Online learning platforms are websites or applications that provide educational content and resources for learners of different ages and levels. They can be a great option for home schoolers, who can access a variety of courses and subjects at their own pace and convenience. Online learning platforms can also offer many benefits, such as:
– Enhancing the quality and diversity of the home school curriculum
– Developing the learner’s self-motivation and independence
– Saving time and money on transportation and materials
– Providing feedback and support from teachers and peers
According to a report by Research and Markets, the global online education market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.23% from 2020 to 2025. Moreover, a survey by the National Home Education Research Institute found that home schoolers who used online learning platforms scored higher on standardized tests than those who did not.
Online learning platforms are not uniform or consistent in their creation. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best online learning platform for your child’s home schooling, such as:
– The quality and alignment of the curriculum with your child’s goals and standards
– The flexibility and customization of the learning plan and schedule
– The cost and affordability of the platform and its features
– The availability and responsiveness of the support and guidance from teachers and staff
In this article, you’ll see a compare and contrast of some of the most popular and reputable online learning platforms for home schooling, based on these criteria, and also provide some tips and recommendations for making the most out of online learning platforms. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which online learning platform is the best fit for your child’s home schooling needs.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a popular and widely used online learning platform in the world. It is a free, non-profit organization that offers a complete and self-paced curriculum for various subjects, from pre-K to 12th grade, as well as college and career readiness. Some of the advantages and features of Khan Academy are:
– It includes core subjects such as math, science, history, and language arts, as well as electives such as arts, music, and computer science
– It offers interactive and engaging lessons, videos, exercises, quizzes, and tests, with immediate feedback and progress tracking
– It enables learners to set their own goals and learn at their own pace and level, with customized recommendations and guidance
– It has a community of millions of learners and teachers who can share and discuss their learning experiences and challenges
However, Khan Academy also has some challenges and limitations, such as:
– It does not provide a formal accreditation or certification for its courses or curriculum
– It does not offer live or direct interaction or support from teachers or tutors
– It may not include some of the specific or advanced topics or skills that your child may need or want to learn
– It may not fit some learners who prefer a more structured or interactive learning environment
Sarah is a 10-year-old home schooler who loves math and science. She uses Khan Academy to enhance her home school curriculum and to discover new topics and skills that interest her. She views the videos and does the exercises and quizzes on her laptop, and monitors her progress and achievements on her dashboard. She also joins the Khan Academy community and talks with other learners and teachers who share her passion for math and science. She likes learning at her own pace and level, and feels confident and motivated by her results.
Stride K12
Stride K12 is another well-known and trusted online learning platform for home schooling. It has both public and private options, depending on your state and choice. It offers personalized and flexible learning plans, accredited curriculum, and certified teachers for grades K-12. Some of the advantages and features of Stride K12 are:
– It has a variety of courses and subjects, from core to elective, as well as honors, AP, dual credit, and career readiness programs
– It has live and recorded classes, interactive and multimedia lessons, assignments, projects, and assessments, with feedback and grading
– It lets learners customize their learning plan and schedule, with the option to choose full-time or part-time enrollment, and to mix online and offline learning
– It has a team of skilled and experienced teachers and counselors who can provide academic and personal support and guidance
However, Stride K12 also has some challenges and limitations, such as:
– It may have some enrollment requirements or restrictions, depending on your state and eligibility
– It may have some costs or fees related to its courses or materials, depending on your option and level
– It may not give as much flexibility or autonomy as some learners may prefer or need, as it follows a set curriculum and calendar
– It may not fit some learners who prefer a more self-paced or independent learning environment
David is a 15-year-old home schooler who wants to get ready for college and career. He uses Stride K12 to enroll in a private online high school that has a rigorous and accredited curriculum. He joins live and recorded classes, does assignments and projects, and takes tests and exams on his tablet, and gets feedback and grades from his teachers. He also talks with his counselor and teacher to plan his course selection and schedule, and to access college and career resources and opportunities. He likes learning in a structured and supportive environment, and feels prepared and ready for his future.
Time4Learning
Time4Learning is a subscription-based online learning platform that offers interactive and engaging lessons, assessments, and reports for grades Pre-K-12. It is meant to be a fun and effective way to improve the home school curriculum and to enhance the learner’s skills and knowledge. Some of the advantages and features of Time4Learning are:
– It includes core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies, as well as electives such as foreign languages, art, and music
– It has animated and gamified lessons, activities, games, and songs, with feedback and rewards
– It lets learners adjust their grade level and learning pace, with the option to repeat or skip lessons as needed
– It has a parent dashboard and tools that can help track and manage the learner’s progress and performance
However, Time4Learning also has some challenges and limitations, such as:
– It does not provide a formal accreditation or certification for its courses or curriculum.
– It does not offer live or direct interaction or support from teachers or tutors.
– It may not include some of the specific or advanced topics or skills that your child may need or want to learn.
– It may not fit some learners who prefer a more challenging or diverse learning environment.
Emma is a 7-year-old home schooler who likes to learn through play and exploration. She uses Time4Learning to supplement her home school curriculum and to practice her basic skills and knowledge. She views the animated and gamified lessons, plays the activities and games, and sings the songs on her laptop, and gets feedback and rewards. She also changes her grade level and learning pace, depending on her interest and ability. She likes learning in a fun and interactive environment, and feels curious and excited by her discoveries.
CK-12 Foundation
CK-12 Foundation is a free online learning platform that specializes in math and science, offering adaptive practice, simulations, videos, and textbooks for grades K-12. It is meant to be a flexible and personalized way to improve the home school curriculum and to enhance the learner’s STEM skills and knowledge. Some of the advantages and features of CK-12 Foundation are:
– It includes math and science topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science
– It has adaptive and interactive practice, simulations, videos, and textbooks, with feedback and hints
– It lets learners set their own goals and learn at their own pace and level, with personalized recommendations and guidance
– It has a community of millions of learners and teachers who can share and discuss their learning experiences and challenges
However, CK-12 Foundation also has some challenges and limitations, such as:
– It does not provide a formal accreditation or certification for its courses or curriculum
– It does not offer live or direct interaction or support from teachers or tutors
– It may not include some of the non-STEM subjects or skills that your child may need or want to learn
– It may not fit some learners who prefer a more comprehensive or varied learning environment.
Noah is a 12-year-old home schooler who loves math and science. He uses CK-12 Foundation to supplement his home school curriculum and to discover new topics and skills that interest him. He does the adaptive and interactive practice, simulations, videos, and textbooks on his smartphone, and gets feedback and hints. He also sets his own goals and learns at his own pace and level, with personalized recommendations and guidance. He also joins the CK-12 Foundation community and talks with other learners and teachers who share his passion for math and science. He likes learning in a flexible and personalized environment, and feels challenged and inspired by his results.
ABCmouse.com
ABCmouse.com is a low-cost online learning platform that focuses on early learners, offering fun and interactive activities, games, and songs for ages 2-8. It is meant to be a stimulating and enjoyable way to improve the home school curriculum and to enhance the learner’s foundational skills and knowledge. Some of the advantages and features of ABCmouse.com are:
– It includes core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies, as well as electives such as art, music, and health
– It has colorful and animated activities, games, and songs, with feedback and rewards
– It lets learners follow a step-by-step learning path, with the option to choose their own activities and games as well
– It has a parent dashboard and tools that can help track and manage the learner’s progress and performance
However, ABCmouse.com also has some challenges and limitations, such as:
– It does not provide a formal accreditation or certification for its courses or curriculum
– It does not offer live or direct interaction or support from teachers or tutors
– It may not include some of the specific or advanced topics or skills that your child may need or want to learn
– It may not fit some learners who prefer a more challenging or diverse learning environment
Mia is a 4-year-old home schooler who likes to learn through fun and exploration. She uses ABCmouse.com to supplement her home school curriculum and to practice her foundational skills and knowledge. She views the colorful and animated activities, games, and songs on her tablet, and gets feedback and rewards. She also follows a step-by-step learning path, and chooses her own activities and games as well. She likes learning in a stimulating and enjoyable environment, and feels proud and happy by her achievements.
