Virtual Nerd: Algebra & Physics Tutoring On Demand (w. Samsung BluRay giveaway)

First quarter report cards are in and the end of the semester is quickly approaching which might cause panic as students (and parents!) seek ways to raise grades in core classes whose grades are critical for graduation.  

I was one of the panicked teens who labored through algebra 1 freshman year.  My concrete brain didn’t get concepts like exponential functions, line equations, and factoring polynomials that were explained in class.  I was frustrated by my grades and embarrassed that I needed a tutor. 

What I didn’t know then is that my very visual brain needed to see the concepts drawn out repeatedly in order for them to sink in.  50 minutes of class was barely enough time for the teacher to get through the concepts and left no time for questions.  In short, the lecture style didn’t match my learning style and I really could have benefitted from Virtual Nerd had there been such a thing called the internet when I was in high school.

About Virtual Nerd

Virtual Nerd is an online subscription service founded by professional tutors Leo Shmuylovich and Josh Salcman, that provides access to hundreds of interactive step-by-step math and science video tutorials for struggling students in grades 7-12.  The site is like having access to a professional algebra and physics tutor on demand 24/7 for an unlimited amount of time for the fraction of a cost of the hourly rate of a private tutor.  All you need is the ability to access the internet in order to obtain constant assistance.

Benefits of Virtual Nerd

Studies have proven that there is not just one way to learn.  With today’s kids being incredibly tech-savvy and connected to the online world that constantly provides a wealth of multimedia, they need a platform that enhances traditional methods of studying and learning. Virtual Nerd uses video, multimedia and creative interactive features to engage busy high school students. The interactive site is easy to use and allows students to control the pace and amount of detail in each lesson to effectively learn concepts—not just find answers.

Since Virtual Nerd is web based, all you’ll need is a computer with internet access and the ability to play Flash videos.  Don't worry too much about Flash- if you can watch YouTube videos, you're probably good to go!

Virtual Nerd Content

Hundreds of step-by-step tutorials cover all pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, and intro physics concepts.  For algebra I, there are more than 450 tutorials on the site (the equivalent of about 18 hours worth of lessons) and more than 15,000 step-by-step graphics for this topic. Chemistry, pre-calculus and calculus tutorials will be on the site in 2011!

Video tutorials correspond to practice problems in textbooks and add another visual component for visual learners such as myself.

Navigating Virtual Nerd

Easy to navigate content can be accessed by clicking on a tab at the top of the page to select pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, or physics. 

 After clicking on your choice, locate the concept through a keyword search, topic search, or textbook search. 

Each topic is broken down into discrete skills and results are displayed in a list.

 

Clicking on one of the search results will bring up a video tutorial.  

As the virtual tutor explains the concept, step by step directions appear in the bottom right portion of the board, and a diagram is typed in the upper right corner as the virtual tutor is writing on the board.

The tutorial can be started and stopped as often as necessary.  Having someone explain the concept while watching them write it, helps reinforce learning through visual and auditory receptors.

Students can go back to the original search results at any time by clicking on “Back to Search Results” in the upper left corner of the screen.

Additional Features of Virtual Nerd

• A dynamic whiteboard lets students interact with the tutorials in a whole new way. Every video has its own set of FAQs, and since you can call up new videos whenever you need them – the student is in control. Students can always get the help they need, stay focused, and get plenty of practice at their own pace.

• Content created and aligned with national math and science standards by staff of educators that includes teachers and tutors. Virtual Nerd’s original content corresponds to textbook problems and concepts from educational publishers such as Prentice Hall, Glencoe, and Holt.

Cost of Virtual Nerd

I know you’re thinking that a service like this must cost a ton of money but here's the run down on the costs and features:

• Basic plan- FREE for students and parents.  Yes, free!
• Premium plan- $49/month for the entire library of tutorials covering all course concepts in pre-algebra, algebra 1, algebra 2, and intro physics, amounting to hundreds of tutorials per subject, in-depth explanations and the ability to drill down to fill any conceptual gap. I think my college-age chemistry tutor charged almost that same price per hour!
• Educator plan- Free account for use in their classrooms.

Sign up for Virtual Nerd

Signing up for a Virtual Nerd account is simple. Visit the Virtual Nerd site and select the plan you want. I recommend trying the basic plan first and then upgrading as necessary.  As for any site, I love the ability to try before you buy! 

Interested in Virtual Nerd?  Win a SamSung Blu-ray player just for trying it out!

If you are intrigued by Virtual Nerd, give their free basic plan a try and be entered to win a Samsung Blu-ray player courtesy of Virtual Nerd!

To enter, visit the Virtual Nerd site and try out their free basic or premium plan. Then come back and leave a comment on this post about your experience between now and Wednesday, December 15 at 5 pm. Include your email address or Twitter handle so I can contact you when you win!

Extra entries:

• Post a comment to the Virtual Nerd Facebook page and post a comment below to let me know
• Follow Virtual Nerd on Twitter and leave a comment so I know you are following them.
• Daily Tweet: Check out cool online math and science tutorials from @VirtualNerd for chance to win a BluRay Player via @TechSavvyMama: Pls RT Come back here to leave a link to your Tweet.

For more information, view the intro video at the top of this post, or the FAQs on Virtual Nerd’s website.

Fine print: Eligible entries will be accepted until Wednesday, December 15 at 5 pm and must include an email address or Twitter handle. E-mail/Twitter handles must be valid.   Winner must reside within the United States. Prize will not be shipped outside the U.S. or to a P.O. box.  Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama and Virtual Nerd are not responsible for items lost during shipping or delayed shipment.   

Winner will receive Energy Star Qualified Samsung Internet Connectable/WiFi Built in Blu-ray Disc Player model BDC6500XAA, SKU: 9776791 plays DVD and Blu-ray discs with 1080i HD video output, 7.1 analog audio output.  Brand and model of Blu-ray player subject to change.  If item substitution is necessary, a comparable Blu-ray player will be sent.  

I am a paid educational consultant for Virtual Nerd and received complimentary access for consulting purposes.  I was asked to review Virtual Nerd from the perspective of an educator with years of experience with online services as part of my responsibilities.  I was compensated for my time but all opinions are my own.  I wouldn’t work for a company or recommend their service if it wasn’t something I believe in.  Logo, images, and video courtesy of Virtual Nerd.