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techLEARNING.com | Technology & Learning - The Resource for Education Technology Leaders

August 15, 2002

Hot Numbers for Middle School Math (cont'd)

How the Math Programs Add Up

Return to Intro > > >

Program BoxerMath: Secondary Math Destination Math Interactive Mathematics Math & Music Math & Music
Publisher Boxer Learning
(800) 736-2824
Riverdeep Interactive Learning
(800) 825-4420
Academic Systems
(800) 694-6850
Wildridge Software, Inc.
(888) 244-4379
PLATO Learning
(800) 447-5286
Platform Web-based and Mac/Win CD Web-based Web-based and Win CD Mac or Win CDWeb-based Web-based
Price $15/student for groups of 35; site licenses available $20/student Pricing based on the number of users, with average of $9,500/25 students $99.95; lab packs and site licenses available $1,050/school license, with additional pricing options based on volume
Grade Level 6ý12 Ký12 7ý12 7ý12 Ký8
Features ýCovers pre-algebra, algebra I and II
ýInterdisciplinary extension activities in Newtonýs Workshop and the Museum
ýLedger Management System tracks time on task, scores, problem areas, and lets teachers customize assignments
ýCovers basic math, pre-algebra, and algebra I
ýIncludes a Learning Management System
ýXcursion Central for guided Internet activities
ýCovers pre-algebra, algebra I and II
ýDesigned to be used in a lab environment and in place of a traditional textbook
ýOnline management tools track and evaluate student progress
ýPre- and post-tests
ýCovers pre-algebra, basic trigonometry, the Pythagorean theorem, the science of sound, and music theory and history
ýManagement system tracks quiz grades
ýCovers basic computation and pre-algebra
ýLearner Progress Reports include test scores, mastery status, and time on each lesson
Strengths ýWell-sequenced lessons
ýNavigation
ýSeveral testing options, with randomly generated quiz questions
ýGreat teacher support
ýComprehensive Ký12 math curriculum
ýIllustrative multimedia
ýExcellent offline materials
ýWell-designed interface and navigation
ýComprehensive, well-organized courses
ýOnline explanations and immediate feedback for students
ýConnects math skills to other disciplines
ýClear, well-organized instruction
ýNumerous lessons at each level
ýUses real-world contexts for teaching
ýPrintable screens and lessons
ýGlossary of specialized terms
ýExtensive online help
Limitations ýTests cannot be printed
ýStudents may need to work in more than one course for full topic coverage
ýAudio-only instructions for advanced math problems
ýAlien character may not appeal to all students
ýExpensive
ýFew instructions accompany lessons for hands-on or offline activities
ýTeachers canýt modify or add their own problems
ý Poor sound quality of music excerpts
ýLimited range of music selections
ýLinear lesson sequences
ýStatic navigation
ýAudio-only feedback in Level G and up
ýStudents canýt skip problems
Support Materials ýStandards correlation worksheets, lesson plans, and assessment rubrics on a secure Web site
ýClassroom Integration Guides
ýRiverdeep Current online magazine
ýLesson plans and student worksheets
Extensive teacherýs manual Detailed teacher and student guides, student textbook, glossary, and printable extension activities ýCurriculum guides
ýOne year free 24/7 technical support
Bottom Line Ease of use, cross-disciplinary extension exercises, and excellent teacher support materials make this a solid choice for the classroom. Rich multimedia approach to math instruction, but alien theme may have limited student appeal A well-designed, traditional math curriculum that may need to be supplemented with hands-on, offline math activities A unique cross-curricular supplement to the math and science curriculum Comprehensive, context-based math lessons that are best for students who need a linear, systematic approach to skill building




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