Questions about Whoosh Learning - The Online Tutor

Please check out some of our frequently asked questions, as they answer a lot of commonly asked questions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by email or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whoosh Learning?

Who is Whoosh Learning for?

What makes Whoosh Learning effective as an educational product?

What do you mean by 'fluent' and why is it important?

How is Whoosh Learning different from other online learning sites or more traditional tutorial programs like Kumon or Sylvan Learning Centers?

How much time does my child need to spend on Whoosh Learning to obtain positive results?

How will my child's information be stored in the Whoosh Learning system?

I have two children, one five and one eleven-years-old. How does Whoosh Learning compensate for their age difference nd computer skills?

How do I add a new student after I have registered one of my children?

In addition to the content and lessons that are available online through Whoosh Learning, do you also offer printable worksheets?

Once my child starts using Whoosh, how can I tell if he/she is progressing?

What type of technology do I need to use Whoosh Learning?

How do I get started with Whoosh Learning?

What is your privacy policy?

Answers

What is Whoosh Learning?
Whoosh Learning is the first online tutorial program for elementary school children to focus on building basic skills in both math and reading. Designed by educators and based on research about the types of educational exercises needed to strengthen brain function and long-term recall, Whoosh uniquely creates a foundation for lifelong learning and success. Unlike traditional tutorial programs that are unrealistic for many because of the time and cost commitment, Whoosh Learning provides a fun, safe and convenient environment through which children can learn and build self esteem.
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Who is Whoosh Learning for?
Whoosh Learning is ideal for elementary school students, Kindergarten through 6th grade that need to master the basic building blocks for math and reading that will help them succeed in future endeavors. Whoosh can be used at home or in the school environment to provide parents and teachers an easy, affordable and effective way to help students acquire the basic skills knowledge they need to improve their overall academic performance.
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What makes Whoosh Learning effective as an educational product?
Whoosh is dedicated to improving the education of each student to help them become fluent in math, spelling, and vocabulary. The program, which is based on research related to the ways that children acquire and retain knowledge, helps to create a foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking. For more information on how Whoosh works, please see What is Whoosh?
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What do you mean by 'fluent' and why is it important?
Fluency is the ability to effortlessly and instantly recall information. For example 1+1=2. Most people are 'fluent' in that math equation and don't have to take time to think about the answer. Whoosh Learning enhances fluency by measuring and requiring speed and accuracy when answering questions. Fluency is very important because it becomes true, retained knowledge that will form the foundation for future learning. It is not a quickly learned and forgotten fact.

The National Math Advisory Council in its 2008 final report Foundation for Success states "how children learn, especially by recognizing a) the advantages for children in having a strong start; b) the mutually reinforcing benefits of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and automatic (i.e., quick and effortless) recall of facts; and c) that effort, not just inherent talent, counts in mathematical achievement".
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How is Whoosh Learning different from other online learning sites or more traditional tutorial programs like Kumon or Sylvan Learning Centers?
With Whoosh, each student learns at his or her own pace, at home or anywhere they can connect to the internet. And Whoosh is available 24/7. Using Whoosh, each family can create personalized test to reinforce material for tests or information needed in all subject areas. Students can earn OlliePop Points (named for our mascot, Ollie), which provide recognition and a basis for possible incentives for student achievement set at home or individual school sites. And, Whoosh is much more affordable than most other programs that can charge hundreds of dollars per month.
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How much time does my child need to spend on Whoosh Learning to obtain positive results?
Each lesson takes an average of one-hour to complete and we recommend that students spend approximately two hours per week. Parents and Teachers can set a timer to limit the amount of time students are on each subject. We recommend the following times based on age:

Ages 4-6: 5 to 10 minutes per subject session.
Ages 7-9: 10 to 15 minutes per subject session.
Ages 11 and up: 10 to 20 minutes per subject session.

How will my child's information be stored in the Whoosh Learning system?
Once children have started taking courses in Whoosh, their individual information will be automatically saved so that each time they log in to the site, the lessons will start from where they left off. If a student needs more practice on a particular lesson, the parent or teacher who is the administrator on the account can reset the course so the student can take it over again.

Of course, all personal information regarding you and your students are kept safe and secure. We NEVER sell or give away any of our user's information to anyone.
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I have two children, one five and one eleven-years-old. How does Whoosh Learning compensate for their age difference and computer skills?
Upon starting an account with Whoosh, each student takes an initial placement test that pinpoints his or her current fluency level. The program automatically adjusts to the correct learning level and each child moves through the program at his or her own pace.
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How do I add a new student after I have registered one of my children?
Step 1: Log on to the site as a parent or group leader.
Step 2: Click on LMS button.
Step 3: Then click on View / Edit Students under Students category on the Menu Bar.
Step 4: Click New, enter student data and click Save.
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In addition to the content and lessons that are available online through Whoosh Learning, do you also offer printable worksheets?
Absolutely! Whoosh provides plenty of great, printable worksheets that provide additional practice options for students when they're not working on a computer.
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Once my child starts using Whoosh, how can I tell if he/she is progressing?
Whoosh Learning provides automatic scoring and detailed reports that highlight progress and also outline areas where children may require more focus. For teachers, this means no tedious paperwork! Parents and teachers will also be able to assess progress just by interacting with students and seeing the way they process lessons on the site.
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What type of technology do I need to use Whoosh Learning?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. We recommend using Internet Explorer, but Whoosh is also available in other modern browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Netscape Navigator or Safari. You will need to have broadband with audio and a modem speed of at least 512mb. (Please note: If you are using a Mac, you may need to download Flip4Mac to run Whoosh.)
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How do I get started with Whoosh Learning?
Getting started on Whoosh is easy. You can simply click here to sign up for Whoosh Learning and create an account today. Once registered, your son or daughter will take a quick placement test so the program will be personalized to fit his/her needs, and the fun and learning will begin.
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What is your privacy policy?
We take your privacy and security very seriously. We will never sell your information to anyone. Please feel free to read more about our Privacy Policy here.
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