What is BridgeWhiz? A Parent’s Guide

Sourced by Jude Goodwin for Great Bridge Links

BridgeWhiz is an innovative online program designed to introduce the game of bridge to children in grades 4-12. An educational initiative of the ACBL Educational Foundation, it offers free, online bridge courses and play. The program aims to not only teach the game of bridge but also to enhance a students’ cognitive and social skills in a fun and engaging way. This article is an overview which I’ve put together as a parent, keeping in mind questions a parent might ask. But please visit the BridgeWhiz website for more information and connect with organizers and teachers directly

(Photo From  BrdgeWhiz website)

What makes BridgeWhiz different than other teaching approaches?

Each BridgeWhiz class is held online and led by fully vetted, certified bridge teachers who are experts in the  teacher console. Live assistant teachers are always present to ensure no student falls behind, offering a highly supportive and personalized learning environment.

Where online are the classes held?

BridgeWhiz uses the Shark Bridge platform which is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for children of all ages. Access to Shark Bridge is integrated within the BridgeWhiz program, so there’s no need for a separate account or login process. The platform enables real-time bridge play, allowing students to engage in live games with peers, enhancing the learning experience. Shark Bridge maintains a high standard of online security, ensuring a safe environment for children to play and learn. We’ll talk more about online safety a little further down in this article.

What are the technical requirements for participating in BridgeWhiz classes and how does it all work?

Your child will need a stable internet connection and a computer or tablet. Classes consist of both static content and a live session on the Shark Bridge platform with a teacher. The live session uses 8×8 Meet for audio and video. To access content, students log into the BridgeWhiz platform and go to the course they registered for. They can participate in the lessons with static content at any time. To attend a live class, click on the live link 10-15 minutes before the selected class time.

Do we need an account with Shark Bridge?

The Shark Bridge platform is a key component of the BridgeWhiz experience, designed to facilitate the game of bridge in an online setting. Here’s what parents need to know:

• User-Friendly Interface: Shark Bridge is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for children of all ages.
• No Separate Account Needed: Access to Shark Bridge is integrated within the BridgeWhiz program, so there’s no need for a separate account or login process.
• Real-Time Play: The platform enables real-time bridge play, allowing students to engage in live games with peers, enhancing the learning experience.
• Secure Environment: Shark Bridge maintains a high standard of online security, ensuring a safe environment for children to play and learn.

What Happens If My Child Faces Technical Issues During a Class?

Technical support is readily available:

• In-Class Assistance: Assistant teachers and technical staff are available to resolve any issues during the class.
• Support Channels: BridgeWhiz offers dedicated support channels for technical queries and assistance.

How Does My Child Join BridgeWhiz?

Joining BridgeWhiz is a simple process, starting on the Bridge Whiz registration page.

1. Create an Adult/Parent Account: A step-by-step guide is available to help you set up a parent account.
2. Add Your Child: You can easily add your child to your BridgeWhiz account.
3. Register for Classes: Select the class that fits your child’s schedule and skill level. You could also register for an adult course but there’s a fee for that 🙂

Here are some Vimeo videos to help out:

How to Create a BridgeWhiz Parent Account https://vimeo.com/775338851/e9462317c2

How to Add a Child to your BridgeWhiz Account https://vimeo.com/775354098/f3b3cda0ef

How to Register a Child to a BridgeWhiz Class https://vimeo.com/775562847/e3f28cf2df.

How flexible are the BridgeWhiz classes?

Understanding the busy schedules of families, BridgeWhiz offers weekly classes at various times across multiple time zones. This flexibility ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate without disrupting their regular routines. And remember, there’s also static content which your student can access at any time. Note: classes that fall on national holidays or holiday school breaks will not be held.

What if my child misses a class?

BridgeWhiz understands that conflicts can arise. If your child is unable to attend a scheduled class, you can log in to the BridgeWhiz site and select a different class time for that week. This flexibility ensures that your child doesn’t miss out on the valuable learning experience.

How long does the BridgeWhiz course last?

The course is modular, with the first module spanning 8 weeks. Each live lesson within this module is 90 minutes long, packed with engaging content and interactive learning.

Are there opportunities for advanced learning and competition?

Yes, BridgeWhiz doesn’t just stop at basic bridge lessons. As students progress, they can enroll in more advanced courses and even participate in local, national, and international youth tournaments, mirroring the structure of extra-curricular sports tournaments. As students progress through the program, they have access to:

• Advanced Courses: Opportunities to enrol in higher-level courses as they advance their skills.
• Tournaments: Participation in local, national, and international tournaments, similar to other extra-curricular sports.

Who Teaches BridgeWhiz Classes?

The quality of teaching is a cornerstone of the program:

• Certified Teachers: All instructors are certified and have experience in teaching bridge to young learners.
• Personalized Attention: Each teacher is supported by an assistant teacher, ensuring individual attention and a supportive learning environment.

What is the WhizKids Online Bridge Club?

The WhizKids Online Bridge Club is a key component of BridgeWhiz. It is a safe online platform for students to play bridge in a fun and interactive environment. Students can join the scheduled sessions at any time and leave as needed, with teachers or robots filling in the gaps. The Club operates  during designated periods. Here are the key details:

How Does BridgeWhiz Ensure the Safety of My Child Online?

Safety is a priority at BridgeWhiz:

• Monitored Sessions: All sessions are supervised by certified teachers and assistant teachers to ensure a safe online environment.
• Secure Platform: The Shark Bridge platform is designed with safety in mind, providing a secure space for children to learn and play.

Are There Parental Controls in BridgeWhiz?

Parental involvement is encouraged:

• Account Management: Parents have control over their child’s account, including registration and scheduling.
• Visibility: Parents can view their child’s progress and participation in the program.

Can My Child Interact With Others During Sessions?

Social interaction is a key component:

• In-Game Communication: Students can interact with their partners and opponents during games, fostering a sense of community.
• Supervised Interaction: All interactions are monitored to maintain a respectful and supportive environment.

How Are Partners Assigned in the WhizKids Club?

Bridge is a partnership game! Partner assignment is flexible:

• Preferred Partners: If your child has a preferred partner, they can request to play with them.
• Random Assignment: Otherwise, partners are assigned randomly, offering a diverse playing experience.

Is There Any Way to Track My Child’s Progress?

Tracking progress is simple:

• Progress Reports: BridgeWhiz provides updates on your child’s learning progress.
• Feedback from Teachers: Regular feedback from teachers helps parents understand their child’s development in the game.

OK, that’s it for our introduction, I hope it helps you make your mind up to get your kids into playing bridge. It’s an amazing game that will serve them well for life. We haven’t really touched on all the benefits playing bridge can bring to your child; the cognitive and social skills they’ll learn, the access to fun and friendly competition, and the sense of achievement they’ll enjoy with the winning of every trick. Nor have we talked about the life-long adventure bridge will offer them and the friends they’ll make along the way. But it’s all there waiting for you and your kids – so let’s get started!