8 Reasons Why Distance Learning During COVID-19 Isn’t The Same As Traditional Homeschooling
After over a month and a half in social distance, parents with children are neck-deep in online distance learning. There is a sense of community as we share frustration over a slow internet connection, difficult platforms, restless students, and numberless interruptions to our daily routine.
Another thing we shared was the experience. Pictures of children working on their education at home flooded social media. At least at first. Some were humorous, some were rants, some were praises for those who homeschool all the time. I smiled at those at first.
But then I realized that the current “homeschooling” situation was not an accurate picture of what homeschool is really like. I should know. I homeschooled my 7 children for 20 years before I started teaching in a classroom. I also realize that each homeschooling family has its own style. What I am reporting on is what I have experienced for my family. I also know of several other families that had similar educational philosophies.
The reason I am addressing this issue is because I am concerned that homeschooling is not getting a fair representation. I saw one post on social media that said something like, “After 3 days of homeschooling my two children, I have a greater respect for those who do this full-time”. It was a kind comment. But I got to thinking: after only three days this person thinks they know what homeschooling is like?
Online education during the pandemic is not an accurate representation of what “full time” homeschooling is like. Here are some of the major differences:
1. Logistics
Online distance learning omits the state requirements of filing quarterly reports to your school district (like I had to when we lived in New York) or having your children evaluated at the end of the year and presenting a portfolio of the child’s work (like I had to in Pennsylvania). Online distance learning also takes most of the burden of teaching off the parent. When you homeschool, you are the teacher. For every subject. For every grade. With online distance learning, you don’t have to plan for the proper amount of credits and required subjects for your senior’s graduation. When you homeschool full time, this is a logistic you must master.
2. Too Much Screen Time
When we were a homeschooling family, we never had this much screen time. All the online distance learning compels the kids to be in front of a screen for a long time. Most of our learning came from textbooks and manipulatives. Hands-on activities and games were also part of the educational experience. My children did spend some time in front of the screen, but it was much less than what it is now.
3. Field Trips
I know there are virtual field trips. In a time such as this, I think they are wonderful. However, as a homeschooling mom, I tried to plan at least one field trip per month. I’m not talking about the “let’s go to the grocery store and call it school” type of thing. I am talking about going to a museum, a conservation park, or community service event such as singing for the elderly in the hospital. Some trips were much larger, such as when we went to Williamsburg, or to the Ark in Kentucky. Field trips are an event that gives students something to look forward to. It breaks up the tedium of academia. Obviously, real-life field trips are not available right now.
4. Planning And Preparation
I do feel sympathy for all parents thrust into distance learning. They didn’t plan for this. They had no time to prepare for it. I realize it has been trial by fire for them. Some have thrived, and some have merely survived. What needs to be realized is that a homeschooling family takes months to prepare for the school year. We investigate the curriculum and figure out what each child needs for the upcoming year. No small task with a large family, I assure you. During that time, we have the opportunity to be prepared mentally for the task ahead. I always found that after summer break I was eager to get started on the new term about mid-August. With COVID-19, the situation was dumped into the parent’s lap, uninvited, and in many cases, unwanted. I applaud all the parents who are making it work despite the uncomfortable situation.
5. Social Interactions
I know it goes against most assumptions about homeschooling, but there were many opportunities to have social interactions. Despite what some people may think, homeschoolers don’t live under a rock. Even out in the country where we reside. Because of the unique scheduling abilities and flexibility of home schooling, we could plan to have friends over. I used to do a Dr. Seuss birthday party in March. It helped break up the winter doldrums and who doesn’t love all things Dr. Seuss? We also used to plan trips to visit the grandparents in Maine in October. Beach parking was free, and there were no tourists. Who doesn’t love that? We also participated in a homeschool co-op. Several families in the community got together. We had organized elective classes and activities according to grade levels. The parents helped out by teaching, crafting, bringing snacks, or watching the babies in the nursery. It was one of the highlights for me.
6. Sports
This also goes against the general assumptions about homeschooling, but my children enjoyed sports. For example, my girls were able to play volleyball with the team of a local private school. They thoroughly enjoyed that experience, even though I was one of their coaches. The exercise was good, they formed friendships with other girls on the team, and it gave some extra structure to our schedule twice a week. For a couple years one daughter was on the swim team at a local pool. With online distance learning, the only sports team we have is when we all go outside together and play frisbee, kickball, softball, or hike.
7. Extracurriculars
My children have enjoyed several extracurricular activities such as piano lessons, French horn lessons, clarinet lessons, art lessons, swim lessons and 4-H Club. Thankfully, with technology, some of those things are still available. However, in our area, the wi-fi leaves much to be desired. And I don’t care to participate in those activities online because it is yet more screen time.
8. Heart
This is something that homeschooling parents understand. Homeschooling is not something you enter into without a great deal of consideration. It is a serious commitment to your child’s education. For us, it was a wonderful experience. I saw many benefits to homeschooling, and it served us well for just over two decades.However, during the years I taught at a co-op, I realized teaching in a traditional classroom was a desire I never knew I had. When I was offered the job of teaching at a local private school, I couldn’t turn it down. The timing was right for our family to transition from homeschool to private school, and I could immediately make use of my newly acquired BA in Creative Writing and English while pursuing my MFA and writing. Families who have had online learning suddenly become part of their lives are not committed to the process. At least not right away. They are overwhelmed, discouraged, and in a situation, they never had the heart for.
While online distance learning during COVID-19 is a far cry from full-time homeschooling, there is no reason why the experience can’t be positive. On the bright side, this will pass. By next fall, students will be allowed back on campuses. Teachers will be back in the classroom. My advice to parents right now is to cut yourself some slack. You are operating in a difficult situation, unprepared, unplanned, and unforeseen. You don’t have to be “everything”. Teachers running classes online want your child to succeed and be a help to your family. Like I tell my students and their parents, don’t be afraid to reach out with questions, concerns, or advice. We are all in this together. Communication, kindness, and consideration for each other will go a long way in easing the road to recovery.
Hear, hear! You have made some important distinctions. And that does not even fully address the toll taken by having to stay home so much for so long with sobering news about death and illness every day.