Reviewer’s name: Rita D. Peretto (Fourth Grade Teacher, Rocky Hill, CT)

Target population: Grades 1-4

Interactive Math Journey promotes math proficiency in a problem-solving environment. Mathematics is used in real-life situations as well as humorous and fanciful situations. Tallycat, the program’s tour guide, assists children to explore the Math Lands in search of the Math Magician. There are ten culturally diverse Math Lands that offer activities to develop skills and concepts. These include pattern and shapes, addition and subtract, measurement, fractions, and multiplication. The first five levels are less difficult than the second five levels. The program offers four sections: Math Tales, Math Explorations, Math Challenges, and Math Songs. These activities are designed to actively involve children in:

* visualizing solutions to problems

* understanding mathematical concepts

* gaining computational skills

* building thinking and reasoning skills

* experimenting with different problem-solving strategies

* developing math confidence

There are some noteworthy features of this program. One is the use of manipulatives as an essential part of learning. Also, the music component is an excellent avenue for helping children learn new concepts. Mat the Mouse is available to offer written and spoken help to the students. For the younger student and struggling student, there is immediate instructional feedback, which fosters independent learning.

This application is appropriate for its target population. The content is easy to read and access. I have some students who could benefit from this program in my fourth grade class. I also believe this program is suited for second and third grade and could be used with advanced first graders. I found the content to be accurate and to address NCTM standards. The students experiment with different problem-solving strategies to develop math confidence. The entertaining characters are free of ethnic or gender bias.

Interactive Math Journey is easy to use. However, a teacher should demonstrate the ten Math Lands during a few sessions. To sign-in, the user can click on the alphabet letters on the screen or use the keyboard. The mouse is essential for navigating this program. Students click on different areas or buttons to play the game. The program makes good use of graphics, sound, and animation. Tallycat, Mat the Mouse, and Pop are functional parts of the program. At the same time, these characters keep the young learner amused.

This program uses technology to enhance the primary-grade students’ learning. It promotes learning through hands-on exploration, music, and play. Interactive Math Journey offers children the opportunity to solve real-life and fantasy problems. There is also the option of student tracking by printing a progress report or saving the information on a disk.

Younger students will feel empowered as they play this game. Children can select any Math Land they chose. This will build math confidence as they master different math skills and concepts. Students can use this application independently or in small groups.

The school edition of the software package includes interlocking cubes and pattern blocks to assist the student in gaining a greater understanding of math skills and concepts. The manipulatives provide an opportunity to reinforce a specific skill or concept that was used with the onscreen manipulative. The manipulatives can used before, during, and after using the application. As mentioned before, the teacher should give a preview of how to use the program before students use it independently. I recommend modeling the various Math Land games at different times depending upon the students’ developmental level.

Interactive Math Journey fits perfectly into the primary-grade classroom. This program can enrich all students’ mathematical learning. The program can be used individually or by a pair of students.

The skills and concepts that are reinforced and mastered in this program align with national standards. This is a wonderful program to use with younger students to promote active learning of math concepts through hands-on activities. I believe active learning is the best way for young children to grasp new math concepts, build problem-solving skills, and think mathematically. Interactive Math Journey promotes active learning.

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