Navigating the realm of online schooling in South Africa requires a nuanced understanding of available options and the firsthand experiences of parents and learners. In this article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of how to identify the best online schools in the country according to public opinion.
What Are Online Schools?
An online school is a flexible educational institution that delivers courses and learning experiences through digital platforms like websites or apps. This method of education is a boon for those seeking flexibility as it is accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Online schools, with their flexible schedules and self-paced learning, cater to all levels of education, from primary to high school, and some even offer post-secondary education, giving learners a sense of liberation and control over their learning journey.
In online schooling, the curriculum and instruction are provided by certified teachers. Learners receive structured lessons, assignments, and assessments through the online platform, including pre-recorded videos, interactive activities, and live classes. Similar to traditional schools, online schools often offer a range of subjects, and learners can interact with teachers and classmates through forums, chat, or video calls. Online learning is typically self-paced.
On the other hand, homeschooling is a form of education where parents or guardians play a pivotal role in their child's education at home. This personalised approach allows parents the freedom to choose or create learning materials and methods, and they control what is taught and how it is delivered. Homeschooling in South Africa can involve a mix of traditional book-based learning, project-based learning, community resources, and sometimes online courses as well, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of the child.
The key differences between online schooling and homeschooling lie in who provides the instruction and the structure of the curriculum. Online schools offer a more formalised education with a set curriculum delivered by teachers, while homeschooling relies on parents guiding their children through the learning process. Both forms of education share the benefit of allowing learners to learn in a comfortable, familiar environment, providing a sense of reassurance and ease, and can be tailored to suit individual learning styles and needs.
Finding the Best Online Schools in South Africa
Finding the best online school is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. There are 5 aspects that parents can take into consideration when choosing from different online schooling providers.
1. Accreditation
Accreditation is a fundamental criterion when assessing the quality and legitimacy of an online school. Accredited institutions have undergone a rigorous evaluation process by recognised accrediting agencies, ensuring they meet specific academic standards. This ensures that learners receive a high-quality education and enhances the credibility of their certification in the eyes of universities.
It's essential to verify the accreditation status of the online school through official databases provided by relevant accrediting bodies.
CambriLearn, for example, is accredited by COGNIA and Pearson Edexcel, as well as SACAI-registered.
2. Course Content and Structure
The curriculum and structure of online courses play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of a child's education. Parents should evaluate whether the courses align with their children's academic and career goals. They should examine the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, the relevance of the content to industry standards, and the methods of course delivery.
Parents should also consider their child's preferred learning style and ensure that the online school provides a format that suits their needs, whether it's live classes, pre-recorded lectures, or interactive assignments.
CambriLearn's course content is designed to be engaging, flexible and supportive. Each course includes the following.
- Structured learning content: lessons are carefully prepared by qualified teachers to ensure a clear and consistent learning path.
- Live and recorded lessons: students can join live sessions or watch recordings at a time that suits their schedule.
- Q&A sessions: these sessions give students the chance to ask questions and get extra help on challenging topics.
- Marked assignments and feedback: teachers provide personalised feedback on each assessment to highlight strengths and guide improvement.
3. Support Services
Access to support services is crucial for a positive online learning experience. When evaluating the availability and effectiveness of support services, including technical support, academic advising, and career counselling, it's important to consider whether the online school provides resources for online learners, such as virtual libraries, planners, tutoring services, and networking opportunities. Your evaluation of these resources is a key part of your engagement with the online learning process.
CambriLearn offers a range of support services designed to help students stay on track, feel connected and thrive in their studies.
- Student tracker: this tool allows both parents and students to monitor academic progress across all subjects. It shows lesson completion, assessment scores and overall course progress, making it easy to stay organised and identify where support may be needed.
- Direct chat with teachers: students can communicate directly with their subject teachers through the platform. This is ideal for getting quick answers to questions or personalised academic guidance.
- Academic support: if a student shows signs of falling behind, a CambriLearn support advisor will reach out to the parent to discuss possible solutions. This personalised approach ensures that challenges are addressed early and that parents feel supported every step of the way.
- Tutoring services: students can book sessions with qualified tutors for one-on-one support in specific subjects. These sessions provide focused attention to help students build confidence and improve their understanding.
- Student chat forums: these moderated forums allow students to connect with peers, ask questions and share ideas in a safe and encouraging online space. It's a great way to stay socially engaged while learning from others.
- Career counselling: CambriLearn offers guidance to help students make informed decisions about their future study and career paths. This includes personalised advice based on interests, strengths and goals, helping learners plan their next steps with confidence.
4. Faculty Credentials
The qualifications and experience of the faculty members are instrumental in delivering a high-quality education. Research the instructors' credentials, including their academic background, industry experience, and any relevant certifications. Well-qualified and experienced faculty members contribute significantly to the depth and breadth of the education learners receive. Additionally, faculty accessibility and communication methods should be considered, as these factors can impact a learner's learning experience.
At CambriLearn, we believe great learning starts with great teaching. Our faculty includes highly qualified subject specialists, many of whom are certified examiners for respected boards like the IEB, Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International. This gives them valuable insight into how students are assessed and how to help them succeed.
Teachers have access to globally recognised resources and take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with international standards. The result is a team that delivers high-quality lessons provides exam-focused support and is dedicated to helping each student achieve their full potential.
5. Reviews
Reviews and testimonials from current or former learners provide valuable insights into the learner experience, instruction quality, and the online school's overall reputation. Platforms like HelloPeter and dedicated programme forums can be valuable resources for gathering firsthand information. However, it's essential to approach reviews critically, considering positive and negative feedback. Look for common themes in the reviews to better understand the online school's strengths and weaknesses.
Online School Reviews
For convenience, we have done some research and gathered reviews of 4 popular online schools in South Africa. We have gathered data from HelloPeter, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Facebook Reviews to provide a comprehensive view.
Please note that where N/A is indicated, the reviews were not available.
HelloPeter
Trustpilot
Google Reviews
Facebook Reviews
How Much Do Online Schools Cost?
The expense associated with online schooling is contingent on various factors, encompassing the selected curriculum, the online platform utilised, the learner's grade level, and the specific subjects undertaken.
One can view the difference in pricing between the online schools mentioned above by clicking on the links below.
● CambriLearn
● Think Digital Academy
● Teneo
● UCTOnline High School
● Impaq Online School
Remember that it’s advisable to contact each online school and find out exactly how their pricing and tuition work before committing to an option.
