* special discounts, door prizes, and giveaways from our speakers and sponsors

You do not have to attend the live sessions to have access to the recorded sessions. Your ticket price includes all MP3s whether you attend live or not.

Connect socially!

Voicemail – 518-290-0228 or record a message with your computer

Follow @wiredhs

// Follow @jwilkers

//

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

I recently spoke to the Faithful Heritage LEAH group in Eastport, NY via Skype. The topic I spoke on was A Parent’s Guide to Making Friends with Social Media.

This is more of a high-level speech. I talk about why we should be vigilant, some tips for establishing guidelines, and my personal experience with teens and using social media.

I’m available to speak to your homeschooling group too! Schedule an online workshop today!

Connect Socially!

Leave a Voicemail

You can call 518-290-0228 to leave me a message or use this convenient widget to record a message right from your computer.

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do you find you or your kids getting distracted by digital technology? How does it affect your homeschooling? Does technology creep in and hinder your homeschooling rather than enable you to be more effective?

Listen and/or watch this homeschool dads hangout where we talk about the digital distractions we face in our families.

What are some digital distractions to homeschooling in your homes?

Devin – The biggest distraction for my family is television. With our children being so young, the oldest two are the ones who are “school age”, so sometimes television is used to engage the younger children for a period of the day. For me, I tend to get distracted by social media and it takes away from family time or time I can spend helping my wife.

Fletch – We have kids through the spectrum. Our oldest boys 16, 18, 20 were clearly distracted by the world of texting. A close second would have been gaming and movies. However, it’s a constant discussion in our home about living in the moment. Our next three are girls and I wouldn’t say the digital world distracts them too much (but television has become a recent draw to their time). The last two are 6 and 5. We’ve definitely relaxed a bit with them, so they get more computer time and more screen time. I think it’s the nature of a large family and tired parents.

Michael – We have (well, Mom has) rules about “no electronics” before 2 PM What that really means is no games until school work is done. We are cord cutters. So my kids have no motivation to turn on the TV at any particular time in order to catch a show. TV offers no distraction. My oldest says that her digital distraction comes from Facebook messages. She is like me and “unable” to ignore messages. I think it’s an OCD thing. My son only uses his iPod during school for school (dictionary/Wikipedia etc.). My second youngest is a very social creature and has a hard time refraining from messaging (Kik, in her case) with her homeschooled friends who are guilty of the same. Our 21 month old is compelled to push the home button on any iPod Touch or iPad that she encounters. But I don’t believe that this is germane to the discussion.

John – For our family the biggest distraction is games. Our kids constantly want to play games on the computer. My oldest daughter wants to start texting but we’re not going there yet. Our teenagers have iPods that they use to play games and the younger kids want to watch or play too. Sometimes I’m the distraction when I’m fiddling around with a gadget and my wife is trying to homeschool.

The Homeschool Dads

Devin Dabney is an author, blogger, speaker, podcaster, homeschooling dad, and technology strategist.  He has been happily married to his wife Shayla for 9 years and they are blessed to have five beautiful children with a sixth due very soon.

Devin writes and speaks about a variety of topics, including online marketing, educational technology for homeschooling families, online collaboration, and personal growth.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Devin is also a solo pianist and he has been a worship leader for more than 15 years.

Connect with Devin on his blog at DevinDabney.com and his podcast at ConnectedHomeschooling.com.

Fletch has been married for the past 22 years. He and his wife Kendra are the proud parents of five sons and three daughters, all of whom keep them laughing and on their toes.

During the day he can be found fixing people’s teeth,

2013 was a very up and down year for me. I spoke at a homeschool convention (twice) which was a high point but I failed to finish the book I started writing. I was also a little discouraged on the podcasting front but got a late surge of encouragement from all of you.

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This week I’ll talk about some of the milestones from last year and layout my plan for the podcast in 2014.

Top 5 Blog Posts of 2013

10 Educational Shows for Tweens and Teens on Netflix

Stack the States and Stack the Countries Makes Geography Fun

Parental Controls Added to Safari in iOS 7

Mobile Internet Filtering and Accountability: Safe Eyes Mobile – WHS 45

Endless Alphabet [Free App Friday]

The Podcast Plan

* Bi-weekly shows – This gives me more time to plan and focus on giving you great content instead of “phoning it in”.

* Podcast segments – Top List, Tech Tips, and commentary portions of the podcast will help me organize m thoughts.

* Interviews – Every other month I plan to interview one person with a focus on the use of technology in homeschooling.

* Book blogging – I’ll be posting drafts of each chapter of the book I’m writing. More great content for you!

* Newsletter – Yes, I have one of those and I hardly use it! I’m going to send updates to the newsletter at least once per quarter.

* Google Hangouts – This is something I wanted to do last year but never got off my duff. Quarterly Google hangouts are coming soon!

You might be asking yourself why I’m telling you all of this. The answer is simple: I want to be held accountable! By putting all of this here I can come back to this every week/month and remind myself that I need to hustle!

Have you set some homeschooling, personal, or business goals for 2014? I’d love for you to share them in the comments below so we can encourage each other throughout the year.

Speaking Schedule

January 13, 2014 Faithful Heritage LEAH meeting at Eastport Bible Church in Eastport, NY at 7:30PM (via Skype). Contact Jennifer Rooney at 631-504-2291 if you have any questions.

I can speak to your homeschooling group too! Schedule a virtual workshop today.

Connect socially!

Voicemail – 518-290-0228 or record a message with your computer

Follow @wiredhs

// Follow @jwilkers

//

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area?

In our ever-connected digital world the one virtue I’m seeing eroded more than any other is patience. In this unedited walk-and-talk I share my thoughts on this trend. This is completely “top of mind”. No notes. It’s unfiltered straight to your ears!

Connect socially!

Voicemail – 518-290-0228 or record a message with your computer

Follow @wiredhs

// Follow @jwilkers

//

Etc.

Want to be notified of any upcoming news regarding the podcast or if I’m speaking in your area? Join my spam-free mailing list. You’ll receive monthly updates and news about future projects and I’ll let you know if I’m speaking in your area at a homeschooling convention.

Would you like me to speak to your homeschool group? Schedule a virtual workshop today.

The Wired Homeschool is a proud member of the Tech Podcast Network. For more family-friendly tech podcasts visit techpodcasts.com

Music for the podcast by Kevin Macleod.

Thank you for your support.

This podcast was created using bossjock studio

This podcast has come to an end. I tried to make it to 100 episodes but the thrill is gone. This will be the final episode of The Wired Homeschool. Old episodes will remain available as will the blog posts. Thanks for your support.