Frequently Asked Questions
Does each learner need a separate license?
Yes. Our platform keeps track of each learners's progress and customizes lessons and reviews accordingly. It is far more fun and effective to do it as a group, so we offer additional family member licenses for a fraction of the price. A family paying for a subscription of Natural World with 3 learners would only pay $79--which is about comparable to one textbook and workbook of a typical Latin curriculum. See Group Pricing for more information.
Are the online courses safe for a child?
Yes. These are entirely self-paced courses. Your child will have no contact with a live instructor or other students in the course.
The Picta Dicta learning platform is a web application and requires a web browser. Parents are, of course, absolutely right to be concerned about giving a child access to the internet. So, we STRONGLY recommend using web restriction to only allow certain websites. By allowing http://app.pictadicta.com in their settings, parents can ensure that their child cannot access anything other than what they have allowed.
Users of iOS and Android tablets may also download Picta Dicta to their homescreen. This allows a child to access the app without having to go through a browser directly. However, an internet connection is still required.
Do students learn grammar in Picta Dicta?
They do now. Our new Latin Primer Series is an introduction to reading Latin and basic Latin grammar. Natural World and Ancient World focus on vocabulary, history, culture, and etymology.
How much parental involvement is required for homeschoolers?
For homeschoolers, Picta Dicta courses require very little instruction or help from parents. However, parents may need to spend a few minutes showing younger students how to use the program in the beginning. Also, for parents who wish to be more involved, we would encourage them to do the course along with their children and discuss what they are learning.
Our Latin Primer Series includes a Homeschooling Guide which helps parents guide and evaluate their children--even if they do not know any Latin.
Are there discounts for families or co-ops?
Yes, we offer additional family member licenses, starting at $15 each, as well as special pricing for schools and homeschool cooperatives. Click here to learn more.
Are there any written materials?
Yes. Our Latin Primer Series includes a Student Workbook, Quiz Pack, Teacher Guide, and Homeschooling Guide. Workbooks and Guides for Natural World are coming soon.
Can I use Picta Dicta courses along with another Latin curriculum?
Yes. Most Latin courses focus on grammar; Picta Dicta's Vocabulary Builder focuses on building vocabulary, so it works very well as a supplement to another course.
Are Picta Dicta courses "Classical"?
Yes, they are. Picta Dicta courses are extremely well suited for students learning on the "Trivium" model advocated by Sayers and others. However, students learning on another model will not find them any less useful!
Which course should my child take?
Younger elementary students (1st - 4th) should take Natural World. Older elementary students (3rd - 6th) should take Latin Primer Series. Jr. High, high school, and college students already taking a grammar course should use Vocabulary Builder.
Is an internet connection required?
Yes, the Picta Dicta app must have a connection to its server to work properly. However, the data being downloaded is not very large, so an unlimited data plan is not essential.