We have the ambition to connect homeschooled children with other like-minded kids. To give them a chance to learn, collaborate, think, talk, play, share and create their own unique online space and perhaps find new friends.
It is open to all children and students 10+ years old.
15+
years of experience
10+
1-to-1 lessons a week
3+
years of service for home schooled students
24/7
chance to ask questions
1
custom Minecraft server
5+
long-term students
Mission
Our aim and ambition is to deliver unique learning experience to children educated at home but also to those seeking an extension of their learning experience in traditional schools. I believe there is no wrong education as long as it suits to the young learner. It means that I do not utterly criticise traditional schools but promote a wider choice for everybody.
I try to advocate for democracy in education and implement such approach to our online community here at Home School Online. Respect and equality is an essential part of my communication but also in the DNA of my lessons. I’m sure that kids should have the trust and opportunity to shape the space in which they live and work because they will be better prepared for their future.
This website offers two main services. Online lessons in IT or Sciences and a dedicated online social platform for young people where they can learn and discuss whatever they want. This space is open only for young learners and its rules are defined by the community in regular school meetings.
An opportunity for all homeschoolers
There are many reasons why it might be a good idea to join Home School Online, but these are yours and unique. I can just write a bit about why I see this place helpful.
It was actually a very simple idea. I needed a platform for my online students where we can work, talk and share content for our online lessons. Furthermore, I had seen lots of online groups for homeschooling parents where they can get support, share problems and eventually obtain solutions. That is great but I realised that there might not be that many virtual spaces for homeschooled kids and youngsters who, without any doubt, are the most important part of the home education process. As an addition to this reason, I had read many posts where people were expressing their worries about their kids’ well-being, social life and connection with friends and peers. I heard all those arguments and this web and chat service represents the simple answer and help.
I see this project as an opportunity for your children to participate and communicate with their peers in a safe, democratic, friendly and child-focused environment where they can learn and have fun.
Who is behind
My name is David Yilma. Please stop for a bit and let me shortly, perhaps a bit formally, introduce myself and summarise what I have achieved.
I have worked in education for over 15 years, seven years in a state school in Prague (Czechia) and six years in two private schools in England. The later was the life-changing experience for me – first democratic school Summerhill, Leiston (UK). I always taught IT and Science (mainly Biology) and co-operated on the design of the curriculums for both areas and kids 10–18 year-old. Moreover, I always had the ambition, and sometimes even success, searching for interdisciplinary connections and linking subjects into meaningful units.
My professional journey continued to a state founded Tokomairiro High School in Milton (New Zealand) and a private college in Shebbear (UK) where I worked as an IT teacher. Unfortunatelly, my return to the UK led to unsatisfying situation and I resigned from the teaching position at college and moved to a democratic school SANDS in Ashburton.
Apart all of that above, I have worked, since 1998, with children and young adults as a scout leader in Junak, the largest scout organisation in the Czech Republic, and in the Scout Association UK. I believe, it gave me a range of expertise and know-how fabulously fit to the teacher’s portfolio. It includes outdoor skills, hiking and camping, which are still my favourite hobbies.
Since 2000 I have also worked in the IT industry as a freelancer – web developer.
Congratulation, if you reached up to this point! Let me just mention that I graduated in the master’s degree programme as a secondary Biology and Pedagogy teacher at Charles University of Prague. Further more, I gained QTS certificate and my tertiary level of education was recognised by NZQA and I’m registered as New Zealand teacher.
I hope it has been enough information and I’m looking forward to see you in my online lessons or as a part of Home School Online. If you wish to speak to me please feel free to send email.