Virtual Nerd(What? Who you talkin' about?)

Some of the TOS Crew were given a month-and-a-half subscription to a new online Math/Tutoring Interactive Video-based website for students in 7-12th grade, Virtual Nerd. The topics currently covered are Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Intro to Physics, with more in the pipeline for 2011-2012

The basic facts~

Algebra I Topic Search

• There are hundreds of video tutorials to watch for each subject.
• The videos are searchable by keyword, topic and textbook( for instance, in Algebra I, if you happen to be using Prentice Hall: algebra 1, 2004 ed., Holt: algebra 1, 2007 ed., Glencoe: algebra 1, 2004 ed., or Mcdougal Littell: algebra 1, 2007 ed.)
• Each video has an intereactive whiteboard component that follows the video(You can see this in the screenshot above). This allows the student to get more information, as she/he runs into concepts or terms that are confusing or unfamiliar. (I suggest watching the Introductory Video. Scroll down the page linked to see it in action)

Pricing: a variety of options to give you flexibility, depending on your budget and needs *

• Free~ 2 hour trial
• $5~ 1 day
• $19~ 1 week
• $49~ monthly
• $129~ 3 months

So~ What did we think?
Pros:

• My daughter was impressed with the way that the "Whiteboard" worked, with the ability to dig deeper into a given topic.
• This could be a less expensive option than 1 on 1 tutoring, if this is something required in your home.
• Convenient and nothing to "Install" on your computer

Cons:

• For us, it just didn't mesh with the non-traditional Algebra program that we are using. I think that if we were using a traditional textbook, it would have been a better option. We spent a fair amount of time trying to find videos that would coordinate with the lessons being learned, and were not very successful in that quest. 

If you have a student who struggles with Math, I would recommend checking out the other TOS Crew reviews, to see what my fellow Crew-mates have to say. I am fairly certain that there are those using more traditional programs, and may have better insight on Virtual Nerd.

Virtual Nerd has uploaded some videos onto YouTube, so you could check those out to get more of a feel for the "Product". If you like what you see, I would highly recommend signing up for the free 2 hour trial if you have a specific problem you would like to remediate. This will give you a  good chance to see if you are able to find applicable videos quickly and easily. From there, your decision should be easy to make.

As always, I hope that this review is useful to you as you choose where to spend your homeschool budget. As always, but in this case particularly, if you are interested in a "Math Tutoring" style program, I once again highly recommend perusing the other TOS Crew reviews.

Blessings~

*Quick note~ although there is mention of a "Free Account" for "Educators", this is meant for those in group or "Classroom"  teaching situations, and NOT homeschoolers. Just wanted you to be aware. :)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this/these item(s)/service for free as part of the TOS Crew Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."