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 Prime Time Math – Cliffbound is an engaging production that captivates the viewer with real life dramatic action. This piece of work is in every sense an authentic task. The mathematical focus incorporates the concepts of fractions and ratios. In a true to life simulation two climbers are stranded and need assistance from the rescue team to be saved. Students watch the drama unfold in three acts. Prior to each of the first two acts students are equipped with an information/answer sheet. Following the acts there is a question and answer session in which students are scored individually and as a group. The rescue team carries out their tasks and students are asked to solve a number of math questions pertinent to the rescue. Student participants actually assume the role of rescuers and are challenged to solve ratios and rates utilizing the variables of time, distance, weight and length. This software product is best used having students work in groups of four or as a whole class.

 ACCURACY OF CONTENT

The software’s content is accurate, lifelike and complete. The story line is engaging to all viewers especially those at the middle school level. The math content and the reasoning skills required are appropriate for average to advanced middle level math students. The required reading is limited to a few sentences at a time. It is clear and suitable for middle school students. This production is free of bias towards gender and ethnic orientation. The presentation flows well and the acts are partitioned at appropriate intervals.

The CD Rom installation is easy and straightforward. Prior to viewing the drama presentation, student participants are asked to choose an act and then choose a step. Menu choices include Prepare For Act, Learn Assignment, Watch Video, Answer Round and Break for Homework. Navigation through the software presentation is effortless. As the students conclude a menu selection a check mark emerges to indicate that the segment is complete. The software makes it very easy to replay and review parts of an act while watching the drama. The video and audio are key to making this software the excellent package that it is. The acting is realistic and the camera work is exceptional. Scenes from each act give the student viewer a clear understanding of the circumstances from which the authentic task questions are derived. The student then views the character actors addressing the questions while carrying out the rescue mission. Between acts one and two there is a break from the drama with a well done animated commercial. Homework questions are derived from these two commercials.

 USE OF TECHNOLOGY

The software takes advantage of up to date technology in presenting this product to the student. The video, realistic production, and audio are effective in making this presentation interesting and relevant to the learning of the content material. Modification of this software is not necessary and would be difficult. Teachers are able to follow student progress through class discussions and worksheet evaluation.

 This software is both challenging and empowering. Students will be enticed to solve not only their own assigned problems, but also those of their team members. Group problem solving is also required. The students fill in answers to questions on their answer sheets and enter them on the computer during the answer round. Students should be encouraged to reflect further on related life situations that require similar problem solving techniques.

 ROLE OF TEACHER

The teacher’s role is critical in making this a true learning experience. The teacher will want to brief students regarding the format of this realistic presentation. The Cliffbound manual offers many excellent suggestions to enhance the educational impact of this product. Teachers must make sure that their students have covered prerequisite topics such as equivalent fractions, basic ratios and the understanding of numerical expressions. Student/teacher discussion regarding answer explanations and the role of math in comparable life situations is a suitable closure activity to each act. As this is "interactive group software" the teacher must prepare students for group work and cooperative learning. It is imperative for the teacher to recognize and adjust for student problems promptly.

 CLASSROOM USAGE

Whether students are working in groups of four or as a whole class they must be able to view and hear the presentation with minimal distraction. As this software presentation may take up to several classes to complete the teacher will want to consider arranging the class most optimum for video viewing, discussion, and lecture.

 CRITICAL SUMMARY

This authentic task is well suited to presenting students with real life problem solving. The video is real and engrossing. Students will be captivated by the drama and motivated to solve the math problems as they are presented. This software encourages students to go beyond the math concepts and reflect on other life situations that require the same thought and problems solving techniques as developed in the program.

OVERALL RATING (ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10): 9.5

 EXPLANATION OF RATING

This software package has it all: quality presentation, authentic problem solving and group interaction.

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