When I talk to parents about online homeschooling, one of the most common questions they ask me is, “but what about social interaction?”
It’s true – kids need social interaction, and in fact they benefit from interacting not just with classmates but also with teachers. While homeschooled kids typically enjoy being independent, especially in middle school and high school, they still crave interaction.
Which brings me to one of the best things about 3D online homeschooling. Unlike traditional online homeschooling, which does pose serious challenges in terms of interaction, the beauty of a 3D online homeschool is that the students do get to interact. They actually go to school every day – yes, it’s a virtual school, but if you ask any of our students they will tell you that it feels very real to them.
Students get up in the morning and go to school, roaming the virtual corridors using their avatar and their own 3D objects including books and school supplies. They participate in virtual classes led by certified teachers and in regular conferences. Students also collaborate with other students to create different projects. These students are not lonely or isolated. On the contrary: they get plenty of daily interaction and socialization.
We do encourage our homeschooling families to make sure that their child has plenty of real-life opportunities to socialize in addition to the interaction our school provides. But it’s important to realize that kids who go to a 3D online homeschool are in no way isolated. They get plenty of daily interaction, with teachers and with peers.
