| Online homeschooling programs, whether these be | | | | academies is that many are accredited and award a |
| free or paid, have seen a dramatic rise in the past ten | | | | high school diploma upon completion. Detailed |
| years. The increasing amount of information available | | | | transcripts are also provided by these academies |
| on the internet have facilitated this growth. There is a | | | | which is necessary when students apply for college. |
| enormous assortment of homeschooling programs | | | | Online tutoring is another form of distance learning that |
| online and homeschool lesson plans on the Internet | | | | homeschoolers can take advantage of. Online |
| today. Educational publishers offer CD-ROM based | | | | homeschooling programs with tutoring are now fairly |
| distance learning for example. These courses utilize a | | | | commonplace. Many use certified teachers with |
| CD-ROM which sometimes is accompanied by a | | | | extensive training and experience. Students typically |
| textbook or workbook. The parent helps the child with | | | | enroll for sessions in topics of which they, or their |
| any questions as well as with general guidance. The | | | | parents, struggle with the most. This way, extra help |
| student sends in tests and papers via email or website | | | | can be provided as an when needed without having |
| to an accredited teacher. The distance learning | | | | major disruption to homeschool lesson plans or the |
| program also helps the family keep all records of | | | | homeschool environment. |
| progress, achievements and assessments. | | | | If a homeschooler wants to keep their child at home, |
| Online academies, and even some colleges and | | | | but is concerned over ensuring a well-rounded |
| universities, provide another choice of distance learning | | | | curriculum, virtual online schools could be the solution, |
| for homeschoolers. Students enroll in these online | | | | given the vast amount of information and subjects that |
| homeschooling programs just like they would a regular | | | | are available at hand. However, compared to the |
| school. The difference here is that classes are | | | | traditional schools, virtual online schools are |
| accessed online through the internet. Homeschool | | | | comparatively new and as such, may not be |
| lesson plans are provided and course work completed | | | | state-funded and not every state has one. |
| online via email and forums. Seminars with white | | | | Overall, advanced technology has made |
| boards are conducted as part of class work. The | | | | homeschooling easier and more obtainable for families |
| advantage to online homeschooling programs and | | | | who want to explore that educational option. |