We know that our public school friends are using online learning during the pandemic. But homeschoolers can take advantage of technology, too. Even if you don’t choose an online curriculum, there are many ways you can kick up your homeschooling, add fun, and meet your child’s unique needs with an online course here or there.
My friend Jennifer Smith actually teaches for one such resource — Outschool. I’m interested in learning more about my online options (aren’t you?), so I asked her to share some with me today.
There are many options available for online learning. This type of learning has proven to be especially beneficial during the current times in which we find ourselves living.
Not sure if online learning is right for you? Consider your child’s interests, learning style, and whether or not you’d prefer to use online learning as
your main curriculum or as a supplement.
Easy Sites for Online Learning
If you want to use online learning as your main curriculum, I suggest Khan Academy. It has courses for preschool through high school and special activities for children ages 2-7. Plus, it’s free to use. Khan Academy even has SAT, Praxis, and NCLEX-RN Practice Courses, just to name a few. They recently added a new math section with courses titled “Get Ready For…” So, if you have a child entering 4th grade, then you could enroll them in the “Getting Ready for 4th Grade” class. I will be using Khan Academy for my son’s Government & Economics courses when we start school again. I highly recommend it.
Another option is The Great Courses. My son is taking a Spanish class through The Great Courses now. This class is taught by a college professor. I have personally taken several courses myself, including The Pagan World, The Greek World, and Great Mythologies of the World. The classes range from High School Physics & Trigonometry & Calculus to baking, cooking, and mindfulness classes. With The Great Courses Plus, you get access to some excellent courses for a minimal monthly payment. Be sure to check for discounts when you visit their website.
Outschool is another option for online learning. While Khan Academy and The Great Courses use pre-recorded classes, Outschool actually offers live online and interactive Zoom learning on their website. If you have a student who best learns with face-to-face interaction and discussions, then Outschool would be the best choice. Classes range from one-time classes to full semester classes. There are plenty of typical core classes offered, and there are also out-of-the-box
classes about topics such as Dungeons & Dragons, Hygge, Pet Show & Tell, TV Trivia, and much more. Also, with Outschool, there is no enrollment fee. You join and then pay only for the classes that your child takes. My son has taken Shakespeare classes and a Salem Witch Trial class on Outschool.
Considering online schooling?
- Think about what your child’s learning goals and subjects for the upcoming year will be.
- Make a spreadsheet or use some other type of organization tool to record potential class options.
- Be sure to let your child have input when choosing classes.
Online learning is a very helpful tool for us to use as we navigate through this journey of homeschooling, and there are some incredible options available.
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