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Four Helpful Tips for Evaluating Online Courses

May 23, 2012

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Many parents who are homeschooling turn to the Internet to find online instructional resources. But determining whether or not certain online courses are an effective academic solution can be confusing, so here are four important factors to consider when evaluating online courses:

1. Interactivity
One of the greatest aspects of homeschooling is the personal interaction of teacher and student. With online courses, you don't want to sacrifice the support to which your child has become accustomed. Look for online courses featuring a combination of live instruction and recorded lessons to ensure that your child gets interactive time with his or her teacher and peers. Live support from an expert instructor proves invaluable, particularly when you are teaching multiple students or when your older child is tackling challenging subjects that you have long forgotten!

2. Curriculum Quality
How can you be certain that a particular online course carries academic worth? Consider how long the provider of the online courses has been in the business. Is the program accredited? Where have the online courses been used before and what is their track record? Many school systems are using online courses, and often their school results can be found through public records.

3. Flexibility
Another great benefit of homeschooling is schedule flexibility, and online courses can be suited to accommodate your busy family schedule. Self-driven online courses for older students can be completed by your teenager when he or she is at his or her "academic best" during the day. Younger students can use game-based instruction to remain engaged for longer periods of time or throughout the day. Online courses often use online textbooks rather than hard copies, meaning true "anytime, anywhere" instruction (provided there is an Internet connection).

4. Cost
There is a wide range of pricing for online courses. When the curriculum content is free, the old adage often rings true--you get what you pay for! Many providers offer single course options, so homeschooling parents are able to only enroll in those subjects and courses that they need.

Online Courses That Work
If you are looking for proven online courses delivered by certified teachers, then National Connections Academy has the solution for you. Through National Connections Academy (NaCA), you can choose from hundreds of online courses for kindergarten through 12th grade that combine a time-tested curriculum and teachers who are experienced in delivering instruction in their respective subject areas. All of NaCA's courses are delivered through the user-friendly, state-of-the-art Connexus® technology platform.

Your children can even get ahead or catch up this summer with online courses for summer school! National Connections Academy (NaCA) online summer school students stay engaged academically while enjoying the freedom of summer. With nearly 100 different online courses to choose from and all-new flexible start dates, NaCA online summer school suits your student's academic needs and your family's busy summer schedule.

Proven Curriculum--from Algebra to Web Design
National Connections Academy offers online courses that have been thoroughly "school-tested" so you can rest assured that all courses are rigorous, engaging, and proven effective for students of all ages, and across the academic spectrum. Courses are designed to meet diverse student needs, from young learners to graduating seniors. Connection Academy's exceptional curriculum and instructional tools integrate the essential elements necessary for quality online learning, including custom-built lesson plans that feature a rich scope and sequence, and cutting-edge interactive content and recorded LiveLesson® sessions.

Whether you're looking for Advanced Placement®, elementary technology skills, Java/C++, sign language, or Gifted Science 8, NaCA has the right online courses to fit your student's needs and your family's schedule.

View a full list of online courses available through National Connections Academy and register today. For more information, call us at 888-533-6303.

About Connections Academy

Connections Academy is a leading, fully accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual schooling for students in grades K--12. Through tuition-free public schools, full-time and part-time private school programs, and turnkey online courses for brick and mortar schools, Connections Academy delivers superior, personalized education for students, with the freedom and flexibility to experience our online learning community from anywhere. The combination of certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. Connections Academy offers grades K through 12, though some public school programs do not offer all grades. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education, LLC. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

To see if Connections Academy is right for you, view the new program guide online or request your own copy now!

Find the Connections Academy online school options available in your state now!