Distance Learning, Virtual School, and Homeschooling: What’s the Difference?
There’s a lot of confusion right now as parents are preparing for their children to return to school in the coming weeks. Except, for many families, “school” this year will be a very different experience. With schools across the country choosing virtual and hybrid learning setups, and news articles hyping up “pandemic pods” and homeschool co-ops, families are trying to make sense of all the options available to them this year.
To help you make heads and tails of all these new terms, I offer a few definitions
Distance Learning means your child’s normal school has moved to a virtual or hybrid format. Your local public school may offer Virtual or Hybrid learning this year, allowing your child to work with their teacher and peers in an online setting. All of your child’s academic subjects are still taught by their teacher(s), just on the computer instead of in-person. Your role in this setup is:
Ensuring your child has access to the necessary technology and resources
Monitoring your child to make sure they’re attending class and staying on task
Assisting your child with work as needed
Homeschooling means you have opted out of the school system and are instead taking sole responsibility for your child’s education. You are your child’s teacher; you choose the curriculum, assign projects, and grade your child’s work. Your role in this setup is:
Choosing a curriculum
Establishing a daily “school” routine
Instructing your child
Grading homework and assessing your child’s progress
Locating “enrichment” opportunities (music, art, movement, etc.) as needed
Homeschooling allows parents to set their child’s schedule and decide what their child learns
Virtual School falls somewhere between Distance Learning and Homeschooling. Virtual Schools can offer a comprehensive curriculum in an online environment. Accredited virtual schools will act like your public school’s Distance Learning program, providing a comprehensive curriculum and subject teachers — your only job is to help your child and keep them on track. You must apply and enroll in this type of school, and most are already full. Your role in this setup is:
Choosing a Virtual School and applying
Ensuring your child has access to the necessary technology and resources
Monitoring your child to make sure they’re attending class and staying on task
Assisting your child with work as needed