There are lots of methods of educating children offered these days. Private school, public school, online charter schools. But somehow it seems the actual education kids seem to be getting is often on a downhill slide. And to many, this is a major concern. The latest in the list of ways to help fill in the gaps you think your child’s schooling may be lacking, or even if you just want a little “extra,” is Brightstorm.
Who is Brightstorm?
Based out of San Fransisco, CA, and just launched this week, Brightstorm is an online learning network that allows teens, parents, and teachers to work together. They offer courses at a rate of $50 that are broken up into what they call “episodes.” Each episode lasts about 10 to 20 minutes. Their courses cover a variety of subjects, from core classes like Math, English and History, to “special” classes like SAT and AP prep.
How it works
Because they want it to be the best fit possible for each student, kids are allowed to pick the teacher they want to work with based on teaching style. The students get to view mini-clips of different teachers before making their decision and enrolling in any specific course. Once in a course, students work at their own pace; although they are still responsible for completing quizzes, doing practice problems, etc.
The one downside is that students don’t have the ability to just raising their hand and asking their teacher a question when they encounter an issue. It isn’t a one-on-one interactive forum considering they are watching recorded lessons.
Plenty of competition
This isn’t the first such learning “tool.” In the US alone there is PrepMe, ePrep, Teach The People, and Grockit. Guess we’ll see if Brightstorm has that extra something that continues to draw both parents and students in, and does what it advertises…makes a positive difference in the education of each child they work with. A real learning tool? Or just another online way to scam parents desperately wanting to help their children out of their money? What do you think?