LIVE Online Math

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General Information

What is a LIVE session like?

Please refer to the "What is a LIVE session like?" slide on the Home page. More details, as well as demonstration videos, can be found on the "What's a LIVE Session Like?" page under Classes or Video-Plus Courses.
Can I "try before I buy"?

Yes! New customers are eligible for the following.

2-Week Trial of a LIVE Class: Attend LIVE sessions and have access to the course management system to get a feel for the class.

2-Week Video-Plus Course Trial: Try out course to see how the blend of video-based and LIVE session learning suits your student.

2-Week Video Course Trial: Get access to selected Algebra, Pre-Algebra and Pre-Pre-Algebra videos and check out the online interface.

FREE 1/2 hr. Tutoring Session: See how 1-on-1 tutoring can help your student via this "No-Strings-Attached" tutoring session.
Where can I get information about the teachers?

Information about the teachers can be found on the About page.
Is the teaching philosophy more in the Traditional or Constructivist approach?

The terms "Traditional" and "Constructivist" are stereotypical terms that tend to be limiting because they often do not allow for a happy medium. LIVE Online Math uses a traditional progression of courses and structure of content (i.e. Pre-Algebra leads to Algebra, etc.). When the material lends itself to a discovery style of learning, it is best if students discover mathematical principles on their own, with guidance. Students will tend to remember something better, if they have discovered it, rather than just being told how it is. However, it is important to note that students are not left to their own devices to "discover" anything they want. There is always guidance so that students end up learning what is to be learned. Of course, there are times where a discovery teaching style does not fit the content. In those cases, direct instruction is used more often than not. The overriding goal, no matter the instructional style, is for students to truly understand math and become a more educated person, not simply to know how to get answers.
What are the benefits of online learning?

There are several benefits to learning online. Convenience and saving money tend to be toward the top of the list. Not having to drive to a class regularly during the week saves time and money, and alleviates scheduling nightmares. Recorded sessions also allow a level of convenience that is not found in any traditional learning environment. Also, online learning tends to be lower in cost than traditional learning situations due to lower overhead.

Other reasons include increasing students' technological proficiency, interacting with students in other areas of the nation (or even the world), and preparing students for distance learning opportunities in the future. One additional consideration is that, in a traditional classroom, negative social factors can effect a student's learning. In the online format, there are no social pressures, no cliques or need to look "cool", and no other distractions common to the in-person learning settings.

While not all online learning is done well, our methods and "online infrastructure" allow us to produce the highest quality education available. Basically, we've been doing it for over a decade, so we know what we're doing by now. 😀
What about online safety?

All sessions are private. Only registered students and their parents would have access to a session (or others who have been invited by the instructor). Occasionally, a prospective student may be invited to sit in on a class session or watch a recorded session for promotional purposes.
How is LIVE Online Math better than other online learning options?

LIVE sessions allow for regular interaction with a live teacher. During a session, audio, video, chat, and an interactive whiteboard are used in order to teach students math. This level of interaction with the teacher and other students is not offered by most online learning providers. Of course, all instruction provided by LIVE Online Math is of the highest quality.

LIVE Online Math has something for everyone. Classes allow parents to outsource the teaching of math, and also allows students to participate in a stimulating group learning environment. Video-Plus Courses offer the perfect blend of video-based and LIVE session learning. These courses maintain an excellent balance between structure/accountability and flexibility. Students who prefer to work at their own pace will benefit from working through a Video Course. These courses can also be complemented by LIVE session time. Finally, 1-on-1 Tutoring can meet any unique need. Be it homework help, introducing new content, or providing accountability... tutoring can get the job done.

It is the "LIVE" part that separates LIVE Online Math from competitors. Students are actively engaged during LIVE sessions through regular teacher-student and student-student interaction. Also, students are able to talk through and see a problem with a live teacher helping at each step along the way. Finally, using traditional tests and quizzes coupled with informal observations of student performance, gives the teacher a better sense of student progress. This could not be achieved without the high degree of interactivity that LIVE Online Math offers.
What platform do you use? Zoom? Adobe Connect? Something else?

As of the 2021-2022 school year, LIVE Online Math has developed its own custom-made live session learning platform! This allows for regular improvements and flexibility which is simply not possible when using a 3rd party service. The platform has been specifically designed for online learning. This is important because most webconferencing services aim to reach a broad customer base, which means that the functionality they provide is more generic in nature.

The LIVE Online Math live session platform is fine-tuned for the express purpose of teaching math in an online, live environment! The smallest details have been factored in to afford teachers the best tools and opportunities to produce the highest quality leaning experience possible. Additionally, since we control the platform, we can (and do!) offer regular updates and enhancements to improve student learning. This is truly a game changer, and the combination of tools and educational talent that we provide cannot be found anywhere else.

Requirements

What are the technological requirements for using the services?

For Classes and Video-Plus Courses...
1.) High speed internet connection
2.) Microphone and headphones/earbuds or a headset combo
3.) Scanner or digital camera (needed for submitting tests)
Note: Most major browsers are supported. Chromebooks will also work just fine.

For Video Courses...
1.) High speed internet connection
2.) Willingness to learn! 😀
Do I have to download anything?

Nope! All live sessions run directly in the browser. There is no special software to download or install.

Account / Payment / Registration

What forms of payment are accepted?

Presently, paying by check is the preferred method of payment. Checks can be mailed to the address on the Contact page. Credit card payment are also accepted for many purchases (with a small added charge to cover merchant fees). Finally, a state-funded educational program such as a charter school can be billed directly (a nominal administrative fee applies).
I'm with a charter school or state-funded program. How does that work?
We're happy to work with charter schools and other state-funded programs that are used to pay for our services. In order to do that, please...
1. Place an order for whatever you'd like. During checkout, there will be a payment method called "Bill My State-Funded Program". Just select that and take it from there.
2. Connect with your teacher or administrator with your school/program to complete any payment paperwork they require. Typically, this will be a purchase order.
3. Once we receive the paperwork from them, we'll take it from there!
A nominal administrative fee will apply to these orders, and typically that is covered by the state-funded program. If you don't see your school/program listed, please contact us so we can get set up with them!
What if a course has already started? Can I still sign up?

Yes (most likely)! It's ok to join a course that has already started, but it really comes down to this: Is it a good educational decision to do so? For instance, if the course is in Unit 4, but your student's knowledge level is more at Unit 1, that might not be a good idea.

If you'd like to join a course that is already underway, please contact us and we'll talk through some details.

Classes

How do I know which class best fits my child?

All classes are described in detail on the classes page. There you will find information about prerequisites and information students should already know before beginning a particular class. Also, knowing your child as well as you do, often allows parents to make the correct choice based on the class descriptions. Parents who are unsure about their student's ability level should contact us.
Is there a trial period in which I can try out the online format of learning without charge?

Yes! All new customers are eligible for a 2-week trial period in order to attend LIVE sessions and have access to the course management system. After the trial period, the full semestral commitment is expected if you decide to continue.
What if there are going to be scheduling conflicts and my son/daughter won't be able to attend a class session?

All class sessions are recorded which allows students to make up missed classes. This is one of the great benefits of LIVE Online Math. While missing classes is not encouraged, the occasional absence or scheduling conflict is no problem. Students simply watch the recorded session to get caught back up with the class!
When do classes start/end?

Each individual class page has the start/end dates, as well as the weekly schedule and a detailed yearly calendar.
How often do the classes meet?

Classes meet three times per week for 1 hr. sessions. Specific schedules vary by class. Please select a class for class-specific details.
Can I register for classes after they've already started?

Most of the time, yes. However, to find out for sure and to talk through some details, please contact us. We don't want to put a student in a position to fail, so it's best to have a discussion beforehand to ensure that merging in with a class will be a good fit.
What is the Infinite Math™ practice system?

In short, Infinite Math™ allows students to practice virtually any type of problem in their course via randomly generated problems that the students requests. All work is shown, but isn't shown to the student initially. It is better seen than described with words though, so please check out the Infinite Math™ page for more details and an interactive demo!
What about common core or state standards?

All LIVE Online Math courses are plenty rigorous and meet/exceed Common Core standards as well as any particular state standards that we have seen. We may cover certain content in a different order, or in a different course than a certain standard dictates, but students will get "full coverage" while going through the complete LIVE Online Math program. If you have particular questions related to this, please contact us.
What textbooks are used?

All courses are "bookless"! In place of a traditional text book, there is searchable glossary/reference tool and online lesson assignments.

Searchable Glossary/Reference Tool: Students can search for a concept, term, problem type, etc. and they will get a page about that thing. Depending on what was searched for, there could also be a brief example or two showing the technique, and some additional notes about the process, term, etc. All material will be directly correlated with the course content. This allows students to quickly reference terms, techniques, etc. that they might normally look up in a book.

Online Lesson Assignments: Previously, students would refer to the book for problems to do for homework assignments, then correct those assignments using hand-written answer keys. Now, they will do assignments in a way that is similar to how they currently do Infinite Math™. All of the work is shown for each problem, along with notes about the process. Additionally, there are .pdfs available with just the questions and answers.
Is there homework?

Assignments are an important part of the learning process. Assignments are like practice for sports teams or musicians, and tests/quizzes are like games or recitals. Most of the class time is used for instruction and review of previous assignments or material. Therefore doing assignments for homework is inevitable.
Are there tests/quizzes?

Yes. Tests and quizzes are vital because they give another piece of information to the teacher about student progress. They are also a good opportunity for students to showcase their learning. Students will need a scanner to turn in their paper/pencil tests.
What things are corrected by the teacher?

Paper/pencil tests, online quizzes, and other projects are corrected by the teacher or the course management system. Regular homework assignments are not turned in. However, they are corrected by the students so they can investigate why they got certain problems wrong.
How are paper/pencil tests turned in and handed back in the online format?

Students scan their completed tests, then turn in the scans online. After the test has been corrected, the a .pdf with the teacher's comments, student comment (if they submitted one), and the corrected test pages is available in the course for the student (and parents) to review. A detailed test answer key is also provided.
How is student progress communicated? Grades?

There is an online gradebook that displays scores from all corrected work and other information about student progress. Students and parents are welcome to access that information at any time. Student progress is tracked, and informal in-class observations are made which gives the teacher a more complete picture of how each student is doing. Also, the teacher will communicate with parents as necessary via email and/or phone. There are also two formal parent/teacher conferences offered each year.
How involved can/should the parents be?

As much as you want to be. Parents are invited to sit in on any class to observe the workings of the online classroom. Parents are encouraged to help their child with homework or help them understand concepts taught during class. One way that parents must be involved, is with administering tests and quizzes. Parents must ensure that the test/quiz is valid by not giving help and making sure that the student is working independently.
What if my child needs help outside of class time?

There are numerous help resources available in the course. Primarily the Infinite Math™ practice system is a huge outside of class resource! There are also help forums where students can help other students, and other options as well. Ultimately, the onus for getting extra help is on the student. If a significant amount of extra help is needed, tutoring time can be purchased.

Video-Plus Courses

So, how does this program work?

Video-Plus courses provide a unique educational option that blends video-based and LIVE session learning. Students watch videos and complete lesson requirements on a weekly basis on their own schedule. They also attend a weekly LIVE session to complement their learning through getting help from the teacher and interacting with other students. Accountability is built into the program in that students are expected to meet regular weekly deadlines by having a certain amount of work completed by the next LIVE session. You can see more program details on the video-plus courses page.
Is this a "learn at your own pace" thing, or do you learn at the pace of the group?

The best answer is "yes" to both sides of that question. Students are expected (although not explicitly required) to complete lessons, tests, etc. by the deadlines set by the teacher. However, during the week students can watch the videos and do other work whenever they would like. If you are unsure how your student would fare in this structure, don't hesitate to contact us to ask questions.
What kinds of interactive elements can be present in the videos?

There are several interactive elements to the videos. Students can click areas on the video to explore related websites referenced during instruction, there are "check-ins" (built in mini quizzes at the end of each instructional segment,) and the video-navigation area allows students to jump directly to the selected segment of the video. Probably the most important interactive component is where the teacher pauses the video and asks the students to work out a problem, make an observation, or gather some materials before continuing. This helps to keep the student engaged instead of being a passive learner.
Why is it important that the work is shown on all assignment and test answer keys?

For students, showing work is important for being able to figure out how a problem ended up being wrong. Since the assignment and test problems are worked out on the answer keys, this makes the diagnosing process simple. It also gives students an example of how the showing of work can be organized.
What if there is a scheduling conflict and my son/daughter won't be able to attend a weekly LIVE session?

While missing a session is not encouraged, the primary "vehicle of instruction" is the videos and therefore, an absent student would only miss supplemental learning. However, all sessions are recorded which allow students to make up a missed session. Students may watch the recorded session to be current with the group.
What is the Infinite Math™ practice system?

In short, Infinite Math™ allows students to practice virtually any type of problem in their course via randomly generated problems that the students requests. All work is shown, but isn't shown to the student initially. It is better seen than described with words though, so please check out the Infinite Math™ page for more details and an interactive demo!
What textbooks are used?

All courses are "bookless". In place of a traditional text book, there is searchable glossary/reference tool and online lesson assignments.

Searchable Glossary/Reference Tool: Students can search for a concept, term, problem type, etc. and they will get a page about that thing. Depending on what was searched for, there could also be a brief example or two showing the technique, and some additional notes about the process, term, etc. All material will be directly correlated with the course content. This allows students to quickly reference terms, techniques, etc. that they might normally look up in a book.

Online Lesson Assignments: Previously, students would refer to the book for problems to do for homework assignments, then correct those assignments using hand-written answer keys. Now, they will do assignments in a way that is similar to how they currently do Infinite Math™. All of the work is shown for each problem, along with notes about the process. Additionally, there are .pdfs available with just the questions and answers.
Are there assignments, quizzes, tests, answer keys, etc.?

Yes, this is a complete program which should not need to be supplemented by anything else.
What things are corrected by the teacher?

Paper/pencil tests, online quizzes, and other projects are corrected by the teacher or the course management system. Regular homework assignments are not turned in. However, they are corrected by the students so they can investigate why they got certain problems wrong.
How are paper/pencil tests turned in and handed back in the online format?

Students scan their completed tests, then turn in the scans online. After the test has been corrected, the a .pdf with the teacher's comments, student comment (if they submitted one), and the corrected test pages is available in the course for the student (and parents) to review. A detailed test answer key is also provided.
How involved can/should the parents be?

As much as you want to be. Parents are invited to watch the videos, sit in on a LIVE session, correct assignments and/or tests, etc. One way that parents must be involved, is with administering tests and quizzes. Parents must ensure that the test/quiz is valid by not giving help and making sure that the student is working independently.
When do the courses start/end?

Each individual video-plus course page has the start/end dates, as well as the LIVE session schedule and a detailed yearly calendar.
How do I know which course best fits my child?

Pre-Pre-Algebra, Pre-Algebra and Algebra are offered in the Video-Plus course format and are described in detail on their respective pages. There you will find information about prerequisites and information students should already know before beginning a particular course. This comparison chart should help distinguish the various courses as well. Also, knowing your child as well as you do, often allows parents to make the correct choice based on the course descriptions. Parents who are unsure about their student's ability level should contact us.
Is there a trial period in which I can try out the course without charge?

Yes! All new customers are eligible for a 2-week trial period in order to see some full length videos and attend the weekly LIVE sessions. After the trial period, the full semestral commitment is expected if you decide to continue.

Video Courses

What are some features of video courses?

Features are listed on the video courses page.
What kinds of interactive elements can be present in the videos?

There are several interactive elements to the videos. Students can click areas on the video to explore related websites referenced during instruction, there are "check-ins" (built in mini quizzes at the end of each instructional segment,) and the video-navigation area allows students to jump directly to the selected segment of the video. Probably the most important interactive component is where the teacher pauses the video and asks the students to work out a problem, make an observation, or gather some materials before continuing. This helps to keep the student engaged instead of being a passive learner.
Why is it important that the work is shown on all assignment and test answer keys?

For students, showing work is important for being able to figure out how a problem ended up being wrong. Since the assignment and test problems are worked out on the answer keys, this makes the diagnosing process simple. It also gives students an example of how the showing of work can be organized.
How long do I get access to the course?

You get 12 months from the date of purchase in which to use the course.
How can I control the pace of learning?

Course content is organized by unit (like chapters). In each unit there are lessons in which students watch videos, complete practice problems and do assignments. Parents may give their student access to all units/lessons at once. They might also restrict access to certain units (if they want the student to demonstrate proficiency before moving on to the next), or they may open up each lesson as they see fit. The program is very customizable.
What is the Infinite Math™ practice system?

In short, Infinite Math™ allows students to practice virtually any type of problem in their course via randomly generated problems that the students requests. All work is shown, but isn't shown to the student initially. It is better seen than described with words though, so please check out the Infinite Math™ page for more details and an interactive demo!
What if anticipate needing extra help during the course?

Tutoring time can be added at any point as a separate purchase. This time can be used for 1-on-1 help throughout the course on an as-needed basis. When you feel you need a tutoring session, just contact us to get it scheduled! You can also opt for a regular weekly schedule as well. Please see the tutoring page for more details.

Infinite Math™

What is Infinite Math™?

Infinite Math™ is an online practice system that randomly generates problems of various types, shows all the work, has notes explaining the process along the way, and more. More details, an interactive demo, and more can be found on the Infinite Math™ page.
Can I try it out for FREE?

You bet! New customers are welcome to a 2-week trial for any available math level.
How much does it cost?

Current pricing information and purchasing packages can be found on the Infinite Math™ page.
What math levels are available?

Currently, the available math levels are Algebra, Pre-Algebra, and "Pre-Pre-Algebra" (basically 6th/7th grade math). Other courses will likely be added in the future.

Tutoring

How much does 1-on-1 tutoring cost?

1-on-1 tutoring can cost as little as $27/hr. depending on the amount of tutoring time purchased in advance. Please see the tutoring page for more details.
How can the time I purchase be used?

However you want. Some people prefer a regular weekly schedule. Some prefer to use it on an as-needed basis. Even the duration of the each session can change to meet your needs. Once the time is purchased, it is very flexible in how it can be used.
How can I see how much tutoring time I have left and/or view tutoring comments?

You can check your current tutoring time balance and see a history of tutoring comments by logging in to your account. Your tutoring time balance is also included in the email you receive after a tutoring comment has been posted to your account.
How do the tutoring comments work?

After each tutoring session, a comment will be posted to your account and automatically emailed to you as well. Comments usually describe what was worked on in that session and other observations and/or suggestions from the tutor. Reminders and links to online resources may be posted there as well.
What are the benefits of online tutoring?

The convenience of having the tutor "come to your house" is just one outstanding benefit. Also, since there is no travel for the tutor, and no building to maintain, prices for online tutoring tend to be lower than local tutors and tutoring facilities. Additionally, the whiteboard technology allows for the use of images (like scans of worksheets), and other session tools (like screen sharing) enhance student learning.
What if I have something I need the tutor to see (diagrams, worksheets, etc.)?

Simply scan the content you need the tutor to see, or email/text a picture of it. Then it can be brought into session as an image so the tutor and student can see and work with it simultaneously.

Accreditation / NCAA / UC System a-g

Is LIVE Online Math accredited?

Yes! LIVE Online Math is fully accredited as a SEP (Supplemental Educational Program) through WASC (the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Their information is below.

Accrediting Commission for Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010
www.acswasc.org
Are your courses NCAA approved?

Yes! This matters to you if your student has aspirations of playing sports for a school in the NCAA. You can see our profile on the NCAA website. Go to the NCAA High School Search Page and enter 852642 for the "NCAA High School Code".
Are your courses a-g approved in CA?

Yes! Note that the "a-g certification" is only relevant for students going into one of the UC schools in California. You can read more about this here.

	For parents to manage the "business" side of things... Enroll in a Class, register for a Video-Plus Course, sign-up for a Video Course, track tutoring time, view tutoring comment history, and more.	*For students enrolled in a Class or Video-Plus* Course...** Access the virtual classroom, take online quizzes, download course documents and tests, check the online gradebook, and more.
	For students in a Video Course... Parents/Teachers: Manage the course and check student progress. Students: Access all aspects of the video course you're in.	For accessing a tutoring session... Prior to entering the session, please be sure your headset/mic. is working and you're ready to go with any questions you have.
For accessing the Infinite Math™ practice system... If you've signed up for the Infinite Math™ practice system, just login and have at it!