Pros and Cons of Earning Your High School Diploma Online

Moving from a traditional school to an online school can be a big transition for any student, whether they are a teenager or a returning adult. Take a look at a few of the pros and cons of the option before making your decision.

Pros:
• You can work at your own pace, taking time when you need it and speeding through courses that are easy.

• You have greater flexibility in your schedule and can arrange your classes around work and other responsibilities.

• It’s easier to avoid the distractions (peers and parties) of regular school and focus on getting work done.

• Many students see it as a way to develop their own identity, apart from the social pressures of traditional schools.

• You won’t have to put up with the “bad influences” or bullies.

• You may be able to specialize in learning subjects that are interesting to you.

• Some students are able to earn their diploma early (a few even finish twice as fast as traditional students).


Cons:
• Most online programs don’t have the fun elements of traditional high schools such as prom, senior day, graduation, weird hair day, etc.

• Some subjects (such as writing and math) may be hard to master without a teacher present.

• Many people find it challenging to focus on completing work when there isn’t an actual teacher there to encourage them on a daily basis.

• Some students become isolated or anti-social.

• If your online school is not accredited, your transcripts probably won’t be accepted by businesses and universities.

• Unless you find an accredited charter school, you can expect to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars on tuition, curriculum, and computer equipment.

source http://distancelearn.about.com

3 Considerations for Parents

Many teens have been incredibly successful with learning online. But, others have fallen behind in credits and motivation, causing tension at home and stress in family relationships. If you’re grappling with the difficult decision of whether or not to enroll your child in a distance learning program, these three considerations may help.

1. Feasibility. Before enrolling your teen in an online school, ask yourself: “Will this be a workable situation for our family?” Realize that distance learning means your child will be at home during the day. Having a stay-at-home parent can be a great asset, especially if your teen needs supervision. Many parents enroll their teenagers in an independent study program due to poor behavior, only to find that the behavior is much worse when the teen has full reign in an unsupervised home.
Even if behavior is not an issue, consider your child’s other needs. Generally, distance learning programs are not able to provide the full range of programs that traditional schools offer. If your child needs extra tutoring in Algebra, for example, will you be able to hire someone to help or provide the assistance yourself?

Also, don’t underestimate the need for your own involvement in a distance learning program. Parents are often responsible for monitoring their child’s work and participating in regular meetings with teaching supervisors. If you’re already bogged down with responsibilities, helping your teen find success through distance learning may be overwhelming.

2. Motivation. In order to be successful with a distance learning program, teens need to be independently motivated to do their work. Consider whether or not your teen will be able to stick to his studies without a teacher looking over his shoulder. If a teen is doing poorly in school because he is not motivated to turn in work, chances are that the work won’t get done at home either.

Before enrolling your teen, determine if it is reasonable for you to expect him to stay focused on school for several hours a day, without someone to guide him. Some teens are not developmentally ready for such responsibility.

If you feel that your teen is up to the challenge, be sure to discuss the option of using a distance learning program with your child. Often teens are more motivated to do the work if the change in schooling is their idea. However, if you have decided that online schooling is best, discuss the reasons with your teen and listen to what he has to say. Work together to set the rules and terms of the arrangement. Teens that feel forced into leaving traditional school or feel that online learning is a punishment often become unmotivated to do their assignments.

3. Socialization. Socializing with friends is a huge part of high school and an important part of your teen’s development. Before deciding to enroll your child in an online school, take a look at the ways socialization is important to your child, and begin to think of ways that you can meet this need outside of traditional school.

If your child relies on sports for a social outlet, look for sporting programs in the community that your teen can be a part of. Allow time for your teen to meet with old friends and make new acquaintances. Clubs, teen programs, and volunteerism can be great ways for your child to socialize. You may also want to consider joining a network of distance learning students and parents.

If you are choosing distance learning as a way for your teen to get away from a negative peer group, be prepared to offer replacement activities. Put your teen in situations where he can meet new friends and discover new interests.

source http://distancelearn.about.com

How to Earn an Online High School Diploma for Teens

   Attending an online high school can be a smart choice for a teen that has special needs, struggles with traditional schools, is advanced, or simply prefers to work at his own pace. Some teens need to learn from home because of medical problems or career requirements (such as childhood acting). Here’s how to help your teen succeed in an online high school diploma program:

1. Decide whether or not online high school is the right choice for your teen. Online high school isn’t the best choice for everyone. If your teen thrives on social interaction or needs outside encouragement to accomplish work, he may do better in a traditional high school program. However, if your teen is self-motivated or an adult is available to supervise during daytime hours, online classes may be a good fit.

2. Research online high schools. Not all online high schools are equal.If you want your teen’s high school diploma to be accepted by colleges and future employers, make sure he graduates from an accredited high school diploma program. The most widely-accepted diplomas come from schools with regional accreditation. Some good online high school programs are also accredited by the DETC. However, realize that diplomas from DETC accredited schools are not as widely accepted as diplomas from regionally accredited schools.

3. Choose the online high school degree program that fits your teen. There are many different types of accredited online high school programs – some programs are based on online tests, some programs match students with personal mentors, some programs are project-oriented. Many online high schools are private and charge for tuition and books. Some online high schools are run by states or local school districts. Online charter schools, for example, are public schools open to local teens. Online charter schools are both accredited and free – they may even pay for your teen’s internet connection. Research your options and choose the online high school that fits your teen the best.

4.Monitor your teen’s online high school progress. Once your teen begins an online high school program, keep an eye on his progress. Many online classes lack the structure found in traditional classrooms, and it can be easy for teens to get behind. Even if your teen is enrolled in a program with daily assignments, he may need your supervision to stay focused. Ask your teen about his school work and let him know you are available to help.

5. Celebrate your teen’s success. Earning an online diploma is a big accomplishment. When your teen graduates from his online high school, take the time to acknowledge his success. He may not be able to walk across a stage, but you can treat him to a special dinner or throw a party in his honor.

source http://distancelearn.about.com