Distributed Learning vs. Home Schooling

Distributed Learning is often referred to as homeschooling, but there are actually a few significant differences between the two. SCIDES is a Distance Education School and while our students do most of their work at home, they are not home-schooled...

So what exactly is the difference?

Families who home-school have very little contact with a formal school setting. Their only requirement is to register with a school, but that’s about it! The families come up with the curriculum, teach and assess all school work and make all major decision concerning their child’s academic progress. While this works generally well for families who are ready to make this kind of commitment, distributed learning offers the same flexibility when it comes to shaping your child’s education, but still provides the guidance and support of a certified BC teacher.

Distributed Learning - often also referred to as e-learning, online learning or personalized learning - provides a curriculum and quite a bit more: families who choose Distance Learning will meet with a teacher  - in person or virtually! - to decide how the child’s learning outcomes will be met. Students have the opportunity to customize and personalize their learning plan and adjust it to their own and their family’s needs. Teachers stay in contact with the students and their families and will provide feedback and support throughout the school year.

One of the biggest differences is the fact that students who are home-schooled will not receive a BC Dogwood graduation certificate, since they do not have to adhere to the BC curriculum. Students of Distance Education Schools like SCIDES will graduate with a BC Dogwood certificate. Even though DL students have the same flexibility as home-schooled students, they are obligated to cover the BC curriculum, enabling them to graduate just as they would in a traditional brick & mortar school.

If you would like to find out more about the advantages Distributed Learning has to offer, give us a call at 1.800.663.3536 or connect with us on Facebook! Don’t forget to check back next week when we feature a short “Parent’s Guide for e-learning” here on the blog!