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Homeschooling in the Fast Lane:Online Academies: Mommy Helpers or Money Gobblers?
by Marilynn Griffith (Marilynn's bio)
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In the past few years, I've noticed a new trend in homeschooling--online learning communities, even online schools. In families with many children, or children with different interests, it can be difficult to keep up with everything. Some parents use video school, satellite television and correspondence with success. However, the videotaping, television time and postage costs can be prohibitive. More busy families, including my own, are dipping their toes in the waters of online learning.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
I can't speak for all schools, but my sixth-grade daughter is enrolled in Grace Academy this year. I registered early and qualified for a scholarship, otherwise the cost ($150.00 per month) would be out of our budget. Compared to private school in our area, however, that price is less than half that amount. My daughter has a username and password and all her classes are listed on her "homeroom" page. Assignments are listed in modules and sent to teachers as completed. Quizzes and tests are scored automatically by the computer. Outside activities can be counted toward classroom credit. Teachers schedule periodic chats with classes. The Pledge of Allegiance is available as a sound file for her to repeat and daily devotionals are provided. Her other subjects are Creation Science, Ancient Civilization, Jubilee English 6, Victory Math 6, French and Art/Music.
THE MATERIALS
The thing you will need most if you try this is a computer! Or two, if you can spare the funds. (My husband built another one for us). This course can require quite a bit of computer time since some of the materials are Ebooks and CDs. My kids are all sort of techno geeks though, so they love it. I do print out the assignments and let her work on them offline so she won't hurt her eyes. There are tons of great materials from familiar names like Modern Curriculum Press and Dorling Kindersly. There's new stuff too.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Honestly, I don't know yet. I'm not one to waste money, so we'll find out fairly quickly. I do see more quickly where my daughter's strengths and weaknesses are. I'm also excited about her renewed interest in English. She's been attached to her English reading selection for the past few days. But is it something I couldn't do myself? Not necessarily. Does that mean that I should do it? Not necessarily. Each family must weigh the pros and cons for themselves. With twins, two other students to teach, writing assignments, and Dad in school this year, this seemed to be the right decision for us.
To learn more about online learning, visit:
http://thegraceacademy.org
Grace Academy
http://www.homeschool.com/
Christian Liberty
http://www.abeka.com
Abeka Books (video and CD)
http://www.fcahomeschool.com/
Faith Christian Academy
http://www.greatbooksacademy.org/
Great Books Classical Academy
Copyright 2002, Marilynn Griffith. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Marilynn Griffith: Marilynn Griffith is a freelance writer living in Florida, with her husband and six children. Her recent credits include HONEY FOR A HOMESCHOOLER'S HEART, CRUMBS IN THE KEYBOARD, COMFORT FOR A GRIEVING HEART, PROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE, Christian Families Online and more. She is Assistant Editor for the Better Babies Newsletter http://www.bwbainc.homestead.com/BetterBabiesOnline.html |
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