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Mathletics
Pros: The right blend of text, video, and interactives to build strong skills.
Cons: Questions are a bit rote and aren't adaptive to student responses.
Bottom Line: A wealth of mathematics instructional material with useful reporting features.
The applets used in the Mathletics interactives are great for a whole-class inquiry lesson. Put kids in the driver's seat and allow small groups to grapple with the interactive a bit. Then, share out the patterns and creative problem-solving strategies they've developed.
Students can practice mathematical conversations with the audio recording feature. If kids get a Problem Solving and Reasoning question incorrect, they can't make the correction in the program, but they can use the recording feature to explain their error and how to fix it. Also, break students into teams to attempt the questions; they can use the doodle feature to draw out a strategy before submitting their answers. Kids can be divided into up to 12 ability groups and assigned leveled content different from their peers'. Names and groups are hidden from kids, so differentiation can be discreet, while everyone still participates.
Mathletics is an all-in-one teaching, learning, and reporting platform for mathematics. Content ranges from numeracy for early learners (games, videos, and stories) to secondary mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, and application of calculus to the real world). Students make their way through the curriculum and work at their own pace while teachers can still assign specific content or assessments. Reporting is based on a traffic light color system, so trouble spots are easily identified. Scores and number of attempts are viewable to help decide whether to reassign the activity or to step in with a supportive lesson. Teachers can take their pick from many ebooks for class units, as well as problem-solving guides. These materials can be sorted by country and state standard as well as by depth of knowledge to find just the right resource.
Students work through a question set, and answers are automatically marked. Feedback for student responses is limited to correct or incorrect, however. As students work, they do have access to instructional materials like text-based notes and examples, skill-building videos, and interactives they can play with to develop a strong understanding. Student dashboards show progress for each strand as well as points earned. Learning is its own reward, but the weekly points, gold bars, and certificates are an added bonus.
The Mathletics library of resources provides everything necessary for quality learning. Materials like interactives and videos support strong concept-building, while the ebooks and online assessments provide great practice. While the videos and interactives are great for self-directed learners, Mathletics doesn't replace the need for a classroom teacher. Kids can get stuck on a topic, answering questions incorrectly over and over again, without the program adapting or providing support (feedback is limited to correct or incorrect). Teachers should be actively reviewing reports so that they can step in with supportive lessons before kids become frustrated.