Title: Pre-Algebra Skills V2
Overall Rating:
C
Source: Internet download of trial version
Playing Time: Depends on options chosen
by student
Date: 2/10/99
Cost: $ 14.95 for full version available
at http://www.iepmath.com/orderform.ht
ml
Number of Players: Primarily designed
for one player but could be done in small groups
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Minimum
Requirements: 16 MHz 68030 processor; System 7.1; 4 MB free RAM;
6 MB hard disk space
Subject Area: Mathematics
Objectives: To improve mathematical skills
and to increase the speed at which these skills can be performed.
Brief Description: The students
choose the area they want to focus on and what kind of practice they desire
whether that be matching or straight drill type practice.
Entry Capabilities Required: Students
who are studying mathematics at the pre-algebra level.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4 (The
objectives are clear and concise the student should have no problem figuring
out what the program wants them to do.)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4 (The skills that are presented in this software package are necessary
for further advancement in mathematics.)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 2
(Lack of interesting graphics and interaction could cut short attention
span of player.)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4
(Directions
and help function are extremely useful with most commentary being well
written.)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
3 (Not much here that students could really mess up.)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 (Players progress
depends entirely on their ability to answer questions correctly.)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 (As accurate
as you can get towards a drill-practice software title)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
2 (Most students would find this title boring
since it does not compete graphically and interactionally at the same level
as their Gameboys and Playstations.)
Clear directions for play: 5 (Directions
are obvious to even the most casual computer user)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
3 (Provides students and teachers with feedback
pertaining to the lessons that the student covered.)
Strong Points: Teacher
tracking allows teachers to monitor student activity and progress.
Also worksheet generator can be used to develop hard copy worksheets for
students to work on
Weak Points: Mostly
consists of drill and practice type activities which experts say are not
an effective teaching tool. There are not a lot of exciting graphics or
3-D representations that would pull the student in.
Reviewer: Jason Howard
Position: Student
Date: 2/11/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.