Much verbiage and many statistics have been devoted to delineating the difference between public education and homeschool. And no one would deny that they are in fact very different. Location is different, people involved are different, time and resources required are different. Each has different positive attributes and different challenges. So it might be hard to imagine these have anything in common! But they do.
Both public education and the homeschool movement are making more and more use of online curriculum. Why? What is it about this particular presentation of material that appeals to both distinctively different populations? I would propose these reasons:
Effective Learning
There are several factors that make this modality particularly successful. First, the platform for learning is that optimal ratio – one child in front of one computer. The 1:1 ratio of learner to instructor is a prime condition for the passing along of knowledge. Similarly, the process is interactive and multisensory. Students hear and see the material then respond tactilely using the keyboard. There is less chance of distraction or getting off task. Also, most online curricula are “mastery-based,” meaning a student’s proper instruction level is determined initially and learning builds from there. They do not go to the next concept or skill until they have mastered the current material. This results in few if any learning gaps. Obviously, that online curriculum is successful in enabling students to progress academically makes it desirable to both homeschools and public schools.
Promotes Ownership of Learning
I have seen this firsthand. Two of my sons utilize an online curriculum for accelerated math. My youngest, who is only seven, will take initiative to ensure he meets his learning goals. Seeing the page with his progress helps him understand where he is at and what he needs to learn next. The motivation that results when a student comes to understand that learning is their responsibility is a key component to learning success. While educational ownership is more prevalent in homeschool which is more conducive to independent learning, schools also find that students gain this motivational benefit by using online curriculum.
Cost Effective
Because online curriculum offers an enormous amount of content from one location, it is extremely cost effective. If a student at a small school or from a homeschool wants to take a unique course, online curriculum makes that possible without the specialized teachers and materials usually required. Also, content in an online format can be updated regularly without the costly reprinting of new texts. According to a study done by Tana Bishop of the Sloan Consortium, schools are finding that using online curriculum allows more learning per dollar spent (Bishop, 2006). In the homeschool arena, use of online curriculum is growing, according to a poll by homeschool-curriculum.org (Frey, 2012). While not specifically cited, it would be safe to assume cost effectiveness is one reason for such growth. After all, such a large percentage of parents indicated in this study (92%) would not choose an option that they did not find cost effective given today’s economics.
Easy to Track Progress
Another reason online curriculum is appealing is that it is easy to track progress. A teacher or parent can easily determine exactly what the student has learned, where they are struggling, and the direction they are heading. Such information is generated from the student’s work and is easily accessible to parents and teachers. Online curriculum takes the guesswork out of figuring out what they already know and how they are progressing toward what they need to know.
Accommodates All Learning Pace Needs
Students are individuals. Online curriculum allows them to learn as individuals. Students who acquire content and skills easily can move quickly through the material whereas students who require extra time or content support can find that as well. The result is everyone can work to their best potential without neither the frustrating boredom one side nor the unrealistic pressure on the other side.
Offers Flexibility
When learning cannot fit into a traditional schedule, online curriculum is a great option. The web-based format allows learning to happen anytime and anywhere there is internet access. Therefore family travel, student sports or entertainment careers, or simple personal preferences need not interfere with receiving an excellent education.
One resource helpful with online curriculum is Global Student Network. GSN offers six of the best online curricula from one location, www.globalstudentnetwork.com. These curricula include Christian, secular, and honors options as well as a wide selection of high school electives and even career and technical training. In addition, GSN hosts an online private school, International Virtual Learning Academy. 2014 marks 10 years for GSN helping to connect students with excellent online educational options – both at school or at home.
Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com
Sources
Bishop, Tana. 2006 “Research Highlights Cost Effectiveness of Online Education” sloanconsortium.org/publications/books/pdf/ce_summary.pdf ·
Frey, S. (editor). 2012 “Computer-Based Curriculum Changing How Homeschooling is Done”http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/6/prweb9571227.htm