Title: Mastering Math
Overall Rating:
B+
Source: Queue
Playing Time: 5 - 10 minutes for each
module
Date: 1998
Cost: $ 195
Number of Players: 1 player
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-Rom
Subject Area: Mathematics
Objectives: The objectives of this software
are to improve students knowledge and skill in mathematics.
Brief Description: This software allows
the student to choose an area in mathematics that they have a weakness
in, and helps them to improve on that weakness.
Entry Capabilities Required: A grade 5
background in mathematics
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 - I think that
this software does a very good job at fulfilling the objectives for the
student. It helps the student improve on their mathematical concepts.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 - I think that with each exercise the student is getting more and more
pratice at the mathe problems.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 2
- This software is not arranged in the form of a game, and that can be
a little misleading and discouraging to the students. It could be
more exciting for the user.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 5 -
This program is for anyuone who has a mathematics background of 5th grade
and above. It is very easy to understand and to follow.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
2 - The graphics aren't very appealing to the user. As I said before,
it could be more user friendly.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 - This software is completely
dependent upon student know-how. It is more based on reasoning than
on chance.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4 - Like I said before,
this isn't set up in the form of a game. It more book based.
Therefore, I think that it is very realistic.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
4 - This software is a good form of review for those students who know
what is going on, and a good source of help for thos studentrs looking
to brush up thier skills.
Clear directions for play: 4 - The directions
for this software were very clear and eay to follow.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
5 - After each module, the software gives the students feedback as to their
speed and accuracy to the problems presented.
Strong Points:
The program is centered around the grade specified, and therefore the students
should have no difficulty following the directions. It lets the students
know what they need to do to improve thier skills, and provides practice
for them to do so.
Weak Points:
I think that there should be more problem exercises in each module, and
these exercises should have more variety to them. Right now they
seem to focus on word problems more than anything else.
Reviewer: Shelbi Deming
Position: Student
Date: 2/10/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.