considered old-fashioned. This is probably because of
the stereotype that homeschoolers are generally
homeschooling for religious reasons, sitting around a
dining room table doing copy work from historical
icons, and learning to read from old public school
readers. Like all stereotypes there is probably some
basis in truth but today’s homeschoolers are breaking
out of that stereotype.
Today’s homeschoolers are often at least as
technologically advanced as their traditionally
educated counterparts. Part of the reason this is true
is because homeschooled students are not sitting
isolated in their homes poring over outdated textbooks
but are studying the latest available material by means
of technology. Many homeschooled students are taking
part in distance learning, self-guided learning, and
online curricula.
Distance learning
Distance learning or distance education is a method of
presenting educational material through correspondence
work, or lectures presented on the internet. It allows
students to have access to professors and other
specialists that might not be available locally.
Students generally use the internet to attend classes
and are not required to be present at the school at
all.
There are many different variations of using technology
for distance learning. Some courses are broadcast at a
certain time on the internet and all students are
expected to log in, similar to an online meeting site.
This type of distance learning is called synchronous or
live learning. Other courses are uploaded to the
internet for the students to use when they have the
time. This type of distance learning is sometimes
called asynchronous distance education.
Self-guided Learning
Self-guided learning is similar to distance learning.
Some universities offer free courses online. While the
courses are usually offered not-for-credit, they still
represent a large body of information. Most of these
courses are online, free, and often contain both video
and searchable lecture notes. An example of this type
of educational material is MIT Open Courseware. By
searching the internet for open course ware it is seen
that a number of prestigious universities offer similar
open course ware.
Another option for self-guided learning is Khan
Academy. Courses available there are not offered for
credit. In fact, it might even be considered free
online tutoring as many complex topics in math and
science are broken down into easily digestible, short
lectures.
While this coursework is offered on the internet for
free and is a great way for a student to gain
knowledge, it is generally not offered for credit.
However, there is no argument that this work is an
attractive addition to homeschool transcripts and can
be a great preparation for taking college entrance as
well as CLEP tests.
Online Curriculum
Online curriculum for homeschool students is offered
from Pre-K through 12th grade. Sometimes it is
difficult to see the difference between distance
learning and online curriculum. Probably the main
difference is that with online curriculum most of the
instruction is presented online as well as most of the
coursework. This online curriculum type of learning
generally does not have a “live” instructor that the
student answers.
Much of the testing is done by the program in the form
of multiple choice or fill in the blank answers though
in higher grade there are often writing assignments
that parents will have to grade for their for their
homeschooled students. Online curricula can be used for
core education as well as supplemental coursework. One
example of an online curriculum is Time4Learning.
Other Options
There are many other opportunities for homeschooled
students to take advantage of technology in their
educational endeavors. The internet is, in some cases,
taking the place of the library. Since many families no
longer buy sets of encyclopedias the internet is a
great research vehicle. There are many subject specific
sites that provide instructional material as well as
educational games. Homeschooled students often do not
have access to the same textbooks that traditionally
educated students do, so learning to use technology
affords homeschooled students with opportunities to
learn and expand their horizons that they might not
have otherwise.
Linda is a writer and homeschooling parent of a
student. In their homeschooling journey so far they
have used not only an online curriculum not only for
elementary and middle school but are now beginning to
homeschool high school courses through Time4Learning
Interactive High School. In addition to their online
curriculum, her daughter has also used Vocabulary and
Spelling City for supplements to their language arts
curriculum.
Article Source:
http://www.edarticle.com/articles/42357/educating-
through-technology.php
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