Online Learning: Meet Your New Teacher - Your Computer
By Mimi Rothschild
With the widespread use of the Internet, we have entered an educational evolution. More and more students are learning through online courses. This digital trend is especially encouraging for home-school families seeking the best possible education for their children. Now, home-school children can log on to the Internet and learn about a variety of subjects from experts and professional teachers, all without ever setting foot in a classroom. For parents who home-school, online education is a blessing that shouldn't be ignored.
Most home-school parents are concerned primarily with traditional education subjects: math, science, English, and the like. However, many approach the learning process in non-traditional ways. Hands-on learning, experimentation, field trips and community activities are the norm rather than the exception when it comes to home-school. Some parents who home-school may feel their children are missing out on some levels of structured education provided by public schools, and many consider enrolling their home-school children in public high school just to ensure they receive enough education. Cyber-schools make this return to public education unnecessary, as students can now learn everything taught in public schools right from their home computers.
There are, of course, a few disadvantages to online learning. One is the potential for distraction. With home computers, there are many other activities right at the home-school student's fingertips, and their attentions are apt to wander. However, one of the things many home-school parents emphasize is the capacity for self-learning in their children, so most home-school students already possess the self-discipline necessary to succeed in an online class setting. There is also the concern that distance learning stifles social interaction. Since most parents who home-school have already established a social regime for their children, however, this factor is often nothing to be overly concerned with. Additionally, home-school children who are computer-savvy and enrolled in online classes have the ability to network with their peers through e-mail and Internet chat, which extends their social circle.
With cyber learning, students can extend their home-school education into the college level. Hundreds of accredited and prestigious universities now offer online class options, whether they provide select online classes or entire degree programs. Home-school students are often able to complete their high school educations in less time than their publicly educated peers because of the flexibility of the home-school lifestyle. With online colleges, they can enter a degree program when they are ready without experiencing the awkward situation that might arise with a fourteen or fifteen-year-old on-campus college student. Distance learning through Internet classes is an excellent choice for home-school parents and students, or for anyone who wishes to supplement their education.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi Rothschild is a homeschooling mother, writer, children's rights advocate, and Founder and C.E.O. of home education company Learning by Grace, Inc. She and her husband of 28 years reside with their 8 children right outside Philadelphia, PA.
Rothschild launched Learning By Grace, Inc. because she believed that our nation's public school system has failed parents and students. Learning By Grace, Inc. offers online education through a multimedia-rich curriculum to PreK-12 children across the country and throughout the world.
An accomplished author, Rothschild has written books regarding education published by McGraw Hill and others. Her Homeschooling News Café Blog consists of the most current and relevant education news.Electronic reproduction of this article is permitted if content is published unchanged, appropriate credit is given, and the article title links to corresponding article webpage.
