Switched On Schoolhouse (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Life] >> HomeSchool Support



Message

PatricksPeaches -> Switched On Schoolhouse (6/25/2008 12:23:53 AM)

Has anyone used Alpha Omega's Switched On Schoolhouse? I have been trying to figure out which curriculum to use on my 7yo daughter this fall. (you might have read my other thread) I think SOS could be good for my dd with handwriting, journaling, and book reports added. My hubby is worried about all the computer time involved. My dd is a visual learner and I think this will do that for her. Has anyone used SOS with good results? Also, can it be used for more than one child? I have seen used SOS on EBay. Could I buy there and save money? Would it still work on my computer?

Any feedback is welcome!!



roligirl -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/25/2008 1:06:23 AM)

We use SOS for our three daughters' French elective. We've really liked it, easy management and the girls like the change of pace from their Lifepacs.

IMHO, I would use a combo of SOS and something else, that is a lot of computer time to do all her work on the computer. We like to keep a variety of learning vehicles: workbooks, computer, books, videos, classes, etc.

In regards to buying on EBay, I don't know. We've always bought through Alpha Omega, then we have the product support we've needed. Some editions won't work on Vista, they need an update, so that can be a bit tricky buying on EBay.



momtofour -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/26/2008 8:57:07 PM)

Hi!
SOS technically doesn't start until grade 3. It involves ALOT of reading and alot of time in front of the computer. She will have to enter her answers and know how to proficiently use a computer. It will also require you to do some work, too.

Don't buy used as that is against AO 'rules'. They will not provide you support if you need it.

My oldest did all subjects for grade 3 and by the end of the year, we were both "screaming" HELP ME!!!!

The next year, we picked only one subject and it was so much better. But even then, she had to spent way too much time on that one subject and we haven't used SOS since.

Just my two cents.
Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.



PatricksPeaches -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/27/2008 12:49:41 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: momtofour


SOS technically doesn't start until grade 3. It involves ALOT of reading and alot of time in front of the computer. She will have to enter her answers and know how to proficiently use a computer. It will also require you to do some work, too.

Don't buy used as that is against AO 'rules'. They will not provide you support if you need it.

My oldest did all subjects for grade 3 and by the end of the year, we were both "screaming" HELP ME!!!!


My dd will be starting 3rd grade in the fall. We are using Rod and Staff currently and it is a lot of reading too!! The thing that interests me is that SOS will have more pictures, diagrams, explanations and such. Is that true? I am not afraid to do a little work but I have a 2yo also and want something that dd can be mostly on her own. If I use only a few subjects with SOS, what ones do you recommend? Thanks for the tip about buying used!!



Ellie-Mae -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/27/2008 12:06:35 PM)

Yes, that is true, but when my kids did it they got frustrated because they had trouble typing in the answers perfectly without any typos. Math was a lot easier because there wasn't as much spelling and punctuation and such.



PatricksPeaches -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/27/2008 7:43:51 PM)

I just looked through the SOS presentations they have on their website. It was neat to see the actual pages the children view while doing the lessons. By looking at this, it doesn't seem to be any more reading than she is already doing. Actually, it is less. I did like the audio/visuals it has to offer. I also liked that it gave immediate feedback. I am really considering this for next fall.



planemom -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/28/2008 12:04:49 AM)

I used SOS with my kids. You can use it for multiple children but I'm not sure of the limit. I bought some used and bought some new. It was okay but we are not using it again this year. It does a good job of lesson planning and grading for you. I felt my kids were doing it to get done, rather than really learning anything.



joannepir -> RE: Switched On Schoolhouse (6/28/2008 12:18:04 PM)

I've been debating on using SOS for Science only for my 3rd and 6th graders. I really don't like teaching Science and I thought it might be a "treat" to use the computer for one subject. Do the kids seem to retain the information that they learn on the computer? Science seems to be one of those subjects that is enhanced by lab projects and stuff. That's the only thing that has kept me from buying the SOS Science.



Page: [1]



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI