Mathematics Software Programs
These software programs are
excellent adjuncts to classroom instruction. They offer appealing
interfaces, zany characters and good reviews of basic mathematics.
Another advantage of mathematics software is the opportunity for
students to work independently and make discoveries about mathematics on
their own. The interactive nature of computer software allows students
to test their ideas and transfer information from an example to a
general premise.
However, before investing in software for the classroom it is often
times necessary to provide data to administrator, staff, parents, and
community members about the effectiveness of such programs. There are
various institutions that review the latest software programs for the
classroom. To get
information about the latest educational software parents and teachers
can check their local library for a subscription of Children’s
Software Revue. Children’s Software Revue also has a Web
page at the following address: www.childrenssoftware.com.
A recent (2007) study
from the National Center for
Educational Evaluation and
Regional Assistance includes
and evaluation of the
Effectiveness of Reading and
Mathematics Software
Products: Findings from the
First Student Cohert. This
evaluation reported on
findings from software
programs such as Larson
Pre-Algebra, Achieve Now,
and iLearn Math. The report
can be found at
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/pubs/20074005/execsumm_sixth.asp |
