Homeschool isn't just for kids. The academic community understands that many adults and older teens have to juggle work and family responsibilities with the desire for more education. Students may utilize traditional textbooks, e-books, and a variety of computer, Internet, audio and video programs. This allows the student to self-pace and may provide opportunities to study material from multiple sources and topics.
Educational organizations and businesses offer webinars to entice students. Students may access material live via phone lines or computer log-in. Students may also access the material after the broadcast. This encourages students to take advantage of the educational opportunity and to choose a time and a place that is convenient.
The iAchieve Virtual Academy offers high school students in Georgia the opportunity to take classes via the computer from the comfort of their home or other location. Universities and other post-secondary schools also offer virtual classrooms. Students can interact with the teacher and fellow students without having to show up in a physical classroom. Students may receive the same classroom materials as students who come to the classroom, but some offer the option to tune in and catch the class in a pre-recorded format.
Palpation, massage and other hands-on skills need hands-on instruction for best learning outcomes. Apprenticeship programs allow a student to work with a preceptor and learn by doing. These skills may be learned in the field under the direct instruction of the teacher, who can provide immediate correction, direction and encouragement. Apprentices may not receive income for the work in some cases, but the training opportunity can be worth the sacrifice.
Many professional organizations and adult education institutions offer students the option to purchase educational material on CD or DVD. The material can be accessed whenever the student has time, and the student can review the material later if necessary. Some of these programs offer no way to verify that the student completed the material, so this must be a consideration at the time of purchase.
Another option for self-paced learning includes the self-learning packet. Businesses may use the packets to further the education of employees, and some adult learning centers also provide this option. The student may complete a post-test and return it for credit and learning verification.
Nurses Melba Rhodes and Kathy Nugent authored an article for "Infection Control Today" suggesting a lunchbox theater approach to instruction. Students bring their lunch and attend a 20 -- 30 minute class, and the sponsor provides drinks and desserts. The students interact with each other, get lunch, and make it back to work on time.