Virtual Nerd - a Review

It seems like math and science are two of the more difficult subjects for many families to teach in homeschool - particularly as the kids move into the higher grades. Private tutoring can be a huge help, but it can also be a huge expense, which some families just can't manage. If you're looking for some assistance for your kids, particularly in 7th - 12th grades, you should definitely check out Virtual Nerd.

Virtual Nerd is an online tutoring program that I've found to be pretty awesome. They currently have Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra II and Physics videos available (1,000+) and plan to add Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Physics with Trig, and Chemistry in the next year. Biology will be following that.

You select the concept that you want some help with and a new window opens to a video with an instructor at their patent-pending Dynamic Whiteboard™. On the right side, you'll see a step-by-step script which follows along with the instructions.

If you don't need the first portion of that concept explained, you can skip ahead to the part you want, by clicking on that section in the script. Or, if there's something you don't understand, a term or concept, you can mouse over it in the script box and it will show a pop-up window that provides you with other tutorial videos which will explain that term or concept. In the meantime, it puts the original video you were watching into the background, but remains in the same place, so you can return to it. You can continue to bring up new videos over and over, as you review or learn about portions of a concept. Once you're done with that, you can close it, and go right back to the previous video.

The videos are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. I love the fact that your child can skip right to the portion they need help in; they don't have to sit through a video of information they already know. This helps to keep them engaged and interested. I think the individualization is an incredible feature of Virtual Nerd.

Virtual Nerd is available on a subscription basis and there are four different options, so you're sure to find one that meets your needs. You can take a look at those choices here. And in case, you think you'll have to sign up for something long-term, there's even an option for a single day. Sometimes that's all it takes to get your student back on track.

You'll find an introductory video as well as a lot of other information and FAQs. It's definitely worth taking a look at - for both you and your student.

If you need more proof, take a look at what other TOS Crew members had to say about Virtual Nerd at the TOS Crew Blog.


Disclaimer: I was provided access to the Virtual Nerd site to utilize their program for review as a member of the TOS Crew. The opinions stated here are my own.