Homeschooling isn't easy...
The Problem(s)
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Parents continual search for new curriculum, along with the recurring expense
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Lack of support/assistance when confronted with teaching advanced subjects
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Lack of courses in your geographical area
The A Solution
Let’s use technology to bring us all closer together, to share our knowledge and expertise. We now have a wonderful new website, which provides the framework for us to enhance our ability to teach our kids.
Read further to see the ideas that we’ve put together. And, of course, please comment – positive or negative – on the ideas.
On-line courses
These would be forum-based with a new forum being created for each course. The instructor would make assignments through the forum, and students would post their questions to it so that the instructor responses would be available to all to review. All course materials would be available for download via the Internet, and all completed coursework would be uploaded for the instructor to review. All courses would be free (with the exception of cost-of-materials).
We’re also evaluating web-based conferencing solutions. This would allow us to create a virtual classroom where instructor and students can participate in group discussions.
Call for courses/instructors
Do you have the desire to facilitate an online course? You would be able to provide a positive impact on kids across the state. List it in the “Courses Offered” forum. Needless to say, you will receive all the assistance and support you need to create/deliver a successful course.
Want a specific course?
Just list it in the “Course Request” forum!
Mentorships
The future is a big unknown to our kids. They struggle their way through the myriad of courses that we as parents provide to them, and as they mature, they begin (hopefully) to see the path they want to follow into adulthood. We parents may not always be able to provide everything they want to know about their chosen path, or even which path to take.
Step in the mentor!
From engineering to the clergy, construction to politics, and aviation to mining – these are just a few of the vocations that we are in. Your years of experience make you an invaluable resource. Reach out to others that share your passion! Advertise yourself in “Mentorships Offered”.
Need a mentor?
Ask for one in the “I Need a Mentor” forum
SMEs
“What’s a SME?” you say. A SME is a Subject Matter Expert. The subject matter can be anything, but if you’re good at it, we need your help. Don’t let the word “expert” scare you away. Whether it be scrapbooking, dog training, physics or politics – you have something to offer. Nobody is an expert at everything, but everybody is an expert at something!
“What do you need of me?” you say. Well, just be available to lend an assist when our children (or even parents) have questions about something in your area of expertise. They contact you by email and you reply…it’s as simple as that.
“How can I help?” you say. Well, it’s easy. You “advertise” yourself in the “I’m a SME” forum.
That’s it -- Let us know your interest, as well as your ideas to make it better.
It all depends on your support to make it work!
Example forum postings
We all have something to offer. Consider these examples…
Courses offered:
Topic: Introduction to Computer Programming
Description: Develop basic programming skills using PCs running Microsoft Windows. Topics will include development of applications to run on a PC, as well as web-based applications. Programming languages will be either Visual Basic or C#. All required software can be downloaded – for free – from the Internet.
I Need a Mentor:
Topic: I like to work on cars, but don’t know what to do next
Description:
I’m taking auto shop in high school and really like it. Can I make a career out of it?
Mentorships offered:
Topic: So you can’t figure out what you want to do with your life…
Description:
I’ve been around and seen a lot, from washing dishes and changing oil in cars, to helping start a new company. If you need to bounce some ideas off someone, let me know.
I’m a SME:
Topic: Scrapbooking, lap-booking, and note-booking
Description:
I have over 20 years experience using a wide variety of materials to produce family scrapbooks. I have worked with children to create lap books – single-subject books which are used as a supplement to a curriculum.