Teacher Picks: Our Reviewer Tests Scholastic, Fastt Math

Diana Lawsky gives us her review of Scholastic, Fastt Math.

Description: A computer-based product that helps students gain math fluency in 10 minutes a day.

Pros: It was very fun to play with.  The lesson on the CD had to do with multiplication. 
The program gives the student 2 assessments to begin with, one in typing and one in math facts.  Based on the math assessment, the student is given 2 math facts.  The example was 6X2=12 and 2X6=12.  It repeated the facts, asked the student to repeat the facts, showed a visual representation of the facts (2 sets of 6 and 6 sets of 2), had the student type the facts, and then tested the student (along with other multiplication problems).  The great thing about this is reinforcement.  If I didn’t know it before, I did after 10 minutes of practice.  At the end of the session, the student is allowed to pick a game, where it is also necessary for him/her to answer math problems.  There is a race car game, keep the monkey out of the mud game, and a balloon pop game, to name a few.  The student is also allowed to customize the look of the product.  The better they do and the further they go, the more choices they get.  It’s individualized to the specific student.

Cons: The only problem would be cost or if there weren’t enough computers for every student to get a chance to use it each day.

How would this product be useful in the classroom? It would be a great addition to a math program.  The students can go on as they have free time during the day or go as a class to the computer lab to use it.  It offers amazing opportunities for reinforcement. It takes the pain out of memorizing math facts and even makes it fun.

One computer, $250.

Instant Math Tutor

If your students are having trouble grasping the concepts of algebra or geometry, Yourteacher.com’s online service can help. Aligned with popular textbooks, the site has hundreds of videos that explain and show how to work out problems in middle- and high-school math. Each lesson has a summary and a nearly unlimited number of practice and quiz problems, which has answers that are fully worked out and explained. Try out the sample lessons and the first month costs $5; after that the service costs $29.50.

Do the Math, Online

We’re frankly amazed by the scope of lessons and activities that math teachers create for their classes with Key Curriculum Press’s Geometer’s Sketchpad. The $40 program will soon be augmented with Key’s LessonLink, an online extension of the program that will contain 500 different lessons when the online service debuts in September. Aligned to popular textbooks and state math requirements, the lessons are aimed at grades 3 through 12 to help kids visually reinforce key spatial relationships and math concepts. Seeing really is believing, regardless of whether it’s showing 7-year olds that triangles have three sides or exploring trigonometry for high-schoolers. The service costs $119 per teacher for a 1-year school site license.

New Math Software Adds Flexible Implementation and Assessment Tools

We know it’s all about the math and reading scores, so Carnegie responds with their next generation Cognitive Tutor software that now works with their other programs like Bridge to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and Integrated Math. The new program offers tools like: flexible sequencing that allow administrators to build a custom curriculum; onscreen interactive examples that show students step-by-step instruction of math examples; and Automated Assessment to deliver pre- and post-tests that automatically tie to custom-sequenced curricula. Administrators can also now monitor and analyze progress of the program at multiple levels including class, building, and district. Reports can filter by curriculum and date range, and may be exported to Adobe PDF and Microsoft Excel for distribution.

Free Whiteboard Lessons

A new SMART microsite launched this month offers free Notebook collaborative software lessons. The theme this quarter is math & science, featuring five original Scholastic-branded lessons – all aligned to standards. The site also includes contests and plenty of other helpful links, articles, and how-tos for both new and experienced whiteboard users. Watch for upcoming themes: Earth Day lessons in April, and back To School lessons in August.