Home study courses are courses taken at home. In the past, home study courses were done by correspondence. A college or university would send materials through the mail. There would be assignments and tasks to complete. When the course work was finished, the materials were sent back to the institution of higher education, scored, and a grade was assigned. The Internet is helping to enhance this process. Home study courses can now be taken on-line through distance education and more and more colleges and universities are offering this format. Typically, on-line and correspondence courses offer working adults the flexibility they need to begin a new or further an existing career.
Home study should not be confused with self study. Courses for home study should be offered through licensed or accredited institutions of higher education. Depending on the course work, diplomas or degrees may be granted. The home study courses should have instructors involved with the course and there should be a graded work component. Institutions such as De Vry or the University of Phoenix offer home study courses. Many other public and private institutions have on-line offerings as well. Depending on one’s needs and wishes, self study courses may be appropriate. However, home study through a licensed or accredited institution may be more helpful for career advancement.
Home study is not just for the career driven adult, but for children as well. Home schooling and home study are similar in nature. Home schooling is the education of a child in the home, typically by a parent or guardian, rather than in a public or private school. Home schooling and home study both offer flexible scheduling. Most parents, however, choose home schooling because they believe a quality education or a safe social environment is not available in the public or private schools. Some home schooling plans are accredited. This means that although the child’s education takes place in the home, it is overseen by an institution of education. The institution verifies enrollment and issues report cards. Public schools through out the nation are offering accredited plans through the use of virtual charter schools via the Internet. Non accredited plans, which offer parents the most freedom in the education process of their child, also exist.
For the majority of working adults who are not satisfied with their chosen career, going back to school full time is not an option. Home study through the use of correspondence or via the Internet is helping these individuals make changes in their careers without sacrificing their lifestyle. Home study courses offer flexibility in both when and where the chosen courses are taken. Life is too short to stay stuck in a career that doesn’t make one happy. Home study may just be the answer.