Previously posted on October 3, 2017 @Homescool.ph
As I begin to write this post, the biggest mass shooting in the history of the United States (Las Vegas Strip) has begun to unfold. I’ve been glued to CNN since last night. Oh wow, there are no words to sufficiently describe this tragedy. CNN has just began identifying some of the victims and I just close my eyes as I listen to back stories and pray.
It was a Music Festival much like the many outdoor concerts we have in the Mall of Arena or BGC grounds. I remember watching Cold Play last April and yes, there were buildings beside us with people catching the concert from their top floor offices. Security was tight on the ground, but who would have thought that the risks would come from above?
I recently shared a robbery incident to my son as we talked about the different forms of theft (online, armed robbery, break-in and all). An incident involving a supermarket here in Alabang had armed robbers digging a tunnel to the office from where the cash was stored. Who would think that evil can come from below?
I face this day with these thoughts early this morning. I have to continue to believe that there is still so much love and goodness around, above and below, around, within, that can conquer such unthinkable acts of hate, terror and evil. I am now thinking of the family of the 60 of those who died and the 400 injured, many of whom may be in critical condition, fighting for their lives, and I can only pray.
I face this day, preparing for the upcoming “Philippine Homeschool Conference 2017, Educating for the World of Tomorrow #homeschooltothefuture.” I will be handling a breakout session on Homeschooling and Technology.
I cannot help but think of “what future” really lies ahead and what future do we prepare ourselves and our children for. It makes no sense to me to I dig into using and maximizing educational technology as we parent and homeschool our children and see this tragic event unfold, a massacre using other forms of technology.
Oh, Technology! Technology?? There are so many sides to you. Why can’t we all just use you to make this world a better place indeed? Why can you amazingly aid my children in their education (mine too!) and experience of this world but at the same time, also have the potential to create the avenue to bully them and corrupt their minds and souls?
For now, my answer is because Technology is just a TOOL. For now (my kids and I just had a quite interesting discussion if technology/artificial intelligence will eventually have a “mind” of its own, separate from the control of human brains/ boundaries), it is just a tool. And I can only hope and pray and do what is within my control, to make it a positive, edifying and enriching tool.
I have to rest on that so I can move on and yes, prepare for his weekend’s homeschool conference. Join us, and yes, if you’re interested to know how it can enrich your homeschool experience, drop by in our session about Homeschooling and Technology.
This is what we seek to tackle: “Technology is the bane and boon of this generation of students. What exactly are the pros and cons of using technology in the homeschool? How can you utilize the online resources available to you while maintaining a balance with offline learning? How can teacher parents make use of technology to make homeschooling easier? Homeschooling mom Donna Pangilinan-Simpao talks about this as she shares her favorite tech resources, which she used in more than 10 years of homeschooling.”
Come, and listen to my favorite Senator! Kuya Kiko Pangilinan!
Efren Penaflorida and Marissa Leinart will join  Kuya Kiko as Keynote Speakers!
Please make sure to stay till the end for exciting raffle prizes.
New Living Translation
1 Corinthians 10:23
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”–but not everything is beneficial.
Donna P. Simpao, M.D. 
