Discovering the delight of different

ADvTECH Group • November 26, 2020

By: Colin Northmore, Principal of Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. 

How do you take the next step when you suddenly discover that something you thought was abnormal is perfect for you? How can you properly evaluate the explosion of schooling options, especially in the online and homeschooling space? These are two of the questions I am going to try and answer for you in this article. I will attempt to give you some guidelines to use when trying to make sense of an education opportunity that you may have thought was only for unconventional families. Still, you may have discovered it seems perfect for your children.

Remote learning has taken the limelight and has been a topic of discussion on television, radio, and online media since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the world. With schools having to shut down and go online many children (and their parents) have had an experience of homeschooling and online schooling forced on them when they may not have tried to learn this way by choice. There has been a very mixed experience of this. 

Some children have discovered that online learning meets their needs in ways that traditional education cannot. They can work at their own pace and spend more time on things that they find difficult. They are not faced with constant interruptions caused by having to change from class to class. Children are not distracted by the behaviour of other children or the lack of comfort of the classroom. Children also like to make more choices about what they learn and when they learn it, which means that they are more engaged with their learning. They are also not held back to the pace of the rest of the class when they find the work easy. 

On the other hand, children can lose focus, be tempted to play games or waste time and can find themselves falling behind without the teacher being able to notice or keep them on track. The concept of ‘Zoom’ fatigue has also become an issue. People working from home and children learning remotely have found the challenge of being in online meetings for protracted periods mentally exhausting. Concentration slips and attention wanders. Teachers have had an immense struggle to keep their students engaged and often have no way of knowing if they are paying attention.

Schools that pivoted to an online model during the lockdown made the mistake of trying to run a synchronous timetable. That is, they tried to follow the same schedule they would have if the students had been attending live lessons. Proper online schooling does not work this way. Being an online learner is like homeschooling with one significant difference: The student becomes more and more capable of learning without any adult assistance at home. 
It is a feature of an excellent online school that we provide a process for children to learn the skills they need to be independent learners. This process includes self-pacing, time management and the ability to schedule their day. It also includes teaching children to work collaboratively with peers in remote locations. No parent should choose online learning for their children without expecting the learning process to be delightfully different. 

So, with what should you be delighted? The school should engage with your child as an individual and tailor their learning to suit their needs and interest. Your child should be able to advance at a faster rate in areas where they have an aptitude and intense curiosity. They should be able to take their time and work deliberately when they need to. 

Testing and assessment should also be significantly different from a traditional experience. Online systems offer the opportunity to use machine learning and data analysis to make learning specific to a child’s needs. Online learner management systems should collect data on everything a child is doing and learning and start to offer suggestions for improving their understanding and mastery.

There is a story about a father with three young daughters. One is two years old, the second is four, and the oldest is seven. He sits down to tell them a story. “Mapule climbs up the stairs and opens the door; there is the Dragon!” The seven-year-old says, oooh! “Mapule climbs up the stairs and opens the door.” The four-year-old says, oooh! “Mapule climbs up the stairs.” The two-year-old says, oooh! Because climbing up the stairs is wonderful to a two-year-old. As our children grow, they lose their sense of wonder and curiosity. 

Online schooling executed well, offers children an ongoingly engaging experience. Using, video, games, simulations, discussion platforms and immediate feedback in a way that traditional school models are unable to. It keeps children in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone, where the work they do is neither too easy nor too difficult. 
When you are deciding if you want to enrol your child with an online school, ask yourself; how often will they start a lesson and say “oooh!”

To learn more about Evolve Online School, click here .
To find out about our fee structure, click here .
To Empower your child to thrive in tomorrow’s world, click here

Supporting Mental Health in Online Homeschooling: Strategies for Student Well-Being

February 27, 2026
Discover practical ways to support your child’s mental health in online homeschooling, reduce stress, build healthy routines, and promote emotional well-being.
Children in white t-shirts navigate orange cones on a grassy field, participating in an outdoor activity.

Extracurricular Activities in Online Homeschooling: Building Skills Beyond Academics

February 27, 2026
Discover how extracurricular activities enrich online homeschooling by building confidence, social skills, creativity, and well-rounded development beyond academics.

What Top IEB Achievers Do Differently: Lessons from an Evolve Online Top Performer

February 24, 2026
At Evolve Online, we did a deep dive into: “What does it really take to succeed in an online IEB school?” I recently sat down with one of our stellar Grade 12 students of 2025 and his family. Their insights provided a window into the inner workings of success in an online academic setting. While there is no magical formula for success, what stood out were the core elements of mindset, discipline, structure, and support working harmoniously. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation with this high-achieving Evolve Online family. 1. Success Starts with Self-Discipline and Ownership A recurring theme in our discussion was the importance of self-discipline in online learning. Top achievers at Evolve Online take charge by: Paying attention to instructions Keeping track of deadlines Being proactive in preparing for assessments Taking ownership of their learning journey The key message? Online learning thrives on responsibility. Students who proactively engage and take the lead excel. 2. Technology Is Key when studying: Technology Access = Freedom for studying Our top achievers emphasised the necessity of reliable technology Investing in high-quality laptops Ensuring stable internet connectivity, not one but two Internet providers are used as a backup to eliminate wi-fi issues. Having backup power solutions in place Their rationale was simple: Smooth technology leads to focused learning. By eliminating technical obstacles, students can concentrate on their studies with confidence, join their live online classes and interact with their teachers through Teams seamlessly without delay or disruption. 3. Use Past Papers Wisely A successful technique was their strategic use of past exam papers. Top performers: Leaned heavily on past IEB papers for study Emphasised practice over rote memorisation Mastered exam techniques and time management Built stamina through realistic practice scenarios While textbooks remain valuable, AI-powered educational platforms and mainly past papers are the real teachers, guiding students on how to think, write, and succeed in exams. The top achiever completed over 30 past papers! 4. Motivation and Support Go Hand in Hand Intrinsic motivation was a common trait among high achievers. While support is crucial, students must be driven by personal desire to succeed. Parents cited the importance of assessing: Availability for supervision Readiness for independent learning Need for additional support A balanced support structure, combined with personal effort, creates an environment where students can flourish. 5. Quality Teaching Makes a Difference Students highlighted the impact of their teachers at Evolve Online who: Provided constructive feedback Offered extra revision sessions Were accessible during assessments Maintained consistent standards across subjects Subjects such as Afrikaans and Accounting thrived with additional support and clear communication. Quality teaching remains paramount, whether in-person or online. 6. Balance for Sustainability Success is not just about academics. Students spoke of the importance of: Balancing studies with hobbies Knowing when to take breaks Developing time-management skills beyond school Maintaining balance prevents burnout and supports long-term academic consistency, especially in the demanding Grade 12 year. Perhaps the most powerful reminder from this discussion is that our greatest insights come directly from those living the experience. Listening to students and their families reflect honestly on what helped them succeed and where they struggled allows us to refine our practice with clarity and purpose. As we continue to evolve, these voices guide us toward stronger systems, better support, and a learning environment that truly prepares students not just for exams, but for life beyond school.
People at a table, working on a laptop and studying. A bottle of water and a plant are also on the table.

How to Choose the Best Homeschool Curriculum

February 6, 2026
Discover how to choose the best homeschool curriculum for your child. Explore learning styles, curriculum types, legal considerations, and practical tips for success.
Person wearing headphones and red hoodie using a laptop, holding a pen.

Integrating Technology Tools for Online Learning: A Guide for South African Families

February 6, 2026
Learn how to effectively integrate digital tools for online learning at home. This guide helps South African families support children’s education with the right tech and strategies.
Two students standing side by side, smiling. One has a backpack and book, other has book and backpack.

The Social Side of Online Schooling

December 18, 2025
Explore how online students build friendships, engage socially, and develop communication skills. Discover tools, tips, and platforms that foster social interaction in virtual education.
Girl at desk during virtual class; laptop shows instructor giving thumbs up.

How to Transition from Traditional School to Online School

December 18, 2025
Discover essential tips and strategies for students and parents to successfully shift from traditional schooling to online education. Learn how to adapt, stay organised, and thrive.

Can Homeschoolers Go to University in South Africa?

December 18, 2025
Learn how homeschooled students in South Africa can gain university admission. Explore requirements, accreditation, and accepted qualifications.
Woman with head in hands at desk with laptop, notebook, glasses, and phone, appearing anxious.

Does Homeschooling Help Children With Anxiety?

December 18, 2025
Discover how homeschooling can support children with anxiety. Learn the benefits, challenges, and expert advice to help make an informed decision.
Students walking with backpacks toward a brick building on a college campus in autumn.

Which Curriculum Helps with University Admission? Cambridge vs IEB Online

October 31, 2025
Compare Cambridge and IEB online curriculums to see which best supports university admission. Discover key differences, recognition, and benefits.