The main difference between homeschooling and online school is; the online school comes with educated and qualified teachers. Whereas, homeschool comes with – you! Notwithstanding your own formal education but if you didn’t choose to be a teacher as a vocation, this will be an adjustment for you.
Virtual education is a fairly new but efficient alternative to the regular classroom. The curriculum and education criteria will often be similar to what you would expect of a in-person traditional schoolroom.
Which is Best: Homeschool or Online School?
There are several types of online academies produced both by the public schools system and private. Generally the lessons are delivered via digital means and testing is as well.
Many of the online systems have been used for a number of years. Tried and true tested by military families who rely on these methods of education for their children.
To help ensure the child is keeping up with the schools expectations, the child is tested at regular intervals just as they would be in a regular classroom. On the other hand, with homeschooling, the parent is responsible to ensure their child is completing their schoolwork.
Some education districts will expect that a assignments and test copies be delivered to the department of education to prove the curriculum is being followed and completed as required.
Homeschool VS Online Education for High School
Homeschooling children may become more difficult for a parent as the child moves into academic education. As they get older, having a virtual teacher to help them acquire higher learning skills, may be more beneficial. This is a major consideration especially if they want to enter college or university after high school graduation.
Online education will come with teachers, guidance counsellors, and a personal graduation plan to help them accomplish their academic goals.
Both online and homeschools do allow for a flexible study style. There are online educational systems that are set-up for a virtual classroom that is operated in real-time with the class. Others offer just the self-guided course and access to teachers. Some are free access provided by the public school system.
How Kids Socialize With Virtual Learning
There is a lot of debate when it comes to children’s social interactions when not attending a regular structured school system. The virtual connections online does allow for social interaction. They can form “study groups” and have face to face screen time with each other. These online social connections can develop into after school friendships too.
Homeschooled children don’t have the same access to other children in this way. There can be opportunities made with other homeschooling families that you can meet through message boards and other social means like church groups.
Homeschool vs Online School Testing
Often the online school will follow the standardized testing criteria of the regular school in your district. Private educational institutions and their virtual academies may have a different schedule but generally the major goals for each grade will be similar.
Homeschooling however, may allow for more flexibility where testing is concerned. In some cases the department of education will require proof of skills learned where others will be ok with just a signature of affidavit.
Online education systems do allow for individual time with a singular student. Just as it does in the classroom. If your child needs extra class time or advanced tutoring, the school can offer this by appointment scheduling. If your child falls behind you can request assistance from the school system. For homeschooling you are the one who will have to find and pay for the tutor.
Homeschooling has its advantages for allowing your child to move at their own natural pace. If they take longer to absorb the material you don’t have to worry about them being left behind a class agenda. If they are fast at completing their coursework, you can advance them as needed. Homeschool is more geared toward the individual child’s personality and needs.
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