AOP Monarch - Alpha Omega Internet-Based Curriculum

The newest online curriculum AOP Monarch has recently been release by Alpha Omega Publications and is available for use by homeschool families. What all is involved in using this internet-based curriculum? 

Here is what we know about AOP Monarch:

  • Grades 3-12 can use it.
  • It is accessible 24 hours a day.
  • Most web browsers work very well with it.
  • The subscription for the service is 18 months long.
  • They cover all the main subjects plus electives.
  • It is similar to the Switched On Schoolhouse format of curriculum.Anytime there is a new curriculum on the market, there will be some glitches that need to be worked through. Since it was released in Spring 2010, I would think that by now they have worked through many of the early problems. I have heard that their customer service is wonderful.

    • Pros and Cons of AOP Monarch

    Pros:

  • Students can now have a media rich environment with video clips, some animated lessons, audio clips, and web related content rather than only boring textbooks.
  • You can use AOP Monarch anywhere. If you are traveling or not home much, as long as you have an internet connection, your children can do school just about anywhere.
  • No installation of software on your computer.
  • Works on PCs or Mac computers.
  • Students work is graded automatically.
  • Course updates are made automatically so you never have to install new software to update your program.
  • Student assignments are saved every time they log off. You don't have to worry about backing up or losing your student's work with AOP Monarch.
  • Eco friendly curriculum. You don't have any textbooks or CD disks to worry about when you are done with them.
  • Student can complete lessons in or out of sequence.
  • All your child's assignments can be seen on the screen by you or them.
  • The curriculum and the calendar are completely customizable based on your student and your schedule.
  • Clickable time lines. Your child can click on any period in history and view where that fits on the time line of the world.
  • Printable - any lessons, tests, lists or problems can be printed and viewed on paper instead of on the computer screen.

    • Cons:

  • Your child will probably spend more time on the computer than most students their age.
  • Many parents who purchased the program early in it's release were disappointed that the lessons were not more interactive. They felt that AOP released the program too soon before they had all the bugs worked out. Some parents said they were "boring and hard to navigate".
  • You can't resell any books to get some of your curriculum cost back.

    • Although there were quite a few parents that liked the program, there were some that didn't. I find this all the time with any curriculum. Any program you look at you will find some people that absolutely love it and some that think it should be thrown away. Each family just needs to decide for themselves whether it will be a good fit for them. Don't ever buy a curriculum just because another family says it's wonderful. Make sure you take a good look at it and make sure it is what your family needs. Alpha Omega can be purchased at CBD for the best price.