We live in a rapidly digitizing world, where technology is allowing us to pursue more diverse methods of learning. One phenomenon that has recently become more prominent and accepted is homeschooling. For those who are not familiar with the term, homeschooling is a system of educating in which parents or guardians act as the primary teachers for their children, in the comfort of home, rather than sending those children to a traditional school.
Many have chosen the homeschooling route for their children due to the expansive range and degree of freedom that such an education can provide. After all, parents or guardians will often be able to adjust the pace, program and style to fit their child’s individual needs and preferences.
A derivative of this model is online education. The online school route allows parents to restructure their children’s education and activities with more instruction in digital research, technology, coding and entrepreneurship – more than what is often provided with traditional school systems.
But one thing that may have crossed the minds of many parents who have already decided to homeschool their children is whether or not enrolling in an online school is a good idea or even feasible, since parents normally will have to juggle the daily task of parenting and teaching simultaneously. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of enrolling in an online education program, as well as the amount of time you can expect to devote to schooling once enrolled in a homeschool. We will answer the following questions throughout:
1. How does enrolling in an online school work?
Enrolling in an online school is no different than signing up for any other type of school – the first step is to research and select the online school that fits your family’s needs and objectives. The duration of online schooling can be as short or long as the student wishes – as little as a few weeks or past the completion of traditional schooling. Also, each online school operates differently as far as types of classes and lessons, technology and resources, integration of traditional school activities, level of parental involvement, and additional activities and events.
The curriculum typically includes a comprehensive range of classical courses like mathematics, science and language arts, as well as specialized programs like cosmetology, automotive technology, and even culinary arts. Classes can happen in the form of recorded lessons or live video correspondences, with students enjoying the flexibility of completing their assignments in their own time and working with an instructor to ensure their work is up to standard.
2. What are the benefits of enrolling in an online school?
The benefits of enrolling in an online school are numerous. For starters, students can gain access to an array of courses and resources which may not be ordinarily accessible to traditional schools, allowing them to explore unique interests and experiences they might not otherwise have had.
Additionally, online schools can provide a certain degree of autonomy to students. Since the classes are often more self-paced, students can make their own decisions and set their own learning schedules, allowing them more control of their own destiny and a greater ability to manage their time. For example, a student might choose to speed up the studying process for an exam by watching a few extra lectures or videos during the week or slow things down if they’ve got a particularly busy schedule.
This environment can also help build character and instill confidence in students, giving them a greater sense of achievement as they make their own decisions. Finally, online schools provide a way for students to learn away from the distractions of a traditional classroom setting. Since classes can be taken in the comfort of home, students do not have to worry about the risks associated with being in public or spending too much time in isolated situations.
3. What are the disadvantages of enrolling in an online school?
There are a few drawbacks to enrolling in an online school as well. For one, online classes can be costly, as many online schools charge tuition fees in addition to course and material fees. Also, since the classes are often not regulated by a state or educational institution, there may be a lack of external accountability, meaning that students may not have the necessary financial or academic support needed to ensure success.
In addition, students may also struggle to stay organized and motivated if they are not provided with a traditional student environment. Additionally, students enrolled in online schools miss out on social activities that are important for developing their social skills.
Finally, the topics provide by online schools may be rigid and not offer the same level of flexibility as other types of education.
4. Can you attend an online school while enrolled in a homeschool?
Yes, homeschoolers and homeschool parents are certainly allowed to enroll in an online school while homeschooling. The Department of Education encourages parents to be firm in their decision to homeschool their children, while at the same time giving parents the freedom to supplement the homeschooling curriculum with online learning in various subjects. That said, it is important to note that there are certain regulations, such as those concerning accreditation, that all online schools must abide by regardless of a student’s homeschool status.
To ensure that students are receiving the best education possible, state laws and regulations should be consulted, and any paperwork or requirements should be completed prior to enrollment. Additionally, some online schools require that a student’s home state must recognize their diploma in order for them to enroll.
5. How much time should I expect to devote to online school after enrolling into a homeschool?
The amount of time to devote to online school after enrolling in a homeschool will ultimately depend on the type and length of course that students choose to enroll in. However, a good estimate would be somewhere between two to five hours per week – with the course varying in duration, of course.
In terms of course breadth, distance learning classes may be more flexible than traditional classes. Most online courses provide student activities and assessments, often in the form of quizzes and tests. They also generally include online discussion and written assignments, as well as occasional live interactions through video or audio platforms.
It is important to note that online classes may require additional time to complete outside of the actual lessons provided by the online school – such as reading, research, and completing assignments and projects. Depending on the course, additional time may also need to be allocated for group projects and collaborations with other students enrolled.
6. Is there a minimum amount of hours which I need to commit?
No, there is no minimum amount of hours which you need to commit to an online school once enrolled in a homeschool, but it would likely depend on the exact course curriculum and objectives you are trying to achieve. For instance, some courses may require students to complete a specific number of credit hours or course credits in order to earn their degree, certificate or diploma. Online courses often require more self-discipline and commitment than traditional courses since students are expected to complete their assignments and exams on their own schedule and at their own pace.
7. How should I plan my online school learning schedule?
To plan an effective online school learning schedule, it’s best to start by understanding what specifically is expected of you to complete the course. Moreover, understanding how the course will be delivered is also important; this could involve video lectures, online syllabuses, written assignments, live discussions and exams. Once you have a clear understand of your course objectives, create an achievable timeline of achievable steps to help you stay on track and complete the course.
Determine how much time you need to commit to each course activity and lesson and make a schedule that will enable you to complete the course in the set time. Also, a flexilbe schedule may be helpful.
Adjusting your work commitments, family time and time for leisure activities in between your schedule can help allow more time for flexible study activities.
8. Are there resources available to help me complete the course?
Yes, there are resources available to help complete online courses. Most online schools offer online library access and online tutoring to help students with the course.
In addition, the Internet provides an array of free resources that can help supplement the curriculum and expand a student’s knowledge on the subject. For example, podcasts, TED talks and articles are some of the many resources available for free on the Internet for students to learn more about a specific topic or to explore beyond the course script.
9. Is there an amount of time a student can spend on an online school course and still make progress?
Yes, there is an amount of time a student can spend on an online school course and still make progress. The amount of time needed to complete a course will depend on the course’s difficulty and length, but typically the recommended time commitment is around five to ten hours per week.
However, some courses may require more or less time depending on its objectives and it can also depend on the student themselves. While some may take up to fifteen hours per week, others may be able to complete a course in less time by using effective time management techniques to stay on track.
10. Are there tools to help me manage my time?
Yes, there are tools to help manage time when enrolled in an online school. The most basic tool to employ is a calendar or agenda in which you can visually map out what needs to be done and when. Be sure to factor in personal responsibilities, family commitments and leisure activities – this will be the basis from which you can plan the allocated time for schooling and coursework.
Moreover, there are other available apps or websites that allow users to set reminders or to-dos which can be issued on regular intervals to add another layer of emphasis and motivation. These apps also enable you to track your progress and accomplishments throughout the course, as well as provide access to time management tips and resources to further aid in success.
11. How do I ensure I stay focused and motivated?
Staying focused and motivated while enrolled in an online school can be a challenge, especially considering the lack of interpersonal interaction when taking online classes. To stay focused and motivated, set small, achievable goals with achievable deadlines, and then reward yourself after each step is accomplished.
Also, establish a learning routine that works well for you, such as studying or completing certain activities at the same time each day. Visual motivation and reminders can also assist in staying on track, such as displaying certificates and awards from completing the course or from completing certain goals within the course.
12. How do I ensure I am able to pass the course?
To ensure you pass the course, it is important to stay organized and to understand the course expectations and your own limits. Firstly, ensure that you have clearly defined goals for each assignment and understand how to complete each one. Once you have a basic understanding of the course expectations, it may be beneficial to create a plan or schedule that outlines each task and the corresponding due date.
Be sure to stick to the plan and make use of the various online course resources and tools to help you stay on track. Also, take advantage of any online class forums or dialogues which can provide a platform to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Additionally, reaching out to your course instructor formally or through email can help you better understand the course material and stay on track with course progress.
13. Can I take additional classes while enrolled in an online school?
Yes, you can certainly take additional classes while enrolled in an online school. It is important to remember, however, that additional classes do tend to require extra time, effort and concentration for success. Therefore, it is important to plan your schedule to accommodate the additional classes and ensure that the new classes do not interfere with existing coursework.
Also, be mindful of the fact that courses may have different formats and content. Research into the subject matter and the integrated technology should be done to ensure the course is suitable and can be integrated with an existing course schedule.
14. Are there any special tips for success?
Yes, there are a few tips for success which can help students who are looking to enroll and successfully complete an online school course. Firstly, it is important to always be mindful of staying organised and motivated. Also, create a set schedule that works for you and outline it using online tools and apps, such as a calendar or a task list, and make sure to factor in enough time for leisure activities, family commitments and personal responsibilities.
Additionally, it is important to take advantage of the resources and technology associated with the online school course, as well as any online forums or dialogues which may be available for extra guidance. Finally, be sure to reach out to a course instructor through the email or through a formal application to ensure you are on track with the course progress and expectations.
15. How will I know if I have achieved my learning objectives?
The best way to know if you have achieved your learning objectives is to evaluate yourself and the progress made while enrolled in the online school course. Firstly, identify and assess your progress against the course syllabus.
Are your assignments on track and up to standard? Have you made any noticeable improvements in terms of the topics discussed? Do your peers recognise your great understanding of the subject?
Apart from evaluating the course work itself, it is also important to evaluate your own self-discipline and motivation – have you stayed focused throughout the duration of the course? Have you identified any weak areas where improvement is needed?
Conclusion
Enrolling in an online school after enrolling in a homeschool can help your child gain access to a range of courses and resources which may not be available in the traditional school system. The time needed to complete a course will depend on the course’s objectives, its difficulty and its length, but a good estimate would be between two to five hours per week. When enrolling in an online school course, it is important to stay organised and motivated, to take advantage of online resources, and to reach out to a course instructor to ensure that you are on track with the course progress.
Finally, when assessing your own course progress, be sure to evaluate your self-discipline, focus and motivation, as well as the actual course work.