What’s the real deal about Online Homeschooling?

Conventional schooling systems are slowly becoming obsolete and it is about time we took notice. In fact, they are being replaced by more sophisticated online homeschooling platforms that provide students with access to their entire course material from virtually any place. All they need is access to the internet. Yes, that’s true. Students no longer require a computer either. With technological advances taking the field of education by storm, children these days are able to browse through their entire course material on portable tablets and in some cases even their smartphones. Online K-12 courses aren’t limited to desktop computers and laptops anymore. The world as we know it is rapidly changing and we need to be prepared. More than us, it is our children who need to be equipped for what lies ahead.

Several parents have been aggressively pulling their children out of traditional schooling environments because of the several advantages online learning systems offer them. Recent studies show a rapidly rising enrollment rate for online K-12 courses all across the United States. In fact, online schools are slowly proving to be the future of our entire education system.They are economically very viable and are suited to educate virtually anyone who’s willing to learn. There are courses available for all kinds of students including special and gifted children. Working professionals too can take their pick of courses without really worrying too much about scheduling their classes. The only minor hurdle most people face currently is in making the transition. Online homeschooling is a whole different ballgame than what most of us have grown up with. Moving away from a system that has worked for us for decades and adopting something entirely new will certainly throw up some apprehensions.

The best way out of this however, is to spend a little time learning more about online learning platforms. Several parents over the recent past have raised reasonable concerns about the effectiveness of online K-12 courses. Like every concerned parent out there, teachers and educators too, share the same concerns. While critics will always exist, there are some strong points working for online schools in the country. Graduation rates in the country have been improving. The dropout rates too, have been on the decline. Students seem to be showing renewed interest in their education and several of them have been exploring options to make up for lost credits. Amidst all this encouraging information, the only concern that seems to stand out is that of the long-term effectiveness of such learning avenues. Are they really as good as they claim to be when stacked up against brick-and-mortar schools?

Online homeschooling works fundamentally on the principle of independent learning. Students are encouraged to take on the personal responsibility of their own education. In fact, online homeschool courses allow students complete flexibility to schedule their study time as well as the pace at which they would like to complete the learning of their course material. At Forest Trail Academy, we have always believed in and continue to encourage the attitude of lifelong learning. In truth, no one’s learning process ever stops. It is up to us to choose whether we want to continue the learning process we started as children or limit the potential of our minds by giving up on the learning process after a certain age.