Is Distance Learning Education the New Homeschool by Julie Jackson

Homeschooling, back in the day, meant that a parent had to literally become the child’s teacher and hold class (in their home) for the child to attend. This was time consuming for the parent, meaning that they were bound by the schooling and the time it takes to teach a subject to the child. Parents in today’s society are very busy and in most households, it takes both the parents to hold normal jobs just to make ends meet; which leaves no time to homeschool their child, or does it?

The alternative to homeschooling has now become distance learning. What is distance learning? The child will actually be considered part of the student body of a school. He/she will have classmates; however, these classmates could live completely across the world. The student will not have to physically attend a traditional high school but instead he/she will attend high school via the internet. Today’s technological advances and the widespread availability of the internet have made it possible for education to be offered in other settings; hence distance learning.

The distance learning education curriculum is based upon the same foundations of that of a traditional high school. Your child will study normal subjects such as: reading, writing, math, science and so on. Your child will also have the opportunity to study advanced courses as well has elective courses of his/her choosing. In the online high school environment, the school is able to offer a wider variety of classes to the student while also teaching the basics. Your child will be guaranteed a quality education that will be recognized in the future by prospective colleges and prospective employers.

Distance learning is also more flexible than a traditional school. The student will have set due dates for assignments which enables them to work ahead if needed, freeing up time for them to follow their other dreams as well such as: dance, gymnastics, etc. The student could even hold a job if needed. With the online high school option, high school now becomes a twenty-four hour per day, 7 days per week institution. Who says a child needs to attend during daylight hours? This type of program could be tailored to the individual students’ learning style as well as needs and abilities. It could be that a child learns better in the afternoon than in the morning. With distance learning, the child will be able to do that.

The parents will be able to log in to the child’s school to check on how he/she is doing. They will be able to have parent/teacher conferences. The child will have access to a school library. In the end, the child will even be able to attend a traditional graduation ceremony and the parents will be able to see their baby walk up on that stage and receive their diploma. Certain online high schools even offer their students the high school rite of passage and that is prom.

So, now can you see where the distance learning education is the new homeschool?

About The Author

Julie Jackson is a marketing consultant for Laurel Springs School, http://www.laurelsprings.com She is also a freelance writer and a health enthusiast. She lives in Ojai, California and is passionate about homeschooling.To learn more about a quality, distance learning homeschool please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.

Visit the author's web site at:
http://www.laurelsprings.com