Homeschooling & Distance Learning Programs

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Linda Wooldridge, and I'm a home school mom. You know, if you're interested in distance learning it's a real easy thing to research. Just use your handy computer. Check out distance learning programs. Now, if you're talking a high schooler, or even younger you may find a program where they will keep your records for you, and they will grade your materials, and you still have textbooks and assignments to hand in the same way that you would if you attended any traditional school system. But when they get up into high school, and even into college they have opportunities to take classes online, and those are a great opportunity too should you choose to take them. But remember that your student will be spending a lot of time using your computer. One of the side benefits of that is that they're getting a chance to see things that you wouldn't have books for at home. But one of the disadvantages is that your computer may be tied up for a lot of hours every day. Some programs are accredited, and your child will receive grades that will be part of a permanent record, and some programs are simply an opportunity for you to use somebody else's resources. I know of one in Florida where you actually rent the books and turn them back in at the end of the year, and you are responsible for getting your books and your materials in on a timely basis. My daughter is taking an online class and it is a public school, and she is required to get her assignments in at a specific time. And now, even the colleges have gotten in on the act, so you can even take college classes from your home. Distance learning can be a wonderful opportunity for your home schooler. Pay attention to how much time the classes requare require. Most teachers have a real good sense. The class my daughter takes requires an hour and a half every day of the week. If that works for you, and if you can find a group that you can afford then by all means get some of those classes online. I'm Linda Wooldridge. Have a great home schooling day."