Homeschooling Online with Bridgeway Homeschool Academy

I took online courses for college.  While I had a positive experience, my daughter and I were given the opportunity to review an online homeschool class that was far superior.  I was compensated for my time and all my opinions are 100% my own.

In my online college class, the material was simply from a book.  We read the material and turned in all of our assignments to the online program.  There was little human interaction other than the required critiques made on each others’ work in a chat box.  The teacher had little impact other than assigning work and offering feedback on my essays.

With Bridgeway Homeschool Academy, that is not the case.  Their Student Learning Labs live classes are just like the real thing.  Instead of having to leave home to go to a coop or class you get all the benefits and human interaction right at home.  In fact, it can be better than participating in those other classes.

3 Benefits of Homeschooling Online

With Bridgeway’s Learning Labs, the convenience, interaction, and skills gained are unlike any I have experienced.  Audrey (1st grade level) enrolled in the class called Fun with Science:  The Rainforest.  Although we already have a curriculum we use daily, this class was an enriching addition to our weekly routine.

Convenience

Unlike other online courses, this course required no additional materials.  We didn’t have to buy any extra books and we printed very few worksheets.

Another great thing is that everything your teacher assigns or gives as an extra resource is available after class in your student account.  I love the ability to research further into a subject that my child really likes or review any topics that needed extra time.

Finally, doing the class from home allows us to relax.  I don’t have to worry about hauling everyone in the car or childcare for my other children.  After Audrey was used to using the system, I was able to get some small chores done and work with my other children.

Interaction

The relaxed environment of home also made my daughter more comfortable participating in the class instead of being intimidated by a new place with lots of new eyes on her.

In other online classes I’ve taken, interaction is almost non-existent.  You simply do your work independently and turn it in online.  However, with Bridgeway Learning Labs you get the benefit of real class interaction.

You get to see your teacher talking in real time and are able to ask her questions by “raising your hand” via pushing a button.  The teacher controls the interaction so no one is interrupted and class can move quickly if needed.  Once your microphone is enabled, it is just like a real class experience where you can share your thoughts.

Camera privileges are also managed by the teacher and allow the students face-time so they can read their assignments and practice their communication skills.  A virtual map shows the location of all the students and a virtual white board can be used by all the students to write answers or draw pictures.

The interaction was one of our favorite features of the class because we felt a personal connection with the teacher and the students which made the subject even more interesting.

Skills Gained

The first class we had I wasn’t sure it was right for my daughter because she had a hard time sitting through the whole hour.  However, as we attended each week the class got smoother as the student got used to the system.  By the end, she was wishing it wasn’t over.

This experience really helped her gain confidence reading out loud in front of other people, she learned patience while the technological kinks were worked out, she gained skill using the computer, and of course she learned lots of new things about the rain forest.

Online Homeschooling with Bridgeway

If you want to give your child the classroom experience from the comfort of your home you’ll want to try a Bridgeway Learning Lab.  They offer classes for all ages including,

• Science Through the Magic Tree House (Elementary Level)
• Fun with Robotics (Middle School Level)
• Kitchen Chemistry (Elementary Level)
• Web Design (High School Level)

Early enrollment has started and Bridgeway is offering a $20 discount!  Click the image below for more information and a look at all the classes available.  In addition to this discount, they are also offering a free learning and personality style assessment which is valued at $39.95.  This assessment gives parents an individual profile filled with strategies to set their child up for lifelong success.

Have you tried an online homeschooling class before?  I would love to hear your experiences!

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