HOMESCHOOLING VS. DISTANCE EDUCATION
What is the difference between Homeschooling vs Distance Education?
While both options let children learn from home, homeschooling and distance education work very differently. The main differences are in who takes responsibility, how the program is delivered, and how much flexibility families have.
IN A NUTSHELL
Is parent-directed learning that is flexible and customisable, requiring parents to be accountable to the education department in your state, territory or country for their child’s education.
Is like ‘school at home’ with learning that is teacher-led and quite structured, where the school is accountable to the education department for the students’ education.
Who is accountable to the education department?
- Homeschooling – Parents register with their state or territory’s education authority. They need to submit an education or learning program, providing reports on their child/ren’s progress as required for registration reviews.
- Distance Education – Students are officially enrolled in a registered distance education school. Compliance is managed by the D.E. school, which reports to the education department.
How flexible is it?
- Homeschooling – Families can choose when, how, and what to study (within state guidelines). This allows you to adjust the learning to your child/ren’s pace, strengths, and interests. Time required for study works out less per day than D.E.
- Distance Education – Follows a set timetable and curriculum, similar to mainstream school. There is less flexibility study time
Who determines what is learned?
- Homeschooling – You do! Parents have the freedom to mix and match resources, or to create a program that fits your child/ren’s learning style/s. Some families use ready-made programs, while others tailor everything to their child’s needs. The A.C.E. resources provide a solid Bible based and self-paced program, to which parents can add hands-on projects, activities and outings to further extend and enrich their child/ren’s learning.
- Distance Education – The curriculum and learning outcomes are set by the education department in your state, territory or country. The school follows this and bases all their lessons, projects and extra-curricular activities around this.
Who is responsible for the learning?
- Homeschooling – Parents are the main teachers. You deliver the lessons, keep records and track your child’s progress. Although you may bring in tutors or take advantage of external extra curricula activities.
- Distance Education – Parents mostly supervise, assist, and encourage. The teacher and distance education school drive the learning and program. They provide the lessons, set deadlines, mark work, and give feedback. Students are accountable to them.
What’s the cost?
- Homeschooling – The cost depends on the curriculum and resources you choose to use, as well as the extra curricula activities you choose for your child/ren to take part in. Factoring in the cost of access to a homeschooling support service, such as ACHS, would be a valuable additional investment.
- Distance Education – Usually involves school fees (especially private D.E. schools), as well as costs for resources and postage, project materials and any needed technology devices.
What about assessment & reporting on progress?
- Homeschooling – Parents are responsible for keeping records and tracking their child’s progress through reports, reviews, and work samples, as required for registration. We can help with this.
- Distance Education – Students complete the set work, assignments and exams, which are marked by their teachers. Records are kept and reports are issued like in a mainstream school.
How can ACHS support you?
Homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—you don’t need to do it alone. With the right tools and support, you can confidently complete your child’s education at home! We come alongside parents who choose to take the homeschooling path. Check out ‘Benefits of Membership’ tab for information on how we can support you in homeschooling.
What about community and social opportunities?
- Homeschooling – Families build community by joining homeschooling groups and co-ops, involving their child/ren in extracurricular activities, and other local events. We connect ACHS families who are in similar locations, run monthly online connect sessions and offer access to attending Student Conventions (multiple countries) and a family camp (Aus).
- Distance Education – Students can connect with peers online, through group project or classroom sessions, or occasional in-person events arranged by the D.E. school.
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