Title: Mastering
Math Version 2.0
Overall Rating:
B
Source: Queue: Product information available
at http://turboguide.com/data2/cdprod1/doc/cdrom.frame/006/127.pub.Queue.Inc.html
Playing Time: It ranges from 1-10
minutes per module/section of the game or longer. It all depends on the
students current level of mathematical skills
Software Release Date: 1992
Cost: $195.00 http://education.cd-rom-directory.com/cdrom-2.cdprod1/006/127.Mastering.Math.shtml
Operating System:
Macintosh
Number of Players: one
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: The
computer has to be a Macintosh with HFS- standard CD-ROM player and appropriate
driver software. It requires 1 meg. RAM and System 6.0 or higher.
Subject Area: Mathematics for grades 3-12
Objectives: To provide an interactive
learning format with feedback, help, and scoring.
Brief Description: There are 8 broad
topics. Within those eight are many more subtopics that relate to the main
topics.
Entry Capabilities Required: Should know
6th grade math
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 3 - It
satisfied it's somewhat objectives. The student answers questions and received
feedback. However, the feedback was just the correct answer, and at the
end of the module it told you how many you got right out of however many
you did. I was expecting the feedback to let you know how to do the problem
correctly
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 - The modules provided great practice for the student for the particular
mathematical level. I found all of the problems to be relevant.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 4.
- The fact that the student is timed arouses the student. It's very
competitive. Plus, the fact that it tells you the percentage of problems
that you got right. This could lead to competition also and gain interest.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4 -
The problems were stated very clearly. Any student who uses the program
for their specific grade level should have no problems understanding the
questions.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
2 - The proram had great questions, but I feel that to the student
it would be unattractive. There are no sounds. The only colors are
black and white. I feel that it's just too plain. Students need the different
colors and sounds to be attracted.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 - You will not be able to
complete these questions unless you know the material. It all depends on
the level of mathematical skills.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 - The questions that
were presented were realistic. They were related to every day situations
which was great. It is a great classroom program.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
3 - I didn't find any evidence, but from my experience with the program
I found it to be effective. It gets you to think.
Clear directions for play:
5 - The directions were clear and easy to follow. They were
appropriate for the different age levels
Effectiveness of debriefing:
4 - At the end of each module, the student is given the time that
it took for them to complete the section of problems. This is great for
the student because they can go back and try and beat their scores.
Strong Points: The program
is well suited for the appropriate age levels. I love the fact that it
gives your the percentage you got right and times how long it takes the
student to complete the module. The program's questions were relevent to
the student's skills. The problems were realistic and were stated clearly.
The student should have not problem understanding the questions. This piece
of software gets the student to think, and will help the student better
their mathematical skills.
Weak Points:
The overall design of the program could have been better. It needs to be
more attractive. A variety of sounds and colors could help this program.
It's boring to me, so I can imagine how it's going to be for a student.
The program just drilled the student. A worksheet could have done
what this piece of software does.
Reviewer: Michelle MacDuffie
Position: Student in Educ.410
Date Reviewed: 2/17/00
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
G3 233, 64mb ram.