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MarilynW
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Please would you share your thoughts and experiences and questions about the Homeschool Connections classes (link below). Maureen Wittmann has generously offered to answer any questions we may have.
I have only just started looking at the classes and I am so impressed by the faculty and also the subject matter. I have lots of questions but I am going to start with:
1) Does each course give an idea of how how many high school credits can be taken for it?
2) I am trying to understand how it works technologically - I know we need a computer and a microphone - but otherwise am clueless
3) Are the classes usually once a week? How much work is there outside of class time?
4) Are assignments reviewed/graded with feed back given?
5) What are the costs of the live classes?
Homeschool Connections
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mwittlans
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Lots of good questions Marilyn and I'll do my best to answer.
1) I recently went through all of the courses and listed the number of credits that can be given on your high school transcript.
2) Actually, you're not clueless and right on the ball. You need a working computer with high-speed internet (just about anything that's not dial up) and a headset with a microphone. You find headsets as cheap as $10 but I personally like the USB port ones that run about $30-$36.
3) Classes are once a week. Though we're considering doing some daily classes for summer school.
4) Not all courses have homework. It'll say in the course description. Ones with homework will include grades and feedback from the instructor. Lecture courses will usually include quizzes and answer keys for the parents to grade. Either way, the instructor is available in between classes for questions and comments.
5) Price depends on the number of weeks, whether homework is graded by the instructor, and the instructor's education (Ph.D. vs. masters). The price is listed with each course description. Also, we try to keep price down for course materials. We use a lot of primary sources available for free online. If a textbook does need to be purchased, we'll help lead you to used sources.
Note that all of this pertains to LIVE courses. We also have a subscription service where you can view recordings of past courses. You get the recordings and accompanying resources -- homework, Power Point, readings, etc.
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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jdostalik
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Hi Marilyn,
Here are a few of my thoughts.
As you already know, Maggie (my oldest dd, 14) is signed up for the Democracy, Government, Citizenship class which begins this week. A list of all the Spring 2010 courses with a brief description are here.
She took the class Tolkien and Fairy Tales last semester and really enjoyed it. The class was a lot of fun with assigned reading and discussion. The students were then asked to write their own fairy tale (rough and final draft) and it was graded by the professor. Very worthwhile!
Maggie (and I) really like the HC classes. What a gift to be able to get a truly Catholic perspective on different subjects from stellar teachers (many are university professors at Catholic colleges!) and all in the comfort of your own home. 
So far, our experience has been excellent and we plan on taking more courses in the future as time and budget allow. 
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Jennifer in TX
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Martha in VA
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I've never heard of this before and am so glad to learn of this resource! 
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Martha in VA
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mwittlans wrote:
Note that all of this pertains to LIVE courses. We also have a subscription service where you can view recordings of past courses. You get the recordings and accompanying resources -- homework, Power Point, readings, etc.
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Maureen,
Can high school credit still be received for these recorded courses? I'm assuming no grading is occuring, right?
Thank you for being here to answer questions.
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Martha in VA
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mwittlans wrote:
1) I recently went through all of the courses and listed the number of credits that can be given on your high school transcript.
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I couldn't find number of credits listed in the course descriptions. Is there somewhere else I should be looking?
Thanks again!
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mwittlans
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Martha,
I should make clear that Homeschool Connections is not a home study school. We don't issue transcripts or keep records of grades. While our instructors will provide you with a grade in the courses that have homework, parents are the ultimate authority.
Some of our students are enrolled in home study schools such as Kolbe, MODG, and Seton. The parents get approval ahead of time and then get credit that way.
(If you design your own like me, here are a couple of record keeping ideas: http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2010/01/home school-record-keeping-solutions.html)
For the recorded courses you would make sure that your child watches the recordings and completes the assigned readings & homework, then provide a grade and record on your transcript. Most of the recorded courses have answer keys though I'm still working on a couple.
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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Martha in VA
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mwittlans wrote:
Martha,
I should make clear that Homeschool Connections is not a home study school. We don't issue transcripts or keep records of grades. While our instructors will provide you with a grade in the courses that have homework, parents are the ultimate authority.
Some of our students are enrolled in home study schools such as Kolbe, MODG, and Seton. The parents get approval ahead of time and then get credit that way.
(If you design your own like me, here are a couple of record keeping ideas: http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2010/01/home school-record-keeping-solutions.html)
For the recorded courses you would make sure that your child watches the recordings and completes the assigned readings & homework, then provide a grade and record on your transcript. Most of the recorded courses have answer keys though I'm still working on a couple.
Blessings,
Maureen :) |
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OK, I understand. Is there a place on your site where you recommend the number of credits a student may earn for each course or is that really up to the parent and how much work/time their child puts into the course. I guess what I'm asking is who decides how much credit is received for the Government course, for example. You or me? 
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mwittlans
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Martha in VA wrote:
| I couldn't find number of credits listed in the course descriptions. Is there somewhere else I should be looking? |
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I'm sorry Martha, that's my fault. I put up the suggestions for credit up on the Moodle page for all of the courses. That's our educational software that keeps track of everything. The problem is that it's only accessible for enrolled students and that doesn't help you.
I just now fixed it for the live classes so that when you go to the description, parents will see it.
For your ease, I'll cut and paste here for live and make a second post with recorded courses:
Live courses still open for enrollment:
Philosophy: Fallacies and Paradoxes with Jean Rioux, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit. Dr. Gotcher's course Introduction to Logic is the perfect companion to this course and the two together would make up a full semester credit.
Literature: Virgil's Aeneid: The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/2 semester credit. For a full credit in literature, add Dr. Russell's course on Homer's Odyssey.
Theology: Pope John Paul's Theology of the Body with Monica Ashour, MTS -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology then enroll in 2 more of Miss Ashour's 4-week courses. And complete the "optional" homework.
How to Write a Research Paper (Preparing for College) with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit.
History: The Age of the Religious Wars (1560-1648) with Phillip Campbell -- 1/2 semester. For a full semester credit in history, precede with Mr. Campbell's History: Roots of the Revolt (1417-1560)
Science: Blood: In Sickness and In Health with Kris Correira, PA -- This course is worth 1/2 semester of science (physiology and anatomy). For a full semester credit then add Kris Correira's Science: Immunity, In Sickness and in Health
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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mwittlans
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| Posted: Feb 08 2010 at 9:28pm | IP Logged
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I missed the government course that starts Friday ...
Government: American Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet -- This 9-week course is worth 3/4 of a semester credit. To give full credit add a reading assignment from Mr. Rivet's supplemental reading list plus an essay on the book(s).
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mwittlans
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Martha, these are my recommendations for credit if the student does all the work. As parent you could give more or less based on your discretion. For example, some of the recorded courses will have optional reading lists in case you want to expand on the course -- if you give additional reading you'll want to give additional credit.
Here are my suggestions for the recorded courses:
Recorded courses currently available through the Subscription Service:
Economics: Principles of Economics and Catholic Perspectives with David Harris, Ph.D. -- This 8-week course is worth 2/3 of a semester credit. To receive full credit for the semester, read and complete the assignments for an additional 4 chapters in your textbook. Or add reading assignments from the supplemental reading list plus essay on the books.
Literature: Beowulf and Christ with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add two of Dr. Russell's other 4-week literature courses.
Literature: The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer: Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add two of Dr. Russell's other 4-week literature courses.
Literature: The Catholic Shakespeare: MacBeth with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add two of Dr. Russell's other 4-week literature courses.
Literature: King Arthur and Christ: Heroism and Holiness with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add two of Dr. Russell's other 4-week literature courses.
Literature: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Chivalry, Courtesy and Chastity with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add two of Dr. Russell's other 4-week literature courses.
Literature: Tolkien and Fairy Stories with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit. For a full semester credit in literature, add Dr. Gotcher's course Literature: Chesterton, Man of Letters (live).
Science: Blood: In Sickness and In Health with Kris Correira, PA -- This course is worth 1/2 semester of science (physiology and anatomy). For a full semester credit then add Kris Correira's Science: Immunity, In Sickness and in Health
Theology: Catholic Spiritual Writers with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- 1/2 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology you could also take Dr. Gotcher's course, The Mass Explained.
Theology: Christian Anthropology with Monica Ashour, MTS -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology then enroll in 2 more of Miss Ashour's 4-week courses.
Theology: The Mass Explained with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- 1/2 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology you could also take Dr. Gotcher's course, Catholic Spiritual Writers.
Theology: Moral Theology with Monica Ashour, MTS -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology then enroll in 2 more of Miss Ashour's 4-week courses.
Writing: Writing for College with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit.
Coming in February:
Government: American Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet -- This 9-week course is worth 3/4 of a semester credit. To give full credit add a reading assignment from Mr. Rivet's supplemental reading list plus an essay on the book(s).
Theology: Social Ethics with Monica Ashour, MTS -- 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology then enroll in 2 more of Miss Ashour's 4-week courses.
Coming in March:
Literature: Homer's Odyssey: The Soul of Pre-Socratic Wisdom with Henry Russell, Ph.D. -- 1/2 semester credit. For a full credit in literature, add Dr. Russell's course on Virgil's Aeneid.
Logic: Introduction to Formal Logic with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit. We will not complete the entire book in our 6 weeks together but you will be given the tools necessary to finish it on your own for full high school credit for one semester.
Science: Immunity in Sickness and in Health with Kris Correira, PA -- This course is worth 1/2 semester of science (physiology and anatomy). For a full semester credit then add Kris Correira's Science: Blood, In Sickness and in Health
Coming in April:
Literature: Chesterton; Man of Letters with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D. -- This course is worth 1/2 semester credit. For a full semester credit you can add Dr. Gotcher's recorded course Tolkien and Fairy Stories.
History: Roots of the Revolt (1417-1560) with Phillip Campbell -- 1/2 semester. For a full semester credit in history, follow up with Mr. Campbell's History: The Age of Religious Wars (1560-1648)
I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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Martha in VA
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Yes, that helps tremendously! Thank you for taking the time to post all of that information. Now, to digest it all! 
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MarilynW
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Thank you Maureen for all the information - I am going to read and digest and maybe ask some more questions
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MaryM
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Yes, thanks Maureen for offering to answer questions. I have been looking at the classes. My daughter will be in high school this coming year, too.
From the other thread:
mwittlans wrote:
| And that way too, people can share their personal experience with the classes -- good or bad :-). I'm so open to your suggestions! |
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I really appreciate that you encouraged people to share experiences, both good and bad. Not only can that help you to reevaluate and make adjustments or changes if needed, but it helps families to see if this is a good fit. It's important to look at options, whether they be programs, educational philosophies, etc. and discern what would work well for an individual child or family.
That being said, I am curious about age/grade level ability. I know you specify grade level for some (like 11/12) but that the others are considered for grade 9-12. How do you handle the diversity of ability that could be present there? There can be a big difference between the ability of an average 9th grader and a high achieving 12th grader. Considering that I would have a 9th grader, I would want her to have a class that made her think/challenged her but also want her to be successful and not in over her head in comparison to the other students. So I'm trying to be realistic about different content and what a particular child can realistically benefit from. Should it be assumed that an average 9th grader could do the work and have the basic background for any class that isn't specified as for an older grade level? What suggestions would you have for helping a parent discern ability level and fit?
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mwittlans
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That is a really good question Mary. There can even be a big difference between two 12th grade students. I think that is something we (Homeschool Connections) should work on in the very near future -- addressing the basic background necessary for each course. Currently, we try to give a general idea and we are available to answer parent's questions about specific courses.
Some courses such as the Government course say 9th to 12th grade. Last year, my 9th and 11th grade children took it and both did great. The instructor takes their grade level into consideration when grading their homework -- going easier on the younger students and challenging the older students more.
If it isn't specified then, yes, you can assume that your average 9th grader can handle the work. For literature courses, the criteria is "Can they read and understand the book?"
Our policy is that if after the first class (before the second) you decide the course isn't for your child then you can have a full refund.
I am planning on creating a course catalog over the summer and will make sure to be more specific about prerequisites. Thank you.
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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Maria B.
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This is all so helpful. Thank you Maureen.
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MarilynW
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Maureen - I have another question for you. Will there be similar classes next year? I am loving the look of the Spring classes - but we have our plans set until May. I know we will always have the options of the recorded classes.
Also - how soon will you be posting details about the fall classes?
Thank you so much for all your help.
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mwittlans
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First, I'd like to ask for all of your prayers. Walter Crawford and I are totally dedicated to this Homeschool Connections endeavor but could always use a little help in the way of prayer (who couldn't!). I have seen the Holy Spirit working through it all and I truly feel blessed to be a part of using this new technology to bring great Catholic teachers to my friends in the homeschooling community.
Walter and I are currently working on the summer, fall, and spring 2011 schedule. Since all of our instructors have regular day jobs it's hard to pin down exact dates and times too far in advance. Our college professors have to wait until they have their teaching schedules.
I should have more specific information for you by the end of March. For now ... we've found a Latin teacher (Yay!) and will hopefully have some Latin courses in the summer, fall & spring for both middle and high school. Mr. Rivet is creating a new advanced government course for fall and then perhaps repeat the introductory government course again in spring 2010. I'm sure Dr. Russell will continue on Tuesday mornings with his literature series, though I don't have him pinned down on which books yet. Dr. Rioux is planning on Philosophy 101 again in the spring and has some scathingly brilliant ideas for beyond. I'm working an SAT prep boot camp for summer. I'm hoping that Dr. Harris will be able to do a personal finance course in the spring. Monica Ashour will continue her theology series, taking on more advanced topics for advanced students. I am super impressed by our newest instructor Mr. Campbell and praying he'll be able to fit us into his schedule next semester with more history courses. Kris Correira, PA will hopefully bring us more of her way cool anatomy and physiology courses. And finally Dr. Gotcher and I will be talking over the next couple of days about what he'd like to do in the fall -- he always has neat ideas. Oh, and I may have a middle school English teacher. Pray all this comes together!
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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mwittlans
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I should let you all know too that you can try the subscription service for just a dollar for seven days. That way you can get a feel for what the classes are like before making a big commitment.
Recorded Catholic Courses
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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mwittlans
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The question came up about the possibility of offering middle school courses. Well, I've got the first middle school offering up and ready for registration. It's a lit class on Mark Twain for 7th and 8th grade for next fall. The link is http://tinyurl.com/hctwain
I'm also working on Latin for middle school so hopefully I'll have good news there soon.
Blessings,
Maureen :)
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: Homeschool Connections classes
