Homeschooling and Online Learning, What’s the Difference?
The expansion of digital learning has made it possible for parents to forgo the traditional route of education and explore other, and even better alternatives for their children, such as Homeschooling and Online Learning. But what is the difference between the two and what similarities do they hold that you should consider before enrolling your child?
What is Homeschooling?
In today’s reality, homeschooling places the responsibility of children’s self-education on the parents or guardians. There are many reasons why homeschooling is a good fit for a child, five of which can be found in this blog post. Parents or guardians can build, follow, or buy a curriculum following state standards. Depending on the background of the parent or guardian, allocation of time, and location, the quality of the education for the student can greatly vary.
Homeschooling holds many benefits such as providing flexibility for students and more control and responsibility for parents and guardians. But while homeschooling may lack the element of socialization, there are many alternatives in which this can be provided for each child. You can learn more about homeschooling and where to start by reading this blog post.
What is Online Learning?
Online learning and schooling is simply a school that is conducted online. There are a myriad of online schools that provide and administer curricula to students nationally and globally. There is some flexibility granted to students on where and when their lessons will occur. Students are also surrounded by a supportive network where admission, parents, and teachers are all involved.
Parents or guardians become “learning coaches” for their children to provide support and guidance. Certified teachers provide instruction through a curriculum that has been created and follow state standards. These teachers will also administer any needed standardized tests. For students who excel in their courses, online schools often provide advanced courses, concurrent college enrollment, or certified programs to help advance students forward.
The Differences
Homeschooling
- Parents (or another designated adult) are considered teachers who purchase or build a curriculum to deliver to their children.
- Parents (or another designated adult) are responsible for following state requirements.
- Parents (or another designated adult) are responsible for creating socialization opportunities.
- Parents (or another designated adult) may incorporate faith-based learning opportunities.
- Parents (or another designated adult) are responsible for understanding the state requirements for assessment.
Online Learning
- Parents (or another designated adult) are considered “learning coaches” who utilize a curriculum created by an established virtual school or organization like Novel.
- Students are taught by certified teachers and follow a curriculum that meets state requirements.
- Online schools often weave opportunities for socialization within their curriculum
- Public online schools do not allow for faith-based learning to drive the curriculum.
- Online schools administer state standardized tests.
The Commonalities
Although there are many differences between online schooling and homeschooling, there are as well a few commonalities. Both types of learning provide a level of flexibility that formal education cannot provide. Both also enable students to communicate directly with their teachers and have a more individualized approach to their education. They also both allow students to learn at a pace that is best suited to fit their needs and focus on subjects they find engaging.
Homeschoolers also often use online learning tools like virtual museum visits at Nat Geographic, math programs from Khan Academy, or even join online live classes like those in Outschool. Students can often find these programs to be more engaging and can show more enthusiasm for taking control of their own educational journey.
The New Hybrid Approach: When Homeschooling Meets Online Learning
Novel Education Group markets itself as an all-inclusive homeschooling agency. After understanding the parameters of what homeschooling entails, you might be wondering how are we a homeschooling service? We are a hybrid model, where homeschooling meets online learning. We enroll our students in a fully-accredited online private school called Laurel Springs. Anyone around the world can enroll as a Laurel Springs student on their own. This means the student would be participating in an online school. However, if you sign up for homeschool with us, we will enroll you in Laurel Springs and provide you with a professional teacher who will oversee all aspects of students’ learning.
While all curriculum is provided, our teachers serve a similar role to that a parent would take when homeschooling their own children. The key to our role here is the word personalization. Our teachers can swap out projects, books, and assignments or teach a curriculum using an alternative approach making the student’s education entirely personal.
Students can learn anywhere in the world, at any time, without a set schedule. Our teachers work one-on-one for virtual or in-person sessions however many times the student would like per week. We’ve had teachers take students on field trips, do group courses, and even travel with their families. Want more social opportunities? Want to incorporate religion? We can make it happen.
Novel Education and our partner, Laurel Springs provide platforms for students to engage in meaningful academic programs. Our hybrid model is an alternative approach that allows students to take control of their learning and experience their education on their own terms.
Contact us for a free consultation with our Founder and CEO Tiffany Sorya to learn more about how you can join the movement and get started with Hybrid Homeschooling today!
