November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Are you collecting ideas and information to create your own online courseware system? One exciting group to consider is the expanding homeschooler demographic. Home educators often use courseware systems to complement lessons, activities and assignments. Home educators understand that one important part of a child’s education is the development of ICT skills. Online courseware systems are a convenient and easy way to improve students’ ICT skills and familiarize them with different technology.
Coggno’s free courseware system syndicator allows you to upload your course content and publicize it on Coggno’s marketplace. Coggno equips you with all the tools–including easy-to-use text editor, assessment , quiz and video tools–to create a unique and completely customized courseware design. You have total control over both the creation and the maintenance of your courseware system.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
An essential precondition of homeschooling is that both parents are in agreement about the decision. It will prove very difficult for everyone involved if one parent is against it. If this is the case for you, try talking to more people and doing more research on homeschooling. Read up on online courseware and learning materials as well before bringing the topic up with your spouse again.
Another important opinion is your child’s. Is he or she warm to the idea of homeschooling? Ultimately, it’s your decision, but a willing student is always nice. And if your child is absolutely against the idea, you might not have an easy time of it. Remember, just as with online courseware or other commitments, homeschooling isn’t a lifelong one. Most families take it one year at a time.
Do you feel a little intimidated by the prospect of homeschooling? Don’t worry–you can always find tutors for topics you get stuck on. And with the wealth of curriculum and teacher materials, online courseware and other internet resources, you’ll find plenty of support.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Homeschooling and online courseware shouldn’t put your child at a social disadvantage. Remember that when you homeschool your child, you have almost complete control over the social contacts he or she makes. For this reason it’s important to make greater efforts to arrange get-togethers for your child.
Another factor to consider when debating whether or not to homeschool your child is household organization. Though online courseware and other learning materials are relatively mess-free, you’ll be doing all kinds of projects (including art and science) that will inevitably cause clutter. And that’s on top of the regular house chores.
If you’re a real neat-freak, you’ll want to think long and hard about homeschooling. But just like finding alone time, time management is key. Take advantage of online courseware time or other low maintenance activities to throw the whites in the wash or iron shirts.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
One important consideration when contemplating whether or not to homeschool your child is the personal sacrifice you’ll be accepting. Homeschool parents have very little personal time. Each day, you’ll need to make an effort create even a small amount of alone time. While your child is working on online courseware, for example, you might find a moment for yourself. Or perhaps a tutor comes a couple of hours a week to teach math or aide with an online courseware subject. Just remember that your personal time–however small–is important for your mental health, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.
Another point to deliberate on is the financial strain involved in homeschooling. Homeschooling itself, even with the addition of online courseware, can be done very inexpensively. However, homeschool parents usually aren’t able to work outside of the home, so a family accustomed to two incomes may need to adjust accordingly.
