Title:Math
Advantage Middle School
Overall Rating:A
Source:Demo http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=0011XE&b=
Playing Time:unlimited (self paced)
Software Release Date:August 1999
Cost: $29.99 http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?fcode=0011XE&b=
Operating System:Windows
3.1 & 95 or Macintosh & Power Mac.
Number of Players:1 at a time.
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed:For
Windows:sound card,CD-ROM, and mouse. For Macintosh:CD-ROM and mouse.
Subject Area: Math 6-8 grades
Objectives:To boost math skill from basic
algebra to ratios and proportions.
Brief Description:Each topic is divided
into sub topics, with a small audio lecture for each. The lectures are
then followed by a series of practice questions, quizzes and puzzle rewards.
There is also an interactive lab that graphs the equations students type
in.
Entry Capabilities Required:Elementary
math skill, as this program teaches middle math skills
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives:5-Each audio lecture
is divided into small subtopics that teach all aspects of basic algebra
and ratios.
Provides practice of relevant skills:5-
After the small audio lecture there is unlimited related practice questions
and quizzes. You can unlock a puzzle by how many practice questions
you do.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:4-
The interactive lab will maintain interest the longest.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:5-The
lectures are short and informative, with instant review. The practice questions
have three levels of help.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):5-The
point and click interface is excellent , along with all the audios. The
graphics are easy to see and read.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance):5-The students can not reach
the rewards without completing numerous practice sessions.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction):N/A Not modeled as games
but more as a tutorial.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):N/A
(But it has a four star rating by Aces research,Inc.-link above)
Clear directions for play:5-
The audios qive clear instructions. The visuals also aid , they are
modeled after relife learning media (such as a VCR).
Effectiveness of debriefing:5-The
objectives are well covered. The subtopics contain detailed instructions,
and unlimited practices.
Strong Points:The audio,
and the interactive lab. Also, the 3-level help buttons on the practice
questions.
Weak Points:Possibly
more speed control
Reviewer:Suzanne Dobson
Position:Undergraduate Ed student
Date Reviewed:2/22/00
Computer System Reviewed on: e-machine
Intel Processor 366 m HZ, 32MB, 43 GB Hard Drive; 40x Max CD-Rom Drive