Online Homeschooling Groups
Let’s talking about online homeschooling groups! There are many types, varying in size and scope. Thanks to the internet, you can access groups from around the world, and the sheer number of available groups can be intimidating. Know what you value. Know what you need.
Membership Forums/Communities: These are the groups that are hosted on private platforms. Sometimes these communities are centered around a theme, a lifestyle, or an educational philosophy. Some communities have thousands of participants, and the community is often well established and led by a homeschooling "celebrity."
Pros: In the largest communities, you can usually find frequent activity, which is great if online social connection is something you want from a homeschooling community. People are usually friendly and happy to answer others' questions, and there is a camaraderie of belonging to the same group. Participants tend to be loyal and stay for awhile, which helps build community culture. Some memberships also offer other perks, like special online or in-person events that can supplement your kids' learning.
Cons: Because online membership groups can be big, it can be difficult (though not impossible) to form meaningful relationships with other participants. Unless you are very specific when you ask questions, you are likely to get inundated with varying answers and suggestions. (Not sure what I mean? Just go to a big online forum and ask for a suggestion on a math curriculum. You'll likely get at least a dozen answers and you'll be no clearer on which one might be best for you.) These memberships cost money, and while the price is usually reasonable, it may not be in the budget for everyone.
Online Instruction/Classrooms: It is not uncommon for online courses to offer a community component. Community may often be for the student (as in an in-person classroom), but sometimes there is community for the parents as well.
Pros: Online classrooms can allow your students to feel like they are participating in a more traditional school environment. They may be able to have peer-to-peer interaction and receive instruction from an enthusiastic teacher. The group sizes are often small (under 25 students).
Cons: These are usually paid communities and some classes can be very expensive, which is cost prohibitive for many families. The communities often last for the length of the class and are then disbanded.
Online Social Media Groups: There are many local social media groups where participants share news of what's going on in the area. These are typically free to anyone, though some may require permission to belong. There may also be social media groups for homeschoolers adhering to a certain homeschooling lifestyle.
Pros: Local online groups can be a great way to make connections with other homeschoolers in your area - especially if you have recently moved there. Local groups can be a great place to ask questions about local laws and registrations. Some groups facilitate playdates and local parks or group field trips to local attractions. Lifestyle groups can provide connection to others who share your ideals and values so you feel encouraged.
Cons: This option will not work for anyone who is opposed to using social media. As with the online forums, it can be difficult to make meaningful connections and build relationships.
You can belong to many groups as long as you keep in mind that you probably can't do every single thing with every group. Currently, my family belongs to a couple online membership forums and a couple online social media groups. I am not active in these groups every day or even every week, but they add value to our homeschool in their own way.
Do you currently belong to any online groups? Are they working for you?
Next time I'll share some info about in-person groups. Until then, happy homeschooling!
