My Take
I like the app and the students finish a level quickly because they are engaged in the activity. I like the way it weaves problem solving into each skill (so it is just not rote memorization). I think it is also a great skill for ELL students or struggling students because it is very visual and less verbal than many apps. It is a very different approach to learning some of the concepts than other programs are. I see it used more as a review and practice tool, as to a teaching tool. If students have computers, tablets or smart devices, it would be useful as a homework tool (my students do not have those tools at home). I am also impressed at the vast amount of material that is provided for each grade level, it is easy to enrich or review students with this material.
How I Use It
This program provides a very basic way for students to visualize math and practice skills in a way that promotes problem solving and application of knowledge. It works best in individual work stations because it allows student tracking and it also is visually obvious to the teacher when a student is struggling (around the screen turns yellow) or if their hand is up (around the screen turns red). There are very little directions to each level, which is great at the beginning...however as the levels progress more directions might make it less frustrating to the students. It has a great way of tracking student progress.