Online Education for K-12 Homeschooled Students

Virtual Schools are a Great Option for Homeschoolers

Sep 24, 2009

Homeschoolers as well as traditional students are turning to virtual education for flexibility and great educations.

Traditional brick and mortar schools will always be a part of the landscape, but more and more, students and parents are opting for a less traditional form of education. Virtual schools can be an especially good option for homeschoolers.

While using online education, the teacher delivers quality instruction to the student from a remote location. Online, or virtual schools, are popping up throughout the nation. Some are independent schools and some are parts of virtual charter schools. In some cases, being enrolled in a virtual charter school may be the same as being enrolled in the local public school.

The virtual school receives money from the state for the student’s daily attendance and the student must participate in state testing as well as provide work samples to their teacher. Students usually submit work samples to their assigned teachers who, in turn, complete paperwork required from the state in order to stay in operation.

Technology in Education

Students receive their daily or weekly assignments through the internet on their online school. There, they are either directed to engaging animated videos and lessons online or to the textbooks they receive from the school, which are to be used in conjunction with the online lessons.

A common misconception regarding virtual education is that students are chained to the computer for their entire school day. Students only spend a small portion of their day online. The rest of the students’ day is spent completing offline activities such as reading books, completing activities or workbooks, conducting scientific explorations or pursuing a personal topic of interest. Teachers also offer live classes online where the students participate in discussions and activities with other students.

Flexibility of Coursework and Scheduling

Flexible coursework and scheduling allows students to complete their schoolwork when it is convenient for them, day or night. Students training for sports might work on his or her coursework between training sessions. A child actor might complete his or her assignments between takes or rehearsals. Students may take their schoolwork with them if the family needs to travel. Oftentimes, families are able to take advantage of off-season prices to destinations that may enhance their education and may otherwise be unaffordable during peak season.

What About Socialization?

Aside from online groups and clubs where the students interact with each other, students are also encouraged to attend outings in their area as well. Typically, teachers who work for virtual schools organize local outings, field trips or park days. Families take advantage of attending events during the middle of the week when crowds are not so much of an issue.

Virtual education may not be for every student out there but it’s a great option for homeschoolers who wish to work at their own pace.

The copyright of the article Online Education for K-12 Homeschooled Students in Homeschooling is owned by Kelly Mendoza . Permission to republish Online Education for K-12 Homeschooled Students in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.