Title: Algebra-
One on One
Overall Rating:
A+
Source: Sheppard Software http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/algebra1.htm
(click on CNet Download)
Playing Time: 3-10 minutes. It could take
longer depending on the students mathematical skills
Software Release Date: 1998
Cost: If you purchase by Credit Cart Via
Web Download it's $14.99. ( http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/algebra1.htm
) If you purchase by check with Postal Delivery it's $19.99.
Operating System:
Windows 98 (PC)
Number of Players: 1 or 2
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Win
95, 486 or better computer, VGA, mouse, sound card (optional), hard drive
Subject Area: Math for grades 8-12
Objectives: To build the students math
skills in an interactive, entertaining way
Brief Description: It is an educational
game that covers 21 functions which includes maximums, minimums, absolute
values, averages, x/y, axy + b, ax = by = c, squares, cubes, and so on.
You can practice each game by choosing a function, practice game, and the
function you want to practice. You can choose the way you want to play
also. You can choose from a ten problem game, a time trial game, or a two
player game. At the end of the game you are given you score, your highest
score thus far, and your rank. It ranks the student from novice to einstein.
Entry Capabilities Required: Should know
7th grade math
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 The game succeeded
in following their objectives. The game builds the students math skills
in an interactive, entertaining way.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 This game provides excellent practice of relevant skills. The student
shall have no problem doing the problems, if they are up to the specified
math level.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
This game will arouse the students. It's use of colors and sounds will
maintain the students interest. I think the level of problems will also
maintain the students interest.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4 The
student should have no problem comprehending the game. The game is very
simple. It leads you through the game step by step, and gives you directions
to the next step.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 The game had no problems that I ran into while playing. It is very attractive.
The sounds and the colors will attract the students. Other qualities of
the game also keep the students attention.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 You really have to know the
material to play the game well. You will not be able to play the game if
the student does up to the 7th grade level math.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 The game was realistic.
The problems were only algebra problems. The problems were accurate for
the age level.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):5
This educational game won three awards. It was Softseek Editor's Pick,
A ZDNet's Pick, and also picked by Software USA Inc.. I also found this
game to be effective.
Clear directions for play:
5 The directions were clear. The student should have no problem following
directions. The program guides the student along, which helps.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
5 The game was great in doing this. It gave you your score and
your
highest score. It also ranked you from novice to einstein. When it ranks
the student it starts from novice and moves slowly down the line, however
far the student made it, blinking each level until it reaches the students
level. This excites the student.
Strong Points: I liked
that you got to choose your level instead of starting at the beginning,
that you got to choose the way you played, and what type of game you were
to play. It gives the student options. Students like options. Later the
student could come back and play a different style of game than they had
played earlier. I also liked that it gave your score and your highest score
that you had thus far. It encourages the student to do better.
Weak Points: I really
did not find any weak points with this software. The only thing that bothered
me was it was hard to select something. You had to have the mouse in a
certain spot on the object you wanted to select.
Reviewer: Michelle MacDuffie
Position: Student in Educ.410
Date Reviewed: 2/19/00
Computer System Reviewed on: Gateway (PC),
Pentium III, 64mb ram.