Mary+Ruff

1) This software is primarily geared toward grades 9-12; PreAlgebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Calculus – suitable for students at all levels of ability. This software is available in CD, online download, or via Web access.
 * Math Tutor **

2) Math Tutor is primarily a self-study tutorial program that also includes drill and practice and problem-solving capabilities . 3) Math Tutor is available in a network version and can be used in the classroom or a computer lab. I can use this to support the curriculum in my high school Trigonometry class. I could introduce the trigonometric functions in a lecture, and then assign a practice set to the students that they could complete in the classroom or computer lab. The software is designed to be self-paced and allow the students to learn and master each concept before moving on to the next. After the students have completed the assignment, I can use the student performance analysis feature of the program to assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses and adjust my approach to the content accordingly.

4) Some strengths of the program include the fact that it is a curriculum-based series designed by math teachers and can be used for a variety of subjects, allowing for continuity for the users as they progress through the math program. The assessment feature allows the teacher to tailor their instruction according to individual student needs. A weakness is the program’s cost, and possibly the difficulty in making sure each student has access to the technology within the classroom or computer lab in the time required to complete the assignment.

5) The program is available in a single-user version for $49.95 per subject or $219.95 for the complete set of six subjects and in a network license for $350 for one title or $1500 for all six. It can be purchased through the company’s website, [|www.mathtutor.com], by calling (800) 521-4518, or via email to feedback@mathtutor.com. The software is available in CD or online download and requires Windows 95 through Windows Vista, 64MB of RAM and 12MB free hard drive space.

1) Math Media is available in CD, online download, or online web. The Advanced Math Series is geared to 9-12 grades Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry and Calculus Basics. It is primarily a drill and practice program that contains practice problems, worksheets and tests. 2) This software is also primarily tutorial and drill and practice.
 * Math Media Educational Software **

3) Like the Math Tutor software, the Advanced Math series can be used to assign practice problems in order to support the curriculum. With this software, I could allow the students to access the program online and perform the practice test on the transformation of functions in my 9-12 grade Pre-Calculus class. The software would allow the students to identify areas in which they are weak prior to the scored exam I will give in the classroom.

4) According to the website, this software can be used by students to prepare for college entrance exams, which can be considered strength. One weakness is that the program is not accessible via the web for Macintosh. Many schools use Macintosh almost exclusively and this stricture limits the choices available for Mac users.

5) Math Media is available for single users at a cost of $59 per series or the entire set of 7 for $349. A license for 10 computers is available for $850.00. Windows users can purchase access to the web application at [|www.mathmedia.com] . Both Windows and Macintosh users can purchase the CD or download the software through the company’s website, by calling 888-FOR-MATH (888-367-6284) or via email to infor@mathmedia.com. A free demo is also available in CD or downloadable format. This software requires Windows 7, Vista, XP, or 2000 and is available for Windows ME, 98, and 95 by special request. Online web applications require a Windows platform and Internet Explorer 5.5 or newer.

1) Learningupgrade.com offers several math programs for algebra, pre-algebra and reading content. The focus of Algebra Upgrade is grade 7-9 algebra basics. Algebra Upgrade is a program available through the web application only. There are no CDs or files to download. This software includes 60 step-by-step lessons that use songs, video and games to introduce content and allow individual practice of concepts.
 * Algebra Upgrade **

2) This software can be categorized as drill and practice, tutorial and instructional game.

3) One of the nice things about this program is that it is available in a teacher Whiteboard version for whole-class lecture that can be used with a Promethean Board, Smart Board or computer and projector. I could use the program that introduces polynomials at the beginning of my 8th grade Pre-Algebra class. We would watch the simulation and together go through one of the practice drills. I could then have the students each log into the web application and complete the drills individually. I could also assign course codes to individual students who either need additional practice at home, or who might be ready to move on to more difficult concepts.

4) One strength of this program is its combination of concept introduction, drills, and interesting music and graphics that would help make Algebra a more “fun” subject for the students to learn. It also has flexibility in its use as a lecture tool. Another strength of the program is the fact that teachers can purchase a number of “course codes” to be assigned to students for individual practice at home or at school. If the course code is not assigned to a student, it does not expire and can be used for Reading Upgrade or Comprehension Upgrade and does not have to be used strictly for Algebra Upgrade. A weakness of the program is that a student does not have the option of fast-forwarding the content, but must wait until the program has completed the musical “lecture” to get to the practice application.

5) Course codes may be purchased for $99.95 per course for 1-24 students, $75 for 25-99, $50 for 100-499 students and $40 for 500+ students. The Teacher Whiteboard version costs $400 for 1-4 courses, $375 for 5-19 courses, and $350 for 20+ courses. There is also a “Home Special” whereby one student may obtain 6 months of web access for $49.95 per course. To order online, go to [|www.learningupgrade.com], call (800) 998-8864, email info@learningupgrade.com or write to Learning Upgrade LLC, 2034 Ridgecrest Pl, Escondido, CA, 92029. System requirements are limited to Internet access and browsing software such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.

1) This program is companion software to the Pre-Calculus 6th Edition textbook for high school or college Pre-Calculus.
 * Interactive/Internet Pre-Calculus 3.0 **

2) This software is available for drill and practice, tutorial, simulation and problem solving.

3) In a high school Pre-Algebra class, I could demonstrate simulations of the graphs of sine functions using this software. I could then assign guided examples to the students along with requiring them to complete the section quiz to demonstrate their understanding of the concept.

4) The major strength of this software is that it includes the entire course text, has step-by-step solutions to odd-numbered problems in the book, and has synthesis examples and editable graphs for practice. A weakness is that it does not include additional real-world applications beyond the textbook. If a student has difficulty understanding content presentation in the text book, they may encounter the same difficulties with the software presentation of the material.

5) The cost of the program is included in the price of the textbook and a user can subscribe online at hmco.tdlc.om or through Houghton Mifflin online College Bookstore. The program is available for Windows 95 – 7 and Macintosh. Additional information on system requirements was not available on the website. Information on this software was obtained at []. Houghton Mifflin online college bookstore is located on the Internet at [].

1) According to the website, [], Khan Academy is a “not-for-profit 501(c) (3) with the mission of providing a world-class education to anyone, anywhere.” Videos of content range from basic addition and subtraction to advanced Calculus. There are 2000+ YouTube videos of lectures, example problems and proofs. A user can also access practice problems through social networks such as Face Book and Twitter, where the student can use the pre-set “surveys” to complete drills.
 * Khan Academy online **

2) This software falls into just about every category: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, and problem solving as well as instructional game.

3) There are so many ways this technology can be used to supplement and support the curriculum; it is difficult to choose just one. I could download and present the introduction of derivatives to my high school Calculus class and have the students log into their Face Book account and complete the practice drills. I could also use it to deepen my own knowledge of concepts and examples to increase my ability to present the content to my students.

4) There are many strengths with this technology. There are so many courses and concepts available that a student can explore just about any subject. The information has been cataloged in such a way that it is extremely easy to find what you are looking for; I myself have begun using this resource as a supplement to the lectures I’ve attended in my current math courses. Another strength is that there is no cost associated with it and there exists opportunities for networking with other learners and teachers through the social-networking application.

5) Khan Academy can be accessed at [|www.khanacademy.org] and its only system requirement is access to the Internet.

If I were teaching math, I would definitely use Khan Academy online. I like how it uses all categories and that it is available to anyone with internet access. I went to the site and would really like to incorporate some of the videos about science to my ELL class. I think they would be appropriate for older students, perhaps middle school age. ~ Stephanie Amos

Wow, the Khan Academy is awesome. I like how you can go in there and pick a multitude of different skill levels and concepts in different subject areas so easily. One of the videos I watched is two X two multiplication which my fifth graders have been working on this last month. Not only was it cool to see him explain it the way I did, utilizing the colors and place values, it provided an oral explaination along with the visualization which is so important for my students. This would be a great addition to a center activity that could allow students to get help from the "teacher" without getting help from the teacher. I will be forwarding this link to my building, it's an excellent find.