Math

   Table of Contents

 Evaluation Scale: 

(scale  0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)

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Description of Content:    Mastering Math is an interactive instructional, practice and drill tutorial. This program includes: fraction, percent, decimal, and algebra word problems (grade 3-8); sports problems for the sports fans; business math for remedial readers entering the business world; the metric system; everyday life skill problems; powers, ratios, scientific notation and other topics. Even though the program lacks colored visuals, it does use a variety of different questions and answer format to maintain interest.

Navigation and Structure:    It is easy to navigate through the program in any order; however, it is suggested that students work through the levels sequentially. Students are given immediate feedback after each problem, hints and an opportunity to try again if in error, and a summary at the end of a lesson. A student can exit a lesson at any time. One weakness of the program is the lack of a management system, which makes it difficult to track the lessons and scores. 

Instructional Applications:    A teacher in an ABE classroom will find this program very useful as a tool for instruction, practice and drill. The Survival Math component is very good for helping students gain confidence in performing everyday tasks that require practical life skills. Mastering Math is designed for independent use and provides for student self-evaluation through the scoring of each lesson. 

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 Evaluation Scale 

(scale 0 = not applicable, 1 = not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)

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Description of Content:   Users can log on to this free website and ask questions on a variety of math problems from basic math to Calculus III.  Responses are given by experts from industrial and academic careers around the world that provide the student with the means to figure the math dilemma out for themselves.  They do not do the homework for the student.  A reply is usually given in about 24 hours.

This free website is a good tool for the student who needs a little extra guidance.   This site gives students suggestions that will help them find a solution to the math problem they are having troubles solving.

Navigation and Structure:   This website is quite self explanatory.   It contains links to a  message board that allows the student to see if their question may have already been answered.   A link to ask their question, and a resource page with links to other websites that may offer help or guidance. 

Instructional  Applications:    Instructors can offer this website to students who may want additional assistance to complete a math problem. 

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Evaluation Scale 

(scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

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Description of Content:   Combines Worked examples, open-ended projects, discussion questions, reference materials and problem sets.  Focuses on problem solving and discussion.

This package would be good for the instructor who wants a complete package or system for teaching introductory college math.  It is probably less adaptable to an existing math instruction program. 

Navigation and Structure:  Couldn’t tell from demo

Instructional Applications:   Introductory college mathematic 

Note: This evaluation is based on review of a demo CD, not the actual software

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Evaluation Scale 

(scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

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Description of Content:

Provides support material for the Bittinger system of mathematics instruction, consisting of 8 books:

·          Basic mathematics

·          Introductory algebra

·          Intermediate algebra

·          Introductory and intermediate algebra

·          Fundamental mathematics

·          Prealgebra

·          Intermediate algebra, alternate version

·          Developmental mathematics

Navigation and Structure:   Click on any book to go to chapter reviews with answer sheets or chapter quizzes that are graded online. 

The Submit for grade button may be difficult to find if screen resolution is low (800x600) or less, because it is off to the side. 

Instructional Applications:   Excellent content regardless if using the accompanying books.

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Evaluation Scale 

(scale 0 = not applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

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Description of Content:   This website offers daily puzzles for the games Set and Quiddler.

The object of the game Set is to identify "sets" of three cards, in which they either share varying attributes or are completely different.  SET is fun and easy to learn.  It has a simple point and click interface and variable degrees of challenge.  Each day there is a new puzzle posted at the web site.

Using special cards, Quiddler draws on the user’s ability to combine letters into words. Players must combine their entire hand into words trying to use the highest point value letters. Quiddler challenges you to do this first with three cards (round one), then with four, on up to ten cards in the last round. A bonus is given for both the longest word, and the most words made by a player in each round.  

Navigation and Structure:   Very simple to navigate.  No branching

Instructional Applications:   These are good exercises that combines math, spelling/vocabulary, problem solving, and pattern recognition.

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Evaluation Scale 

(scale 0 = not applicable, 1 = not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent) 

Description of Content:    This free website contains virtually any topic a student could possibly want.   It includes an Encyclopedia, Dictionary, Atlas, and an Almanac.   This site is an excellent resource tool that anyone can use.  It also contains other features like quizzes, crosswords, and a Frequently Asked Questions board. 

Navigation and Structure:     On the homepage, a student can choose from a host of options.  Topics like Maps can be found under the Atlas heading or U.S. History,  year by year, can be accessed through the Timelines section.  This site is very well planned out and provides the user with easy access to a variety of information.

Instructional  Applications:    Offering up to the minute information, instructors can offer this website to students who may want an additional resource for homework. 

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