There are three main options for schooling in BC: Brick and Mortar School, Online Learning and Homeschooling. This post will compare Online Learning vs Homeschooling.
The terms Homeschooling and Online Learning are often used interchangeably, but there are differences:
| No. | Topic | Homeschooling | Online Learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Report Cards or Certificate | No report cards (grades K-9) or Dogwood Diploma (grades 10-12) | Report cards and Dogwood Graduation Certificate given. |
| 2 | Support | Entirely done by parents | Teacher support available |
| 3 | Work Samples | No work samples required. | Work samples required (weekly or per semester, depends on teacher) |
| 4 | Curriculum | Make own curriculum | Follows BC Curriculum, flexibility depends. |
| 5 | Registration/ Enrollment | Requires registration | Requires enrollment |
| 6 | Student Number | No student number | Student number assigned |
| 7 | Funding | ___ | Some allow funding |
| 8 | Resources | ___ | Available for students |
| 9 | Islamic Studies | You decide | Can only submit secular work samples |
My kids are in Island Discovey. Explaining some points from my perspective:
Certificate: My oldest will be in Grade-6, and for report cards we were given a form to checkmark topics we covered. The Final report Card contained teacher’s comments as well as our inputs.
The Dogwood Diploma is for grades 10-12 only. For Grades K-9, report card is given in OL. Students homeschooling up to Grade-9 and can then join Online Learning for their Diploma.
Support: For guidance and reporting, a LOT depended on the type of teacher. OL provides BC certified teacher, but they are more like shadow teacher and do not take virtual classes. In our case, we have to submit work samples and do conference (per semester). We make our own Learning Plans but we have to submit it to the teacher. Some OL teachers are more strict about curriculum. I think it is important to have a good understanding with the teacher.
Curriculum: We had homeschooled before joining Online Learning. Our curriculum didn’t have significant changes when we changed from Homeschooling to OL. Homeschoolers can also unschool. I liked that in OL, we had to submit a learning plan and works samples- that was helpful for personal organization.
Student Number: We needed it to sign into School District’s Portal, which had many free resource. Example: Microsoft Office and Minecraft Education.
Funding: Some Online Learning schools allow to use funding; the amount and spending guidelines vary by schools.
Resources: Online Learning Schools provide resources, example: Subscription to educational websites.
Islamic Studies: Depends on the teacher, if she will accept religious studies for works sample. Example: Quranic Arabic.
Why I changed from Homeschooling to Online Learning? I was homeschooling without even knowing: We visited our home country and I just got all their books. I didn’t know of all the options. Once we started Online Learning, it felt I was continuing homeschooling with a supportive teacher and have access to resources.
Related Links:
Section 12 – Home Education Laws
List of Provincial Online Learning Schools
If something needs correction in this blog post or more explanation is needed, please contact.