The education system across the globe has been disrupted due to the pandemic. But this did not stop various institutions from delivering their services to the learners. Traditional schools explored the use of technology to continue to reach students through virtual classes. Meanwhile, homeschool providers have also seen a significant increase in their enrollees as more and more parents are looking for alternative ways to educate their children while at home.
So what exactly is the difference between virtual schools and homeschools? While these learning setups are both done in the comfort of the home, that is where the similarity ends. Virtual schools are also called distance learning or online education. This is primarily sanctioned by a traditional “brick-and-mortar” private or public school that has expanded virtually to adapt to the demands of the times. The delivery and assessment of the lessons still depend on a teacher. For some schools, another viable option is to avail of the curriculum and have a parent or any other adult guide the child. But the assessment will always be done by the school. In the case of homeschoolers, a parent builds the curriculum or purchases one from any established provider. He is then responsible for teaching the child. An assessment is not always required depending on what part of the country you are in.
Another remarkable difference is the schedule of the lessons. Since a virtual class usually meets online as determined by the school, the schedule could be rigid. Some younger children benefit from this because the routine gives a sense of security. Children are empowered when they can predict what happens next. On the other hand, a homeschool setup can be more flexible because the parent decides on the best time for optimal learning. Parents can even incorporate the “class time” to their daily activities as a family. There is freedom to make necessary adjustments along the way since the parent is the primary decision-maker here. Lessons can even take place while you are on the road or during any teachable moment.
The third major difference between the two approaches are the socialisation opportunities. In virtual schools, the child attends a class with other children using an online learning platform. The teacher is there to facilitate the class and the students can interact with one another. They can also be tasked to do group works outside of class time. Depending on the socialisation restrictions imposed by the government due to COVID-19, field trips and other gatherings can be arranged by the school. Those who are homeschooled do not belong to a class so their companions are only their parents and siblings, if they have some. This can limit their interaction with children their age if the parents do not intentionally give them opportunities to do so. This does not mean however that there are no other occasions for socialisation. The parents can join communities for homeschoolers and do life with these people. That can even be a good place for sharing experiences and getting tips from other families who are faced with the same challenges. Homeschoolers can even organise events that happen in regular schools. They can have sports day, a music concert and Christmas parties. The possibilities are limitless when you have creative parents who want the best experience for their kids.
Next on the list will be the use of gadgets or personal computers for learning. Virtual schools obviously conduct their classes through online platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. If the child has a set schedule per day of at least four hours, then that would also mean a lengthy screen time for her. This is the factor that does not sit well with many parents. The student might experience eye strain, headaches and even poor posture as he sits for long hours in front of the computer. This is the reason why most schools opt to reduce the number of school hours per day. This can also be taxing on the part of the teachers as they struggle to keep the attention of the students. Meanwhile, homeschoolers do not really have to deal much with this concern. Part of the appeal of homeschooling is the freedom to use any method of teaching as the parents deem appropriate. This means that art activities, outdoor play, sensory activities and other experiential means can be incorporated to the delivery of the lesson. The computer is just one of the many options to use as a tool for learning.
At the end of the day, the decision to enrol your child in a virtual or homeschool setup is really yours to decide. There isn’t one, perfectly great way to teach and the mode by which learning happens is also very diverse. Consider where your child is most comfortable and where her learning style will fit. Our educational system is ever-changing and we have to welcome these developments and find ways to take advantage of these new modes of learning.