The Difference between Online Schooling and Homeschooling

At first glance, it can be difficult to see the difference between online schooling and homeschooling. After all, both typically occur at home and involve some computer usage. If you’ve experienced online learning, however, you know that the depth and scope of an online education is far greater than the average homeschooling experience.

By enrolling in an online school, your child is connecting to a variety of resources and a supportive community, as well as a network of experienced instructors who can craft a customized curriculum that meets his or her learning needs. Below are some significant ways that online schooling and homeschooling differ.

Funding

Funding is a major difference between online schooling and homeschooling. Because many online schools are public like traditional schools, they receive funding from the government. Because of this, online learners follow a state-standards-aligned curriculum (that can then be customized to meet their unique learning needs). In some cases, they can get their books and attend field trips for free, or they may be eligible to receive a stipend for their computer equipment and Internet service.

Available Assistance

When children are homeschooled, their parents become the main coordinators of their schooling, usually teaching every subject. In virtual schools, parents play an important but far less demanding and stressful role in their child’s education. Online schools employ instructors who specialize in certain subjects, granting students access to multiple teachers and counselors who can answer any of your child’s questions.

Supplies and Resources

Homeschooling and online schooling are most similar in terms of the supplies and resources available to students. Both can use books, instructional videos, and field trips, but the range of methods offered by cyber schools for facilitating learning is usually broader due to greater funding. Some schools offer hundreds of field trips each year and use video chat programs to connect students with teachers in real time. Online learners can learn the way they feel most comfortable with little cost to their parents’ wallets or schedules.

Extracurricular Activities

Most homeschooled and online students have to make an effort to socialize in educational and extracurricular settings. Homeschoolers can usually connect to other local kids through sports and clubs, but the online capabilities of cyber schools allow students to socialize on local, statewide, and even national levels. Online students can meet locally to volunteer or play sports, or they can join a school-affiliated chess club, book club, science club, or more.

Both homeschooling and online schooling offer your child educational opportunities that traditional schools do not, but online learning helps your child use free services to get involved in a large student network. Save time and money by considering a virtual school for your child.