Parents of high schoolers, AP students and those studying for their SAT’s – take note! Brightstorm offers a wide array of online courses delivered via video and file downloads in the areas of Math, U.S. History, SAT Preparation and Writing. There are currently 19 courses offered online.  Each course is only $49.00 for  a 12 month subscription.

After taking a peek at the course – Writing, Chicago Style – taught by Chicago native Katie Aquino I was impressed by the up-beat delivery and fun-loving personality of Aquino as well as the systematic method of presenting writing techniques.  Though I’m a public-school high school graduate, none of the English courses I took provided such a thorough examination of writing skills, methods and techniques.  The downloads provided really flesh out the video teachings.

New users who Sign up for a free brightstorm acocunt can view a free sample episode for each of the 19 courses offered.  The course presentation is similar to that of popular relality television shows that have swept television networks nation-wide in recent years.  Upbeat, informal, taking lessons on both within the ‘classroom’ and on the streets.  Katie in particular is so bubbly about her topic that it almost makes grammar appear…fun…

The 15 episodes of Writing, Chicago style are served up in bite-sized chunks, anywhere from 4 minutes to 18 minutes.  In our television-saturated society this is a fabulous option for reluctant learners and those with short attention spans. Anyone can take doses of grammar and composition in such small doses when sprinkled liberally with enthusiasm.