Online programs geared towards homeschoolers has really taken off. Homeschoolers can enroll in an entire online program or take a la carte classes. There are a ton of options for classes to include dual enrollment, life skills, extracurricular, Advanced Placement, as well as core classes. These classes are a God-send for parents like me who have kids at elementary, middle school, and high school levels. It allows my older kids an opportunity to experience online classes, accountability to a teacher other than myself, and prepares them for the kind of academic discipline and responsibility that will be required in college. It also allows me extra focus time with my elementary-aged children who need more hands-on. My kids are also able to learn things far outside of my own scope of knowledge.
As I’ve begun planning for next year, I’ve been excited to discover the range of online programs available to my kids. But I realized that I made a few assumptions about the structure of these online programs. There is a broad range of how lessons are presented, how students access curriculum, and access instructors. In researching a few of these programs more closely, I’ve discovered that all online programs are not equal nor do all of them align with my children’s academic needs. Even though I’ve jumped at class titles, I’ve found myself asking three basic questions about the online class/programs I’ve researched:
Is there some form of printed textbook or printed curriculum that my child can access offline?
While this may not be a big deal for some, my kids, especially my oldest, are highly visual, touchy feels learners. Her best learning is done with a tangible textbook or notes that she can write in, add to, flip the page of, and refer back to easily over time. Some online programs provide curriculum that is only accessible electronically on their website. So if your child prefers a book that allows them to thumb through the pages, write questions in the borders of the page and/or highlight key passages to refer back to, this is a no-go.
Are there live classes or recorded lectures? Is there an instructor for the class?
There are huge benefits to having an online class that hosts weekly live classes and/or pre-recorded lectures, especially for highly technical, upper level classes such as physics, chemistry, or math classes. Students are able to ask questions and receive answers in real-time from a subject-matter expert (the teacher) as well as witness the problem-solving process from start to finish. Live classes are also great because they provide students with opportunities to learn together, engage in meaningful conversations, problem-solve in cooperative groups, and build repaired with people from various backgrounds and parts of the country. This is helpful in broadening perspectives and learning how to disagree and peacefully work towards solutions.
While recorded lectures are not as personally interactive, they still allow students to witness and participate in problem-solving processes with guidance. Additionally, recorded lectures are helpful because students are able to manage their time and learn at a more comfortable pace. This is a great benefit for students who may struggle with certain concepts and need additional study time. The teacher use class time to focus on addressing areas of difficulty, facilitating enrichment activities that engage students, rather than introducing new concepts. If there are no pre-recorded lectures and/or live, online classes, students and parents risk having delays in learning until they can either contact a subject-matter expert or find answers to problems. There are online programs that do not have specific instructor assigned to the courses. If your child struggles with the content and additionally has a defined date for course completion, this can pose a huge problem.
What are the core beliefs of the online institution? How are subjects such as science, history, and English taught?
When looking at online programs and what’s available it’s easy to become so excited with the kinds of classes offered, that you don’t fully consider the core beliefs or worldview of the institution. But the worldview from which online courses are important—especially for subjects such as science, history, and English.
For example, as a Christian homeschooler, it matters to me how creationism versus evolution is taught. It’s important to me that science is presented from a biblical worldview acknowledging God’s hand in the design of all of the myriad life processes, physical phenomenon, chemical reactions that take place around us. Additionally, as an African-American, it is important that history is taught honestly, with nuance, and with a critical eye. I also want my kids to critically analyze historical events from a Christian worldview and I understand that the Christian worldview doesn’t always align with that of mainstream society. That said, I am inclined to choose a secular online school that aligns more with public school standards and more likely to choose an online school that promotes a Christian worldview.
Online schooling is set to really take off in light of the recent pandemic and subsequent school closures. With the many online school options currently available and those that are sure to arise in the near future, it is a prudent for parents to do their research.
