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Description
Switched on Schoolhouse has been discontinued and our stock is limited. The USB Flash drive will work on current Windows 10 Home or Pro versions (S mode not supported). AOP Technical support will be available until June 2022. According to Alpha Omega, the USB Drive should continue to work on Windows 10 beyond June 2022, but no tech support will be available.
In the past, we have been reluctant to offer a complete computer curriculum for two reasons: 1) the homeschooling family is relying on one publisher for the entire content of its schooling; and, 2) having a student sit in front of a computer all day seems restrictive. Switched-On Schoolhouse, from Alpha Omega Publishers, has eased our first concern and offers advantages over a text-based curriculum for both student and teacher. This curriculum offers all major subject areas (Bible, history & geography, language arts, math and science) from a solid biblical and academic perspective. Content is AOPs LIFEPAC series of worktexts, which has been enhanced by adding interactive, video and audio clips, games and animation. For instance, science experiments are shown via video clips. In geometry, three-dimensional objects are illustrated as computer-generated objects rotating in space. Big events in history, literature, and the Bible can be re-enacted and shown on video. Audio clips of vocabulary and spelling words give correct pronunciations. Students have the ability to print out charts and draw graphs. Auditory learners can even choose to listen to an entire lesson or passages within the lesson instead of reading it. Using this software is therefore much more engaging for the student than using the LIFEPAC worktexts alone and automatic updates ensure that the content is always current. Students will also enjoy switching up homepage themes, widgets and avatars as well as using tools like highlighting text. Available in the USB flash drive format, the CD-ROM based product is no longer available.
For the teacher, advantages include automatic grading and record-keeping, flexible (and customizable) lesson planning tools, reports, attendance tracking, and the ability to allow a student to repeat or skip lessons or problems as needed. You can even print hard copies of assignments, lessons, records and more. Up to five students within a family can use the program (at once or during different years); however, if you update your computer system down the road, you will want to make sure your SOS software remains compatible with your new computer system. [Please also note that if you have previous versions of SOS installed on your computer (prior to 2010), games from the earlier version may be overwritten by the games from the newer version.]
Each grade level is available as either the complete curriculum (all 5 modules: Bible, History & Geography, Language Arts, Math and Science) or individual modules. A wide array of elective courses is also available in this format.
Minimum system requirements: Windows 10 Home or Pro (Up to Date); Dual Core 1.1 GHz or higher (2 GHz recommended), 4 GB RAM, 120 GB minimum total space with 5GB available hard drive space, and a 1024 x 768 or higher resolution monitor. Microsoft Office and a printer are recommended. Please note that the software is NOT Mac-compatible and is no longer Windows XP or Windows 8 compatible. Windows 10 S Mode is not supported.
Given its many advantages and reasonable cost, Switched-On Schoolhouse is well worth considering.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.