COMPUTER SOFTWARE REVIEW
ALGEBRA QUEST
Publisher: Media Quest
Reviewer’s name: Patricia Moriarty (High School Math Teacher)
Target population: Grades 7 - 12
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Algebra Quest provides students with a basic overview of algebraic topics. The eight lessons cover the language of algebra, algebraic expressions, order of operations using parentheses, adding like terms, subtracting like terms, multiplying polynomials and multiplying binomials. Algebra Quest provides introductory material for beginner algebra students and remediation for struggling learners. Although the catalog portrays Algebra Quest as "powerful, in-depth and easy-to-use," this software is less than comprehensive. The program consists of four options: tutorial, main menu, game and glossary. Genie, Ali Gebra is the guide through the eight tutorials. The tutorial lessons are well developed and involve student participation. The last slide of each lesson contains a review of the topic. Once the student finishes the lesson, they can play a game. The games are very short and contain minimal variety. There are two creative game levels; Young Genie in Training or Advanced Djinn. Each game consists of a puzzle containing six pieces (questions). If you get the example correct, a part of a picture is revealed. An incorrect answer leaves part of the picture hidden. The reward for successfully answer all six questions correctly is a quick-time video containing the picture. The glossary provides definitions of algebraic terms, and the main menu allows the student to choose a topic.
CONTENT CLARITY:
The algebraic content is accurate and appropriate for the target population. This software would best serve students in Pre-Algebra or Algebra I courses. The topics cover most basic algebra topics. The software uses some real-life examples to represent algebraic concepts. Recommendations to Media Quest for future versions of Algebra Quest would include more real-life examples, problem solving strategies, and an increased variation of examples within the game. This program does not contain a bank of possible questions to draw from for the games. The same six questions are stagnant within each game puzzle.
TECHNICAL QUALITY:
Accessing the Algebra Quest program is tricky. The directions provided with the software runs the program through the File Manager. Once the student has successfully loaded the software, it is very easy to navigate. The graphics include a floating, talking genie. The mouth of the genie moves in a puppet-like motion. The tutorials provide step-by-step animated explanations and solutions. The graphics, sound, and, animation engage the student and provide important instructional information. The only bug I found was the running the reward quick time videos after solving the puzzle; some of these videos did not play. The video is purely for entertainment value.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY:
Algebra Quest provides a well-organized, introductory tutorial. Students can monitor the pace of the tutorial sessions. The student must click on "next" to continue. The major technological limitations include no auto tracking and no ability for modifications. This software does not contain all the "bells and whistles" found in other software packages. Explanations for incorrect answers are nonexistent. If the student solves the problem correctly he/she will see one of the following messages: "You’ve Got It" or "That’s Right." The only indicator for an incorrect answer is a red circle with a line through it (NOT). The technology would appeal more to a middle-school population than high-school one.
ROLE OF STUDENT:
Algebra Quest is an easy piece of software for students to navigate. The primary purpose of the software is tutorial. Students could use this software at home or in a computer lab for extra practice. If a student is absent from school, this could be a good resource for providing missed material. Since the software has no capacity to track students' progress, it is not an assessment tool. This software would best serve as a tutorial for individual students, not small groups.
ROLE OF TEACHER:
The role of the teacher is very limited. The purpose is for tutorial use only.
CLASSROOM USAGE:
Algebra Quest is a good piece of software to have in a lab for struggling learners. The software is easy to use and provides vocabulary support throughout the lessons. Students have an opportunity to experience success in the "Young Genie in Training" game. I would not recommend this software as a teaching tool.
CRITICAL SUMMARY:
The availability of Algebra Quest in a computer lab would be an asset. The overall presentation is enjoyable, and should hold students' attention. As stated earlier in this review, the primary purpose is tutorial. I would recommend this software for home, noting the limited scope of topics and variation. The software is accurate, easy to use and nonviolent, three very important characteristics.
OVERALL RATING: 7.5 out of 10
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Last revised: August 21, 2002