| SOFTWARE REVIEWS |
Mathville VIP & Two-Shot Multiple Choice Mathville VIP is an interactive math program designed to reinforce previously learned math skills and apply them to authentic situations. The program provides the user with a village setting where math skills are applied to typical work, recreational or shopping activities. Citizens of the village accumulate credits in realistic job postings, in order to purchase food, clothing and housing. The jobs are nicely categorized and closely follow the sequence of math skills outlined in the program. Features include on-screen hints and a calculator, printing capabilities, student tracking and an awards section. The software was specifically designed to integrate imaginative problem solving skills with basic math concepts. It is specifically targeted for learners at a grade 6 level or higher, and emphasizes measurement, spatial sense and patterns. It offers a useful review for students in a high school preparation program. The program is Canadian and contains metric material. It is relatively easy to install and use. Two-Shot Multiple Choice (GUNEX) This DOS-based freeware program focuses on multiple choice sentences and works well with students who have weak skills with mouse control. Students are provided with a sentence and can choose the correct missing word from two similar words. Students can choose the correct answer by hitting the key which corresponds with the correct response. (After five sentences are completed the program starts a shoot-at-the-target game. It is necessary to complete this to proceed, so to bypass it quickly the student can hit the “A” key ten times in a row. This uses up their “ammunition” and ends the game.) Points are awarded for the correct response, and deducted for incorrect answers. Once the correct word is chosen, the student can see the correct form used in a sentence. The screen is well laid out and clear, and the student can choose the speed to control the program. There is a tracking feature which will provide a full report of the student's progress. The program is good for students with basic to intermediate level reading and writing skills, and is very easy to use. It can be downloaded from the Colin Edmonds Freeware Website at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/cedmonds/software1.html or you can contact the company at: cedmonds@superonline.com
Reviews courtesy of the Annotated Bibliography of Computer Resources. For more reviews visit the Annotated Bibliography online. See ad on page 13 for details. |
