As online learning continues to evolve and grow, we’re quickly learning that education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both online schools and homeschooling can provide exceptional benefits for students and their educators – everything from more one-on-one time to catered lessons based on performance. But what online schools offer that many traditional homeschool programs don’t is a sense of community, collaboration, and engagement with other students that ensures academic and personal success.
Understanding the concept of online school
Is online school considered homeschool?
Online public schools are not considered to be homeschool. However, many homeschool families choose to supplement their student’s learning with curriculum provided by online public schools where students complete online classes and interact with their teachers and other students. While online schools seem like they evolved during the pandemic, K–12 online schools have been around for decades with roughly 375,000 full-time students in the 2018-2019 school year.
Online schools incorporate a variety of public school educational strategies, such as video lectures, digital assignments, and discussion forums. These online programs strive to replicate the traditional classroom experience in a virtual environment, providing opportunities for live interactions and socialization opportunities. Even though the courses are virtual, these programs provide a private school experience with comprehensive support services, including academic counseling and technical support, to ensure student success.
What are the benefits?
Online schools empower online students by providing flexibility and allowing students to attend classes and complete assignments based on their unique schedules. A range of courses are offered by certified teachers, allowing students to explore diverse areas of interest such as higher level math and science courses, a variety of language courses, and even earn college credit through courses that may not be available in traditional schooling systems. It’s a viable option for students who need a more flexible schedule due to commitments such as sports, arts, travel, or health issues.
Exploring the benefits of homeschooling
What is homeschooling?
Homeschooling is traditionally performed by a parent or guardian and allows for personalized learning plans that cater to a child’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. A common misconception is that all homeschooling is faith-based, which isn’t necessarily the case in today’s learning environment.
What are the benefits?
Homeschool offers a flexible schedule, enabling students to learn at their own pace without the pressure of strict deadlines. It provides a safe, comfortable, and familiar learning environment with opportunities for practical, hands-on learning experiences that can be tailored to the child’s interests.
It also allows for integration of life skills and practical learning into the daily curriculum, enhancing the overall educational experience. Online homeschool programs are also available and are a great option for families who travel frequently, have irregular schedules, or live in remote areas.
Pros and cons of online school and homeschool
Online or “virtual” schools provide a new way to learn either as a full-time student or as a complement to in-person learning at a brick-and-mortar school, but it can be hard for students who struggle with time-management skills.
Homeschooled students benefit from more hands-on learning, but a lack of expertise from homeschool parents/guardians in certain subjects could cause students to fall behind. Weigh the pros and cons for each based on your student’s lifestyle and learning habits to find a balance that works best for you.
Pros of Online Schooling
- Students have access to education regardless of their geographical location.
- Offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.
- Allows students to work at their own pace, fostering self-discipline and time-management skills.
- Facilitates exposure to a diverse range of subjects and courses.
- Encourages digital literacy and technical skills development, with learning coaches available as needed.
- Provides a sense of community with other students and teachers.
Cons of Online Schooling
- May be difficult for students who struggle with self-motivation or time management.
- Occasionally, technical issues can disrupt the learning process.
- Some hands-on or practical subjects may be challenging to teach remotely.
- Requires a reliable internet connection, which may not be accessible to all students.
Pros of Homeschooling
- Allows for customized learning plans tailored to a student’s individual needs and interests.
- Provides a flexible learning schedule, not bound by traditional school hours or terms.
- Fosters strong family relationships through active parental/guardian involvement in education.
- Facilitates hands-on and practical learning experiences.
- Can focus in-depth on subjects of interest, leading to advanced knowledge in those areas.
- Offers a distraction-free learning environment, away from peer pressure or classroom disruptions.
- Enables integration of real-world skills into the curriculum.
Cons of Homeschooling
- Requires significant time and energy from parents/guardians.
- May limit social interaction, leading to potential isolation.
- Parents/guardians may lack expertise in certain subject areas, which can cause the student to fall behind.
- May be harder to provide exposure to a broad range of subjects.
- Can lead to gaps in learning if not properly structured and supervised.
- Limited access to school resources like libraries, field trips, sports teams, and extracurricular activities.
- Might not have the support or tools they need to prepare for college by completing required tests, filling out applications, or applying for financial aid.
Making the right education choice
The line between online school and homeschool doesn’t have to be solid – both education options can be beneficial and overlap to get the most out of your student’s education. If you’re still on the fence about which education strategy would work best, then consider the following.
What are your child’s habits and needs? Some students thrive in a self-paced, independent environment offered by both virtual schools and homeschooling, while others need more structure and direct instruction. Both pose challenges for social interaction – however, online schools offer socialization opportunities that include virtual forums, academic counseling, and group projects that offer some degree of peer interaction.
How involved are you able to be? Homeschooling requires a significant time commitment from parents/guardians in order to plan and deliver lessons, while online school might offer more pre-structured courses and teacher support. This includes a broad range of subjects that may be challenging to cover through homeschooling, particularly at higher grade levels.
Researching online school options?
Online schools, homeschooling, and even a hybrid school environment are great options for families who need flexibility and accessibility with their child’s education. If you’re looking for more online learning options for your student, then reach out to ASU Prep Digital. Our accredited online school program serving students in grades K–12, recognized as Arizona’s #1 Online School by Niche.com.
ASU Prep Digital’s unique teaching model supports students from the safety of their homes with the latest learning technologies and several layers of personalized instruction and coaching. In addition, our program is a college prep option where online high school and university courses converge, preparing students for college acceptance and encouraging them to start earning credit toward college majors and careers.
We support districts in Arizona, while serving students and schools around the world. To learn more about ASU Prep Digital, please visit our website.
Online schooling vs homeschooling FAQs
What are the potential challenges associated with homeschooling?
Parents/guardians take on a large part of homeschooling duties, from creating a homeschool curriculum and lesson plans to creating a school calendar and adjusting lessons based on their child’s learning style. They may also have limited access to resources like libraries, extracurricular activities, clubs, and more that can affect a student’s overall development and health. When it comes time to plan for college or continuing education, they might also lack the resources needed to prepare.
How does online schooling ensure flexibility and adaptability?
Online classrooms typically have a smaller class size which allows teachers to spend more time creating a customized curriculum. Coursework is often flexible and able to be completed at the student’s pace. Many courses also feature real-time feedback, group collaboration, and counseling as needed to ensure success.
Are there opportunities for social interaction in online schooling?
Yes! Due to the usual small class size, students are able to get to know each other and work together on group projects. Teachers are also able to focus more on each individual student and provide guidance and feedback to meet their needs.
What resources are needed for effective online schooling?
A strong internet connection, laptop or computer, and basic technological knowledge to get started (don’t worry, we can help with this part).
How does the diversity of course offerings compare between online schooling and homeschooling?
Both online schools and homeschooling must meet state requirements. However, online schools have the ability to obtain accreditation, and often offer comprehensive support services, including academic counseling and technical support, to ensure student success. Online schools also offer unique ways to learn with other students in a virtual environment. Traditional homeschooling is limited on access to additional resources and enrichment, and allows the parents/guardians to decide how a lesson is given.
