General Question

leopardgecko123's avatar

Is taking an online course for school the same as going to regular school?(academically)

Asked by leopardgecko123 (777points) March 22nd, 2011

I want to be home schooled, but I was wondering if you still learn everything that you would in regular school. I’m not worried about the social life and all that ‘cause I barely have any friends and there are a lot of bullies. But, do you still get about the same education that you would in regular school?(if you know what I mean)

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5 Answers

SpatzieLover's avatar

Homeschooling and virtual schooling are two different things. With virtual schooling, depending on the state, it is most likely the same curriculum (or very similar) to what you’d be doing in conventional school.

Homeschooling is quite different, as the parent or tutors can adjust the curriculum and pace to the needs of the student.

Socialization at school or at home is no different. If you regularly do extra-curricularsor sports, you will still be able to spend time with your friends. If you do not, then you will need to plan outings.

There are plenty of homeschool groups to join in every state that allow for social get togethers/field trips. Not all homeschoolers welcome virtual schoolers into their group.

roundsquare's avatar

With respect to the education you will get, there are at least two different answers to this.

Subject Matter: Are the curriculum the same? You can probably check to see if the online course covers the same set of topics. Its harder to determine if the online course covers each topic to the same level of detail. Chances are if you are using some online program that the state recognizes as being sufficient you are okay, but otherwise probably not.

Student-Teacher Interaction: This is an important part of school that you will lose (unless your online program has a way of interacting with instructors/tutors). If you don’t understand something in the online course, how are you going to ask for help? If you see a topic you want to look into further, who will help guide you?

As @SpatzieLover said, confirm that the state will accept the course you are using as sufficient. After doing that, try to find a way to get some instructor interaction.

YARNLADY's avatar

The main difference between homeschooling and regular school is that the home schooler is responsible for making sure their curriculum meets the public school requirements. It’s up to you to get a copy of the public school curriculum requirements, and see that you get the required lessons.

SpatzieLover's avatar

@roundsquare Most of the virtual schools have homework helpers and tutors/teachers available by instant message.

glasseggplant's avatar

Before you spend money….go to the schools in your state. and find out if the credits count on the online school so if you want to go to a physical school you can transfer the credits

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