Struggling with workload for fundafunda biology

[summerreading]

Is anyone's dc taking this class and can comment and how long their child is working? He still needs to do a lab report, one page article review and unit test this week and is a week behind. The assignments he has turned in he is doing well on so I'm hesitant to change to something else and he does need to be challenged, but I can't imagine a whole year of bio taking over our day.

 

He's a STEM kid and dyslexic. I'm wondering if this is a good fit or if something like Oak Meadow would be better.

Edited September 21, 2017 by summerreading

[Miss Tick]

Hmmm, I was looking at this for next year and would be interested I hearing responses.

 

Edited to follow.

Edited September 21, 2017 by SusanC

[summerreading]

Hmmm, I was looking at this for next year and would be interested I hearing responses.

 

Edited to follow.

Well there are plenty of kids who are all caught up in the class based on the discussion forum. My guy may have some processing speed issues. An eval is in the works, but he's not nuerotypical. So I don't want to discourage anyone from the class. It is excellent.

 

I guess I'm just trying to figure out is this a time management issue in his part and any science class is like this or is this class quicker paced and more work. I'm new to this and don't have anything to compare at this level.

[Miss Tick]

Ok, thanks. I'm sorry to hear your ds is having trouble!

[Roadrunner]

We are finding fundafunda bio takes about an hour a day, so 5 hours per week. DS has been really enjoying the class. He still needs to write up the lab, but otherwise he hasn't had a problem keeping up. He did an article review but hasn't turned it in yet.

 

Just wanted to add that this class takes up about the same time as physics did last year for different reasons though.

Edited September 21, 2017 by Roadrunner

[Reefgazer]

Biology is an extremely time intensive, reading intensive, and vocabulary intensive class, so I don't think your child is unusual at being overwhelmed. My DD has tremendous memorizing capability and an excellent vocabulary and reading comprehension, but she still had her hands full with Biology, so I wouldn't automatically assume it's a time management issue . Is it possible to drop down to a less overwhelming biology course? What book are they using? If it's the Reese Campbell or KeN Miller book, they both can be a handful, especially for ninth-grade.

Edited September 21, 2017 by reefgazer

[OneStepAtATime]

Can you sit with him and work through everything with him daily?  Like commit to at least an hour and a half daily to sit beside him and see where he may need some scaffolding for this subject in particular to get him caught up and help get some support systems in place and good time management practices in place for working through the materials in a timely fashion each day?  

 

He may need you to help him block off a section of time of at least 2 hours 5 days a week that is absolutely committed to Biology, at least until he gets a good routine/rhythm in place and sees just how long he is going to need to get through all the assignments/expectations.

 

I know DD (dyslexic, low processing speed) woefully underestimated the time commitment she would need for a couple of her on-line classes in 9th (and frankly so did I).  We had to lay out her whole schedule, revise how much time we had blocked off for class work outside of class, and adjust everything else accordingly.  We ended up going to a 6 day school week and it worked much better for DD.  Seeing a graphically based schedule in front of her, and acknowledging that she was going to need to commit more time to get through the readings/writing assignments than an NT student, helped her to see why she kept getting behind.

[summerreading]

Can you sit with him and work through everything with him daily?  Like commit to at least an hour and a half daily to sit beside him and see where he may need some scaffolding for this subject in particular to get him caught up and help get some support systems in place and good time management practices in place for working through the materials in a timely fashion each day?  

 

He may need you to help him block off a section of time of at least 2 hours 5 days a week that is absolutely committed to Biology, at least until he gets a good routine/rhythm in place and sees just how long he is going to need to get through all the assignments/expectations.

 

I know DD (dyslexic, low processing speed) woefully underestimated the time commitment she would need for a couple of her on-line classes in 9th (and frankly so did I).  We had to lay out her whole schedule, revise how much time we had blocked off for class work outside of class, and adjust everything else accordingly.  We ended up going to a 6 day school week and it worked much better for DD.  Seeing a graphically based schedule in front of her, and acknowledging that she was going to need to commit more time to get through the readings/writing assignments than an NT student, helped her to see why she kept getting behind.

 

Thank you, this is excellent advice. We cleared off the schedule today to just focus on this, so I'm seeing the benefit of studying for larger chunks of time. I like the 2-hour block idea and a more visual planner. 

[GoodGrief]

I'm not familiar with FundaFunda. I think the idea of scaffolding is a good one. Also, take a look at the types of assignments he is being given, and determine if they are appropriate for his learning style. Perhaps an adjustment in the sort of work needed, and planning your own grading system for the class (in other words, not going by an instructor-assigned grade) is in order. The goal here is to have him learn biology, not simply make it through a class.

[summerreading]

I'm not familiar with FundaFunda. I think the idea of scaffolding is a good one. Also, take a look at the types of assignments he is being given, and determine if they are appropriate for his learning style. Perhaps an adjustment in the sort of work needed, and planning your own grading system for the class (in other words, not going by an instructor-assigned grade) is in order. The goal here is to have him learn biology, not simply make it through a class.

 

 

You know I'm getting caught up in it's someone else's class, it has to be done their way that I didn't even think I could give my own grades instead. 

 

I think me stepping in and saying I'd like to you do a different project than that one, but still continue with the class would be easier for everyone than finding a different bio program. 

 

But if I decide it's best to change it up, I'm open for suggestions of something self-paced where I could help him and be able to grade him but not be the teacher. 

[GoodGrief]

You know I'm getting caught up in it's someone else's class, it has to be done their way that I didn't even think I could give my own grades instead. 

 

I think me stepping in and saying I'd like to you do a different project than that one, but still continue with the class would be easier for everyone than finding a different bio program. 

 

But if I decide it's best to change it up, I'm open for suggestions of something self-paced where I could help him and be able to grade him but not be the teacher. 

 

I look at the online classes as a tool that I can alter as necessary (assuming that changes are not disrupting the class itself for the teacher or other students.) This does not work with dual enrollment, of course, but that is why I always consider carefully before choosing dual enrollment for my student. :-) I'm all about maintaining maximum flexibility to serve the learning needs of the kid.

[Penelope]

I'm not familiar with FundaFunda. I think the idea of scaffolding is a good one. Also, take a look at the types of assignments he is being given, and determine if they are appropriate for his learning style. Perhaps an adjustment in the sort of work needed, and planning your own grading system for the class (in other words, not going by an instructor-assigned grade) is in order. The goal here is to have him learn biology, not simply make it through a class.

I hope it is okay that I am jumping into the thread, but I am curious about this.

 

If you substantially change a grade given by another provider, whether from a co-op or online class, how do you denote the class on a transcript? Do you indicate that only part of the course was taught by another teacher, and part by you as the parent? Would the outside teacher/course then just be listed as one of the resources under the course description?

[OneStepAtATime]

You know I'm getting caught up in it's someone else's class, it has to be done their way that I didn't even think I could give my own grades instead. 

 

I think me stepping in and saying I'd like to you do a different project than that one, but still continue with the class would be easier for everyone than finding a different bio program. 

 

But if I decide it's best to change it up, I'm open for suggestions of something self-paced where I could help him and be able to grade him but not be the teacher. 

Well, I haven't used them but Kolbe has self-paced High School level Biology.

 

http://www.kolbe.org/courses/selfpaced/courses/

[JanetC]

This is a good time to start figuring out what sort of accommodations your child may need in college and how to implement them.

 

Experiment with being a notetaker if there is a lecture or video, load the readings into a text to speech program to make them easier, etc.

 

As classes require more reading and writing in high school, the dyslexia will become more of an issue.

[madteaparty]

We are also finding it time-intensive, but it's not the class, it's us. Just really overloaded and behind on everything except the DE classes this semester. It's a high school class and so I expect it to take about an hour per day.

[GoodGrief]

I hope it is okay that I am jumping into the thread, but I am curious about this.

 

If you substantially change a grade given by another provider, whether from a co-op or online class, how do you denote the class on a transcript? Do you indicate that only part of the course was taught by another teacher, and part by you as the parent? Would the outside teacher/course then just be listed as one of the resources under the course description?

 

To clarify, I, personally, never changed a grade given by an outside teacher, though I would not have been opposed to doing so had I decided to evaluate a class in a different way, or change up assignments/course content.

 

But, yes, I would list the class as a resource. I was in a situation (as part of a public charter for homeschoolers) where I had to submit a "learning plan" at the beginning of the year, which included a course description with resources used, plan for evaluation, etc. I always left room for flexibility in the "resources used" and "methods of evaluation" because sometimes things need tweaking. Though there is certainly value to an outside class, my priority for my student is always knowledge of the subject being studied (well, first priority is "learning how to learn", but then content :-) ), and it can be hard to know ahead of time (especially from a distance) if a given teacher's methods/assignments will be effective to that end.

 

I viewed classes as a tool, not as the final word, for the most part. Dual enrollment is a different animal, of course. No flexibility there.

[Clear Creek]

My daughter spends about an hour a day on the class.

 

You know I'm getting caught up in it's someone else's class, it has to be done their way that I didn't even think I could give my own grades instead. 

 

I think me stepping in and saying I'd like to you do a different project than that one, but still continue with the class would be easier for everyone than finding a different bio program. 

 

But if I decide it's best to change it up, I'm open for suggestions of something self-paced where I could help him and be able to grade him but not be the teacher. 

 

I would contact the instructor first and see if she is willing to work with you on helping the course fit him better. My daughter is under the impression that the survey the students took the first week of class helped the instructor somewhat individualize the course for each student (i.e. whether they desired a basic course or an honors-level course).
 

[be_be]

My dc is in the fundafunda biology class and is also behind.  I actually created a new account to respond to your comment.  Overall I find the organization of the class to be lacking and I'm a bit disappointed.  I don't know how the students can keep track of what they need to do because my dc needs a detailed to-do list (autism).  Every week I setup a daily schedule and I'm having a hard time figuring out what dc needs to do.  We did finish the test and the lab, but for homework 5 and 6 it's very confusing.  All the information for the homework is contained in an email about where to find the information instead of actually being on the homework assignment.  It also says to use Chapter 7 for some information but it's not straightforward. Due dates are confusing because dc was given two weeks for the lab, but in Canvas it shows as being due in a week.  Quiz 5 showed up as being a due over a year ago and I'm not quite sure when dc needs to turn that in.  The teacher writes everything on a piece of paper for every video and I'm not sure my dc is "getting it" even though there is note taking going on.  The test went okay but I can tell it's not clicking.  We are currently looking into other options because dc is a visual learner and some visual videos about cells, etc would be more helpful at this point. We probably will just finish this class using it as a supplement. :mellow:

[summerreading]

My dc is in the fundafunda biology class and is also behind.  I actually created a new account to respond to your comment.  Overall I find the organization of the class to be lacking and I'm a bit disappointed.  I don't know how the students can keep track of what they need to do because my dc needs a detailed to-do list (autism).  Every week I setup a daily schedule and I'm having a hard time figuring out what dc needs to do.  We did finish the test and the lab, but for homework 5 and 6 it's very confusing.  All the information for the homework is contained in an email about where to find the information instead of actually being on the homework assignment.  It also says to use Chapter 7 for some information but it's not straightforward. Due dates are confusing because dc was given two weeks for the lab, but in Canvas it shows as being due in a week.  Quiz 5 showed up as being a due over a year ago and I'm not quite sure when dc needs to turn that in.  The teacher writes everything on a piece of paper for every video and I'm not sure my dc is "getting it" even though there is note taking going on.  The test went okay but I can tell it's not clicking.  We are currently looking into other options because dc is a visual learner and some visual videos about cells, etc would be more helpful at this point. We probably will just finish this class using it as a supplement. :mellow:

 

This is exactly how I feel. Thanks for letting me know you are having the same experience. Maybe this class is best for a more independent learner. Feel free to PM me if you decide on something else. 

[Roadrunner]

I can tell you our strategy. First he opens up his homework questions and then watches relevant videos. He takes notes, but when the information is directly related to the question, he pauses and answers the homework question. When all the relevant videos have been worked on, and he answers homework questions, he goes and finds sections in the book that are related to the videos and reads through those.

Videos of her writing are actually teaching DS how to take notes, so we don't mind that format.

The only confusion on my part are the due dates for labs. I want a little paper uploaded there which tells me exactly when which lab or project is due so I can order relevant supplies. We haven't had any issues figuring out the homework deadlines though.

[summerreading]

I can tell you our strategy. First he opens up his homework questions and then watches relevant videos. He takes notes, but when the information is directly related to the question, he pauses and answers the homework question. When all the relevant videos have been worked on, and he answers homework questions, he goes and finds sections in the book that are related to the videos and reads through those.

Videos of her writing are actually teaching DS how to take notes, so we don't mind that format.

The only confusion on my part are the due dates for labs. I want a little paper uploaded there which tells me exactly when which lab or project is due so I can order relevant supplies. We haven't had any issues figuring out the homework deadlines though.

Thanks.

I guess the videos are a good visual for note taking. A Khan Academy style blackboard would work better I think. Ds turns on the subtitles too. He does do the homework along with the videos, uses the book for reference.

 

Well ds say no to switching. He feels committed. I'm grateful for a week off coming up. I'll reevaluate after that.

[dsmith]

A minor thread hijack: do many of the videos show her writing on paper with markers? I was watching the demo videos and the sound of the markers on paper was very grating to ds. It was worse than scratching fingernails on a chalkboard for us and we both were shuddering throughout the video, lol. While I really think it would help ds improve his note-taking ability I don't think he could handle the sound. He is very sensitive to certain sounds and that would completely ruin his concentration. 

[Roadrunner]

A minor thread hijack: do many of the videos show her writing on paper with markers? I was watching the demo videos and the sound of the markers on paper was very grating to ds. It was worse than scratching fingernails on a chalkboard for us and we both were shuddering throughout the video, lol. While I really think it would help ds improve his note-taking ability I don't think he could handle the sound. He is very sensitive to certain sounds and that would completely ruin his concentration. 

 

Yes. Those vidoes are representative of how the class runs. 

[dsmith]

Yes. Those vidoes are representative of how the class runs. 

 

Darn. I really think the format would be helpful to him over watching someone lecture, but that noise!! 

[Roadrunner]

Darn. I really think the format would be helpful to him over watching someone lecture, but that noise!!

We have never noticed. 😋

[dsmith]

We have never noticed. 😋

 

He noticed immediately. So did I. He is really sensitive to noises - I guess that's his Asperger's showing, lol.

[summerreading]

He noticed immediately. So did I. He is really sensitive to noises - I guess that's his Asperger's showing, lol.

 

You can try muting it and reading the subtitles instead, but that might be a lot of reading.

[summerreading]

So I thought it is only fair to give an update. I enforced a time limit of just an hour, regardless of if he is finished and got the Time Timer that shows a visual of how much time is left. This is helping with needing it to be perfect before moving on. I helped him the homework at first by dictating his answers into a shared google doc that uses text to speech. This helped him get over I don't want to write anything. And this seems to be helping a lot. I don't help with homework anymore and he seems to be doing well in the class. 

Edited October 28, 2017 by summerreading

[Miss Tick]

Happy to read your update! Congrats in making it work.

[OneStepAtATime]

:hurray:

[LAR]

Hi there. We took physics at Clover Creek last year and are taking fundafunda bio this year. So far so good.

 

Summerreading, I feel bio is best for an independent learner. It took DD14 a few weeks to get into a solid routine - a routine which had her ahead of lab and essay assignment due dates. While physics outlined daily assignments, fundafund's bio requires much more planning on our part. Deadlines are not as organized and set - we've seen deadlines change a week or so before a project was due. Surprisingly, DD, who normally requires structure, handled these last minute changes really well. She likes the material and stays driven. The most challenging aspect of this class is watching the lecture videos and actually seeing the instructor's drawing while she's speaking. DD the video recordings of the notes and drawings could have been more effective and helpful if taped from a different angle. To compensate for this, DD pauses the videos to make notes and then rewinds to watch again.

 

DD definitely misses the live classes. She enjoyed the relationship with Ms Jetta at Clover Creek and felt it added to the quality of the class. She still chats with kids from last year, I don't think that will be the case with bio. We will look for live classes for next year.

[Guest2]

I am glad it is working well. My dyslexic daughter had one week where the workload jumped quite a bit ...week 4? It evened back out after that. I did begin the year watching videos and making sure she knew how assignments and dates were posted, ect. I don't think there has been any textbook reading required. She loves the course and we have both been impressed by the instructor and turnaround on assignments. She wants to take a few more of their classes. It has been a great experience for her.

Edited October 31, 2017 by Silver Brook

[Roadrunner]

Do your kids find exams difficult in this class?

[Guest2]

Re: exams. Yes, the last exam took her 2 hours. She isn't used to exams, so maybe that played into it. Filling in a chart took almost an hour, not sure why. She has been focused on her grade ( which I find kind of funny, but tha has happened with all of my kids when they finally get in a graded situation) and has increased it by a few points from test one to test two.

[Roadrunner]

Re: exams. Yes, the last exam took her 2 hours. She isn't used to exams, so maybe that played into it. Filling in a chart took almost an hour, not sure why. She has been focused on her grade ( which I find kind of funny, but tha has happened with all of my kids when they finally get in a graded situation) and has increased it by a few points from test one to test two.

I am so glad you said this. My kid took two hours on the last exam as well. He isn't known for his speed in general, but I was starting to worry if that was just us.

[summerreading]

About the tests, I am confused if the kids are allowed to access the pdf of the test before the test. I know the tests are strictly closed book, but it ok to have it open while they study? I did remember reading that people who are printing them out can print them out at any time. 

[Roadrunner]

About the tests, I am confused if the kids are allowed to access the pdf of the test before the test. I know the tests are strictly closed book, but it ok to have it open while they study? I did remember reading that people who are printing them out can print them out at any time.

I am assuming we open the test when we are ready to take it. DS thought he could take it in chunks, but I made him do it in one sitting (since that's the way he would have to do it in an actual classroom).

[summerreading]

Hi all, I'm wondering how your kiddos are doing as the semester wraps up? My guy is trying to get 3 weeks' worth of work done by the 20th. He is doing good in the class. Just still working on time management. Overall, I think it has been a beneficial experience. I am pretty surprised at how in depth the material is, despite the squeaky markers. 

[Roadrunner]

We dropped it. My kid needs a live component in the class. He was doing well but not connecting.

[summerreading]

We dropped it. My kid needs a live component in the class. He was doing well but not connecting.

I think a live aspect would be ideal too. What did you go with?

[Roadrunner]

I think a live aspect would be ideal too. What did you go with?

We didn’t. He will do a mixed science at home. He really likes bio, so we will continue working through the text and hopefully have more time to squeeze in other subjects.

[TracyP]

We dropped it. My kid needs a live component in the class. He was doing well but not connecting.

This is helpful. My dd has been adamant that she wants a live component (like Clover Creek) for bio. FundaFunda looks great, but I'm thinking I should go with dd's preference here.

[Guest2]

My DD is doing well. She still enjoys the class, but has missed two assignments due to misreading the dates this semester. I think she has her phone set to tone if she gets an email. It has been valuable in learning how to study for tests. College DD came home and encouraged her and shared techniques. College DD has shared that college DD has to spend 2 to 3 times as long studying for her test as a non-dyslexic student. This information made my DD decide to study for a few more days before taking the final.

[summerreading]

My DD is doing well. She still enjoys the class, but has missed two assignments due to misreading the dates this semester. I think she has her phone set to tone if she gets an email. It has been valuable in learning how to study for tests. College DD came home and encouraged her and shared techniques. College DD has shared that college DD has to spend 2 to 3 times as long studying for her test as a non-dyslexic student. This information made my DD decide to study for a few more days before taking the final.

Thank you. Yes, this is a huge part of his struggles to keep up.

[LAR]

DD14 is also doing well and completed the semester with a strong overall score.  While she prefers the live component (like Ms Jetta's physics), she's handled this class very well. Her time management skills have been strong; she completes all assignments the week due without carrying anything over to the next week.  I think this is key to staying on top of everything.  DD's a stickler for deadlines....something I didn't care much about at that age. One thing I would recommend to others is to complete the three writing assignments early.  DD enjoyed these assignments because she had freedom to pick an article of her choice.   While DD is enjoying the class, we will look for a live chem class for next year.