how is an independent study course different from an online course

Answer: Independent study is when students are allowed to take a class one-to-one with a teacher and/or little faculty supervision. It can be available at any level, high school through college, but is more common in traditional, brick-and-mortar schooling than online settings.

Full Answer

What is an independent study course?

Independent study courses permit graduate students to pursue previously studied topics in greater depth. A content outline for each independent study course is developed through consultation between the student and the instructor/sponsor to suit the needs and interests of the student and the special competence of the instructor.

Is independent study an alternative to classroom instruction?

Independent study is an alternative to classroom instruction consistent with a school district’s course of study and is not an alternative curriculum. Independent study is voluntary, many school districts offer this type of education, but some do not.

What is the difference between directed study and independent study?

Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course. Independent Study is intended to be an extension, or "spin-off," of a traditional course.

What is the difference between guided study and online courses?

One of the main differences is that online courses have a discussion board requirement that allows for classroom interaction, while the guided study courses do not.

What does an independent study course mean?

Independent study is an alternative education program that addresses individual student needs and learning styles. The model allows students to complete their academics outside the traditional classroom setting.

Are independent study courses worth it?

If you're interested in gaining course credit while your own research, AND gaining an abundance of experience, you should complete an independent study! An independent study is an opportunity that allows you to gain course credit while exploring your own personal interests on a deeper level.

Are independent study courses hard?

Taking an independent study can be more difficult than a traditional course because you have to keep yourself on track. While you will have an adviser to supervise the course, you will be the one in charge of making sure you are completing enough work; there will be no teacher to give you assignments every day.

What is the difference between homeschool and independent study?

Homeschool differs from independent study in that students are not actually enrolled at their local public school, and you as a parent or guardian are responsible for designing and implementing curriculum.

Why is independent study better?

The review found some evidence of the benefits of independent learning, including: • improved academic performance; Page 2 • increased motivation and confidence; • greater student awareness of their limitations and their ability to manage them; • enabling teachers to provide differentiated tasks for students; and • ...

Can I put independent study on my resume?

An independent study is a great experience you can put on your resume. The study is similar to an internship where you design a project or complete a task that displays and highlights your skills within a semester.

How long is independent study?

What are the required instructional minutes and required length of the school year for independent study? All school district pupils are required to be offered at least 180 instructional days of instruction per year. All charter school pupils are required to be offered 175 instructional days per year.

What are the requirements for independent study?

Participating in Independent Study Participation in independent study must always be the choice of the pupil, parent, guardian, or caregiver. LEAs shall not require or otherwise obligate the pupil's participation in an independent study program.

How much time should you allow for independent study?

Self-managed independent study taught study: 30 hours (roughly 2–3 hours a week) self-managed directed study: 70 hours, including around 40 hours working on assessment tasks (roughly 4–5 hours a week) self-managed independent study: 50 hours (roughly 3–4 hours a week)

What do independent study teachers do?

At the secondary level, independent study teachers specialize in their area or areas of expertise to provide direct instruction to students whether in classes, small groups, labs, or individually; such instruction is provided either on-site or online.

What is an independent study contract?

A short-term Independent Study contract is a voluntary alternative to a regular classroom program of instruction when a student is absent from school for not less than three (3) and not more than ten (10) consecutive school days.

Is online school easier than regular school?

One of the most common questions asked on this topic is, "Are online classes easier?" Put simply, the answer is no. Opting for online courses over traditional courses is not the easy route for your education. It's true that online courses offer more flexibility, but that doesn't change the amount of work you put in.

What is independent study?

Independent Study. Independent Study is intended to be an extension, or "spin-off," of a traditional course. It provides the student with an opportunity to pursue/research a subject in more depth and in a more independent manner than would be possible in a traditional course.

How many credits can you take in independent study?

An independent study outline form is required to serve as the official course description. Students in programs with requirements of 36 credits or less may be allowed to take up to nine credits of independent study. Students in programs with requirements of more than 36 credits may be allowed to take up to twelve credits of independent study.

What is direct study?

Directed Study. Directed Study is designed to be a substitute for a traditional course that is not offered in the semester for which the student wishes to enroll. The material covered in such courses is essentially the same as that covered in the traditional course.

How many credits are required for direct study?

Credits earned in independent study courses may not exceed six credits per semester.

What is the cumulative index for Brockport?

An established Brockport cumulative index (in other words, you must have completed one semester at The College at Brockport) and be currently matriculated at Brockport; A cumulative index of 2.0 or higher. There is one exception. If you're a lower-division student (have completed fewer than 54 credits), you may register for a maximum ...

How many credits do you need to graduate from Brockport?

A graduate student enrolled in a degree and/or certificate program must have: Completed at least six credits of course work at the graduate level at the College at Brockport with minimum grades of "B" in each course; or.

How many credits do you need to be an independent student at Brockport?

To be eligible for independent study: A non-degree graduate student must: Have completed six credits of course work at the graduate level at The College at Brockport with minimum grades of "B" in each course; and. Be able to demonstrate adequate background for the area of independent study.

What are independent study courses?

Many colleges, universities and community colleges offer independent study courses for students who wish to study a subject or area not covered in existing courses or conduct an independent research project.

How to be successful in independent study?

To be successful in an independent study course, a student needs to be proactive and self-motivated. To ensure that you receive appropriate approval and earn credit for your course, make sure you: 1 Start planning early. You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools. 2 Have excellent organizational and time management skills in order to independently complete your studies and illustrate progress to your instructor throughout the term of the course. For help, check out this Study.com College Success course, which includes lessons on time management, staying motivated, stress management, setting goals, and improving study skills.

What is Study.com?

To help you build your syllabus and successfully achieve your goals, Study.com offers a variety of resources, which include: Textbook substitutes and self-paced online courses in dozens of subjects, including business, math, social science, science, humanities, history, English, computer science, psychology, and foreign languages.

How long does it take to get approved for independent study?

You may expect the approval process alone to take as many as eight weeks at some schools.

Can independent study be designed for one student?

Also, keep in mind that not all independent study courses need to be designed for just one student. If you have peers or classmates who are similarly interested in your proposed independent study subject, you may consider working jointly to propose an independent study course to an instructor.

Can you take independent study courses at your school?

An independent study course may not be approved if it covers the same subject as an existing course that is offered at your school. Independent study courses are not usually applicable to a degree program's general education requirements.

How Does Independent Study Work?

Independent study is offered through most colleges and universities, as well as various organizations, such as museums and government agencies. Schools typically offer independent study as credit-bearing courses, many of which are transferable to other colleges.

Can I Do it Online?

If you're working with a professor to create an independent study course, you might be able to design it to be taken over the Web. Additionally, many pre-existing independent study programs feature online modules and readings. These often require completion of an online test, and some might mandate on-site observation.

Is it Right for Me?

In order to do independent study, you must possess a number of skills. First, you must be organized and self-driven. Since you'll be working alone, it's important that you can make and keep a schedule that will help you complete your study in a timely manner.

What is independent study?

Independent study is an alternative to classroom instruction consistent with a school district’s course of study and is not an alternative curriculum. Independent study is voluntary, many school districts offer this type of education, but some do not. The California Department of Education works to improve independent study programs in school ...

Is independent study an alternative curriculum?

This alternative instructional strategy offers the flexibility to meet individual student needs, interests, and styles of learning. Independent study, however, is not an alternative curriculum and independent study students are expected to meet the same educational objectives as all other students. By law, independent study education is ...