If you only look at the search reports generated by Google Trends, you'd wonder this too.
Earlier today I was looking at the history of Google searches collected since 2004, and couldn't help but notice the sharp decline in online searches relating to homeschooling. I typed in "homeschooling" and "home schooling" and found the same drop in searches.
Search using words "homeschool"
Search using words "home schooling"
On the other hand, if you type in "virtual school" or "charter school" the search results have continued to climb over the past 6 years. Does this reflect a new trend in the preferred method for home education? It clearly shows a growing interest in the new virtual school programs popping up across the nation... many of which are offered through public school districts for little to nothing cost to families.
Search using words "virtual school"
Search using words "charter school"
While this data is FAR from enough to prove a changing trend in homeschooling, and is certainly not very scientific, I do find it rather interesting. For some, the idea of homeschooling is very intimidating and having the guidance and "complete package" offered by a virtual academy or charter school can be very welcoming.
Do you practice a traditional homeschooling regimen at home or do you belong to a virtual or charter program? Having done both, I've lived through the pros and cons found down either road. I'd love to hear your thoughts and learn of your own experiences.
~Wendy
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3 comments:
Hello, Wendy. I think there needs to be a definition of what you mean by "traditional" and "virtual." For example, I homeschool my children using many "virtual" resources I find on the Internet, many of them free. I do not teach all the subjects to my children (particularly my high-schoolers). We have used outside co-ops and classes, both online and face-to-face. Does that make me "non-traditional?"
Although some of the courses my children have taken are online, I am not connected to any public school. Some would say that those using charter schools online are not homeschooling at all (even if the children are at home) because they are still being overseen by the public system. I suppose that the term "virtual schooling" could be used to mean both those who homeschool using an online curriculum (with teacher or without, and still retaining their autonomy), and those who use an online public system. Florida Virtual School, for example, offers both options to families.
I know I haven't really answered your question, other than to say that "homeschooling" has gotten a lot more eclectic.
Tracey,
Great comment! You're right, I should have provided a definition of what it means to be a traditional homeschooler and what a virtual schooled student looks like.
I know there is a lot of disagreement in the homeschooling community concerning whether a child using an online curriculum (supplied through a public school) is truly a homeschooled student.
I consider a homeschooler to be anyone who provides their child an education from home, regardless of where the curriculum originates from or how it's structured, but I know I'm likely not in the majority on that one! lol
I applaud anyone who educates their child from home, it's a lot of work and takes great discipline and sacrifice to make it work.
I would guess that most homeschoolers use a variety of online resources to supplement whatever their homeschooling curriculum might be. I know we did!
Thanks again for the comment!
~Wendy
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