| 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 |