Homeschooling vs. Online Schooling?

Question

Is anyone who really actually sits down and teaches their children upset by the fact that the online public schooling is often mistaken for homeschooling? I hate the stereotyping that arises from this and don't think it's a good system at all (except for a select few children). How do you (politely) handle these people?

Answer 1

One thing you need to realize is even with a virtual public school, the parent still does the majority of the teaching - especially in the elementary years.  In middle & high school, there is less parental interaction, but the parents still have to be involved for it to work.  They are still home *educating*.

So no, as a "pure" HS'er, I'm not upset.  Nor do I think HS'ers should have the "corner of the market" on the term.

In my answers here on Y!A, I like to distinguish between "pure" homeschooling and virtual *public* schooling and the differences.  That's my little input into educating the masses.

I use a curriculum that it used in many virtual public schools.  I do the *exact* same teaching, as an independent homeschooler, that the parents enrolled in the virtual schools do.  I just don't have to answer to anyone, nor have a teacher looking over my shoulder.  So I don't agree with your statement, "...don't think it's a good system at all".  It has helped *many* of my friends with their home educating.  I'm glad it's there as an option for families.

Also, I've seen many families "ease into" true HS'ing from trying the virtual schools first and finding out that they really can home educate.  It's a great bridge between public schooling and true homeschooling.  It's helpful for single parents and parents who don't have the support of their spouse (or ex-spouse).

So, I "handle" these people by educating them of the pros and cons of both pure homeschooling and virtual public schooling, and then it's up to them to make the decision of which to use.  I think it's great that it allows many people the opportunity to try something they might otherwise be completely terrified of doing.

Answer 2

I can't stand it. #henever someone complains that homeschooling is boring or that they didn't learn anything or do anything interesting or that it was no different than public school or that they were soooo lonely, it's usually because they were doing online PUBLIC school, and didn't make any effort to do anything above and beyond.