Brightstorm Offers Online Video Classes
Posted on December 9, 2008
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As my regular readers know I spend an inordinate amount of time and effort stressing out over Zaira’s education (or lack thereof) in the public school system. Since my custody agreement gives me little control over where she attends school I’m always looking for alternative ways to increase her learning opportunities. So, when Brightstorm asked me to review their offerings for middle and high school students I jumped straight to the head of the line.
The courses in Algebra II, Geometry, SAT skills, and AP History or Government all seemed a little too advanced for Z, so I let her choose a course from either the Writing or U.S. History sections. She was torn between The Foundation of Your Rights with Eric Shed and Decadent Devices in Rich Writing with Jennifer Strickland, but leaning towards the writing course to hel pher with her blogging. After reading the individual course descriptions which contain “episode guides” to each of the lessons her choice was clear:”The writing class with the cooking lady”.
Our first step, of course, was to sign up for a free Brightstorm acocunt, which was as painless as any sign-up process elsewhere on the web. Then I purchased the class ($49 for 16 videos ranging in length from 5 to 15 minutes each) and off we went…
The first video is a class introduction in which Ms. Strickland introduced us to her family and regularly emphasized the last syllable in her name: “Welcome to Strickland”. Rather pointless, though occaisionally (inadvertently) humorous.We then watched the first lesson: Capers with Strickland which gives an overview of the writing process. Although I write for a living I don’t really give the process much thought anymore and was pleased to discover that I still follow the recommended procedure (more or less). Zaira, more importantly, felt wiser for the watching and is looking forward to the remaining lessons. We both very much got the impression that Ms. Strickland speaks more like a kindergarten or elementary school teacher, but the lesson was clearly intended for older students. She was definitely trying to make the lesson a fun experience and succeeded at some level because Z enjoyed herself while learning. I can’t really judge the value of the courses for us until Z views a few more episodes and starts to apply the lessons learned, but I have a feeling it will be well worth the $49 price tag when all is said and done.
The only ‘problem’ we had was that I purchased the class for Zaira and informed the site of that, even providing her email address. They sent her an “Aahz invited you to Brightstorm, click here to Sign up for a free account” email, but when she clicked through and filled out the form was told “Based on the information provided you are not eligible to create a Brightstorm account.” No actual reason was given, though so we’re a bit confused as to why. Until that gets sorted she’ll just watch the videos through my account.
Overall, I think Brightstorm is certainly an option to consider if you (or your student) is concerned about the education they’re receiving at their primary place of learning.
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