Must Know Guide to Distance Learning

There are volumes written about homeschooling and how to go about it. For the parent thinking of introducing homeschool and distance learning to the family, it’s often difficult to know where to begin. Perhaps the best way to introduce the subject will be by answering the most common questions people ask.

What exactly is distance learning? Every state has it own laws on how homeschool is to be conducted and how distance learning is to be imparted. But what is common is that parents, along with the children, assume control over the content of the education and how it is imparted, what external resources, like an online high school, are to be used. Subject to the minimum educational standards being maintained, the parents are free to educate their children as they think best. Homeschool should not be confused with independent study programs and visiting teacher facilities which do not give the parents control over the content of the education being given.

Who goes in for distance learning? The short answer is everyone. Parents in big cities, small towns and in rural areas opt for distance learning. People from all economic backgrounds, social strata and religious persuasions opt for it. Single parent families, gay and lesbian parents, the elderly who are bringing up their grandchildren all opt for distance learning homeschool.

Why do People opt for distance learning? There are as many reasons as there are parents but the top five would probably be-

Maintaining a close family relationship that should not end when a child starts school.
Distance learning home school allows a great deal of flexibility so parents can take their children with them when they travel and use this to broaden their horizons even more.

Increased supervision of the content of the education being provided

Online high school education allows for attention to be given to a child’s special needs.

No safety issues caused by long commutes and extended time away from home.

How many children are going in for distance learning? Conservative estimates are that over 2% (over 1 million) of the school going population is now receiving distance learning.

Is distance learning legal? Yes. If the school that you attend is accredited, then your student will get credits and privileges that any private school student receives.

Is the education obtained from an online high school good? Distance learning education is on par with the education imparted by private and public schools. Studying is often easier for the students since they can learn at their own pace and not be forced to go along with the majority. Curriculum can also be created around your students learning style, making it easier and more enjoyable to learn.

Does distance learning require any special equipment to be purchased? Not at all. As long as there is a suitable place for the children to study which contains the right kind of tables and chairs, and a computer with an internet connection, there is nothing major required. The balance items are just the usual text books, stationery items and so on.

Does putting children in an online high school place a greater burden on the parents? Yes it does. Children cannot be left to their own resources and one parent will have to devote a great deal of time to being at home when the distance learning is being done.

To learn more about a quality accredited distance learning homeschool please visit Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.