by Riverdeep
Platform: Windows 98 / XP, Mac OS 9 and below
(11)
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Based on Riverdeep's online content, this program slowly doles out tutorials on fractions, decimals, geometry, statistics, pre-algebra and algebra. As the content was originally delivered online, the CD version runs through your browser, making it somewhat awkward and clunky. The interactive lessons are informative, however, showing kids how to manipulate the numbers, but these seem to start at a level too high for most struggling math students. When learning to calculate percents, for example, basic elementary concepts are not reviewed. Rather, students are thrown right into tough content like "What percent of 600 is 132?". The lessons are straightforward and relatively easy to understand, and the activities involve lots of word problems and real-life situations. The workouts could offer more time practicing concepts learned (e.g. in rote fashion), although the number of question sequences offered is plentiful. This set might be a nice supplement to middle school curriculum, especially home schoolers, but may be too advanced (and lacking in practice exercises) for students who need a boost.
Teaches:
Age Range: Copyright © 2001 Children's Software Revue