The Algebra I Classmate
by Classmate Math
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: The Algebra I Classmate by Classmate Math. Computer based learning. Formerly available on CD-ROM, but now available by on-line subscription only on Your Teacher.com.
Simulating a classroom on your computer with its eleven CD-ROM's, The Algebra I Classmate includes worksheets, tests, and videos of a teacher explaining concepts and board problems to make a complete math program without using a book. The program is housed in a small, colorful disk holder with a wrist strap for easy carrying and storing.
The disks each cover what would be a chapter in a text. Topics for Algebra I are simplifying; equations; word problems; inequalities and absolute value, functions and graphing; linear equations; systems of equations; exponents and polynomials; factoring; rational expressions and equations; radicals; and quadratics. A twelfth disk, packaged separately in a paper envelope, is a "Getting Started" guide for the parent and includes the tests and answer keys for exercises.
The main menu of each disk shows its title and gives the options of "Start Class" or "Open Workbook." The "Open Workbook" selection is supposed to provide an easy way to print all the worksheets, but this was not functional on the review copy. After clicking "Start Class," the student hears high quality music clips, with a unique clip for each disk. The menu of sub-chapters includes lessons with interactive quizzes after each and a final chapter review of twenty to thirty questions. The program does not record quiz scores.
Each lesson is broken into smaller "Examples" which are labeled with icons showing whether it is a video or an audio-only presentation. The video lessons have Mr. Maggart teaching with a whiteboard, and the audio lessons show graphically drawn numbers as Mr. Maggart explains how the problem is done. Below the "Examples" are "Practice" problems. For these, the student tries to figure the answer on his own paper, and he may use the options of "Hint," in which Mr. Maggart's voice gives a clue as to where to start; "Check," which simply shows the answer; a paper and pencil icon, which shows all the steps to work out the problem; and a speaker icon, which explains the steps. A challenge problem is shown in the "Deep Thought" section.
Directly under the workspace where the lesson information or video appears, several more icons are shown. The first, signifying a quiz, makes an answer page with a bubble-in, multiple choice format appear. The student figures the problem and clicks "multiple choice" to see the four answers to choose from. He then clicks the circle to bubble-in. A correct answer makes a happy noise, while an incorrect one makes an negative noise. Finally, the student selects "Click for grade" to find out his percentage. The other icons under the workspace are the three types of worksheets available to be printed: discussion problems, text problems, and extra problems. Clicking on these brings up a .pdf file.
The "Getting Started" disk has more files in .pdf format. First are very basic instructions on how to use the program. Next, a scope and sequence shows all that is covered for those who wish to compare with other programs or need some sort of documentation to meet state requirements. Finally, an "Algebra I" folder includes a tests and solutions file (only a title page in the review copy) and two sub-folders entitled "Chapters" and "Tests." The Chapters files have rather cryptic names for each of the chapters, but include solutions, complete with all steps, for the three types of worksheets. The "Tests" folder uses the same cryptic names and includes chapter tests and their solutions.
Recommendation: Classmate Math offers a creative alternative to available algebra study methods. Bringing all the benefits of a video teaching presentation, The Algebra I Classmate has the added positive of interaction with its many example problems and on-line quizzes. For parents who have difficulty explaining how to arrive at answers or for those who never understood algebra, this program will be a lifesaver. Its simple, straightforward presentation and Mr. Maggart's hints make algebra understandable.
Our Experience: This program really clicked with my oldest son, who had a tough time with algebra. Mr. Maggart truly has a gift of explaining concepts in understandable terms. What a pity this program is no longer available on disk!
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