There’s been a lot of buzz about the differences between online learning and homeschooling thanks to a recently-aired episode of “Supernanny” in which two high school girls taking online courses end up enrolling in a traditional school due to concerns about the quality of their educational experience. Read more here.
It’s important to understand that homeschooling involves (ideally, anyway) supervision from parents so that students are working on their assignments while receiving direction and support from an adult who may or may not be a “trained” teacher. Homeschooling can be a fantastic option for families willing to devote themselves to it.
Homeschooling may or may not include online courses. Most homeschool families are choosing to incorporate a variety of technology options in their kids’ education and this can be a terrific way to enhance learning and get students connected to other students as well.
Online learning, on the other hand, is a relationship between a student at home and a teacher out there somewhere who is offering instruction, assignments, and support on an individual basis to those who have signed up for a particular course. Online courses–indeed, online schools–can also be extremely beneficial and absolutely valid and valuable as educational options.
But it is also true that online learning requires a certain amount of direction or at least support in the beginning stages. The first couple of online courses might be a bit bumpy as it’s necessary to learn a new way of turning in assignments and contributing to class discussions. Students must also have enough motivation to get up, turn on the computer, and stay up to date on coursework and tests. The schedules can be very relaxed or very rigid, depending on the program, but in either case, it’s up to the student to pay attention and get the work turned in on time. Though there may be a parent present to assist and encourage, it’s not a given nor is it part of the program. Ideally, online students have both a caring parent and an engaged and supportive teacher to help them.
The “Supernanny” episode showcased two sisters, ages 15 and 17, who were having a hard time with their online courses and not getting the support they needed to do well in their program. (They were also in charge of caring for younger siblings while their parents worked full-time jobs.)
I think it’s a waste of time to talk about whether online learning, homeschooling, or traditional schooling is “best” for our kids. Savvy parents recognize that their kids need to have a bit of everything in order to get a truly relevant education that prepares them for the global economy.
Why? Because our kids are likely to take online courses in the workplace, they are likely to work at home at some point, and they are likely to work in a group setting with others in an office. Whatever we do to prepare them for ALL THREE of these work settings will help them develop the skills they need to thrive.
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