I was given free Switched on Schoolhouse discs for the 5th grade and 7th. It even included the placement test. Problem..... I can't figure out how it works!!!!! When I loaded it up a man came on and talked non stop. I thought games were included on all of them and it shows sections where the student can read or be read to when they get stuck on their website but again I couldn't find them. Am I wrong in my thinking? Also, How does the placement tests work? Thanks for your help. Take care, Melanee
I've never used it. Can you call the company or send them an email and ask them to explain it to you?
Melanee, I'm laughing so hard right now, partly in relief that I'm not the only computer-challenged person on this forum! I know EXACTLY how you feel! Oh, there's fantastic info on SOS, and I loved the science clips and resources and even the games, but frankly, the pain of not being able to find our way around just wasn't worth it for us. (We didn't know about Homeschool Spot back then, though. These gals will walk you through it step-by-step, and you'll soon be navigating it and recommending it to others! ) Yes, we gave it away!!:lol:
I haven't used it myself, but I have the intro DVD and it ran us through a tutorial on using it. You can get that from the publisher at AOP.com and it was free. Sorry, like I said we haven't really used it, but this DVD made it seem simple enough. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but maybe that's at least of some value.
Ugh Melanee- I totally understand!! We were using it for a little while this spring for DS's, who then were away from the computer for a while (life!!). When we came back to the lessons it won't let my sons grade the lesson they should be on, and won't open any other lessons for them to continue!! Argh! We ordered 5 and 7 for this year and I am almost afraid to even load it and try. I'll watch this though (and do some more research) and see if I can't find some answers for both of us! MT3 (I do remember that there is a place on the teacher's page that allows the games to be played for each individual student- you have to have those marked for the games to open on the kids pages...)
I wish I remembered who had brought this up before but I can't. Possible Teacher Mom? I know that someone had run into this problem and someone else stepped up and gave them some info. Maybe try SOS in the search and it will narrow down posts.
I have not used the latest version, however back in the day it worked like this. You installed the interface program off of the subject disk of the first or only subject that you install and then it would install the subject material. You then inserted the first cd of each additional subject to install that subject. The User interface is only installed the first time. YOu take a trip throuhg the setup process where you dedice how you want the school to work and select the calendar days that you will be in school. In the setup process you will create a teacher account and one or more student accounts. There are some programs that you might need on your computer to make stuff work properly such as java, quick time, or others. This should be mentioned in the setup information that comes with the software, but if not you could call the company and see what you need to do. Also make sure that your browser is not blocking popups while running the program or that is not preventing graphics or pictures from displaying. In IE you can go to tools, internet settings, advance tab, and hit restore defaults.
Thank you Vantage!!! I will see if your suggestions work with the help of hubby!!! I think SOS is more complicated than I was told by a few friends, but I will try it. Free is GREAT!!! Thanks, ~Melanee
Okay, I have used thier placement tests, did you get it working yet? You go from test grade to grade, and see how far your child goes, if you get a 50 % on it they say you can go up to the next grade, if I recall, but I worked to make sure they had it lik e80 % just to be sure. I know SOS pretty well if you need to PM me even go ahead! Sorry I did not see this thread before now,
Hehe, The talkign man, I just skipped that part, lol, We loaded th R2, or whatever its called on your version, then the lessons, Make yoruself a copy lesson to play with is my recomendation! There ARE games, on them, but its with each lesson, vocabularly and such are included in the games and its a lot of fun! You CAN make it read for you they have a Speak program already in the program... You highlight the words and right click to get it to speak, there shold be different voices to choose from too btw. male and female. Like I Said I have used it for several years, for Science and now last year for All subjects for my 4th grader , so I should know what to do I hope! Just ask me point blank questions so I can help ,
I'm not sure if you've figured it out yet or not, but I got this article by the publisher in the email the other day. I just now opened the email and there it was! Maybe it will provide you with a way to find out what you need to know. Installing SOS help
Thanks! THere is also a link to how to get a free gift by sending info to your friendds on that site haha! Cool!
Melanee, I did not have my kids take the placement tests. SOS begins in basic review of the former year stuff and then leads the student into grade level material, which I like as it builds their confidence with the program and their knowledge. You can also skip forward to lessons and block lessons you don't think the student needs. Here is a link to answer questions about using the program: http://www.aop.com/sos/Support_Tutorials.php P.s. If you need to call for support, depending on who takes the call; sometimes they will just give you the answers, others will request your telephone number and pull up your account. 1-866-444-4498
