by Bruce Friend
Over the past year my submissions to this newsletter have focused on providing awareness and advice to parents about online learning options. The insights I have provided have largely been based on my work in this field for the past 14 years. For this month’s article, I thought I would share the insights of a parent who earlier this year decided to home school for the first time and did so by enrolling her son into a full-time online program. Karen H. from Hinckley, Ohio provides the following perspective.
When did you begin a home school program and with how many students?
“I began on February 1, 2010, I only started with my son this year but have plans to home school our three youngest girls for this coming fall.”
Did the availability of online learning options play a role in your decision to home school?
“Absolutely, I would have never considered traditional homeschooling for our family as I do not feel as though I could have done a good job on my own with curriculum. Online schooling has everything prepared for you so that you are successful as long as you are committed to following the program.”
What benefits has using online learning options provided for you and your student?
“The one on one for Michael has been amazing. He was always classified as below average in (traditional) school but was immediately successful in the online program. It was not because of an easier curriculum as I have found that the online program offers a more advanced curriculum. Michael just responded better without distractions.
We have integrated everyday life into learning. When he was taught at school I was not aware of everything he was learning. Now I know and can see as we take walks I can ask him environmental questions or check labels at the grocery store or use measurements while cooking just to name a few.
I have loved having him around and love that his influences are more controlled. We are planning to go to Colonial Williamsburg in September and a Renaissance Fair to meet the persons he studied this past spring in History.”
What does your student like most about their online courses?
“They are fun and engaging for both of us. They are also challenging and he does well so he feels like he is a success. He loves History the most.”
Additionally, what has been the most challenging?
“Really we have not had any huge challenges yet. I imagine keeping up the momentum may become a problem but we have not encountered this as of yet. His teacher has been an amazing help to us as she put things into perspective so that we were not ever overwhelmed.”
What success factors or other recommendations would you give parents who are considering using a full-time online program as part of their home school experience?
“Organization is the key. Do not let yourself fall behind but also don't let it rule you. Make the most of every lesson but when they understand and have the concept move on so that you don't burn out. Make it fun and keep them busy also with other children and activities occasionally. I wouldn't change a thing.”
If you have questions about the use of online learning and what options may be available to you, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools.
In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the International Association for K12 Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs.
Over the past year my submissions to this newsletter have focused on providing awareness and advice to parents about online learning options. The insights I have provided have largely been based on my work in this field for the past 14 years. For this month’s article, I thought I would share the insights of a parent who earlier this year decided to home school for the first time and did so by enrolling her son into a full-time online program. Karen H. from Hinckley, Ohio provides the following perspective.
When did you begin a home school program and with how many students?
“I began on February 1, 2010, I only started with my son this year but have plans to home school our three youngest girls for this coming fall.”
Did the availability of online learning options play a role in your decision to home school?
“Absolutely, I would have never considered traditional homeschooling for our family as I do not feel as though I could have done a good job on my own with curriculum. Online schooling has everything prepared for you so that you are successful as long as you are committed to following the program.”
What benefits has using online learning options provided for you and your student?
“The one on one for Michael has been amazing. He was always classified as below average in (traditional) school but was immediately successful in the online program. It was not because of an easier curriculum as I have found that the online program offers a more advanced curriculum. Michael just responded better without distractions.
We have integrated everyday life into learning. When he was taught at school I was not aware of everything he was learning. Now I know and can see as we take walks I can ask him environmental questions or check labels at the grocery store or use measurements while cooking just to name a few.
I have loved having him around and love that his influences are more controlled. We are planning to go to Colonial Williamsburg in September and a Renaissance Fair to meet the persons he studied this past spring in History.”
What does your student like most about their online courses?
“They are fun and engaging for both of us. They are also challenging and he does well so he feels like he is a success. He loves History the most.”
Additionally, what has been the most challenging?
“Really we have not had any huge challenges yet. I imagine keeping up the momentum may become a problem but we have not encountered this as of yet. His teacher has been an amazing help to us as she put things into perspective so that we were not ever overwhelmed.”
What success factors or other recommendations would you give parents who are considering using a full-time online program as part of their home school experience?
“Organization is the key. Do not let yourself fall behind but also don't let it rule you. Make the most of every lesson but when they understand and have the concept move on so that you don't burn out. Make it fun and keep them busy also with other children and activities occasionally. I wouldn't change a thing.”
If you have questions about the use of online learning and what options may be available to you, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools.
In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the International Association for K12 Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs.
