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Website Review of UCSMP Advanced Algebra
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Prentice Hall Mathematics: UCSMP Advanced Algebra Prentice Hall Contact Information: 1-866-346-7314 or http://www.phschool.com/atschool/ucsmp/adv_algebra/Student_Area/ADV_S_BK_index.html
Grade Level: Ninth - Twelfth Subject Area: Mathematics Reviewed by: Margaret Heath Website Description: The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project
(UCSMP) Advanced Algebra is an interactive hands-on website that allows
students additional example, Internet activities, and self-tests. This website gives students who may need
additional support a place to go that is directly aligned to their textbook
and curriculum. It breaks each chapter
up individually so the students know exactly where to go for different
information. The students are able to
select a chapter they are studying in class.
The chapter selected describes the main objectives of the
chapter. They are then able to pick
where they want to go from there by selecting additional examples, hot links,
Internet activities, or self-tests. In
addition, this website is an excellent resource for students that may be out
of class for an extended period of time.
Accuracy of Content: The information on this
website is extremely accurate. When
the students take the self-test they are able to submit their answers to see
if their answers are correct or incorrect.
If their answers are incorrect, they are given the correct answers,
which are accurate. The content that
is shared on this website can work for a variety of aged students as long as
they are taking or have taken the course.
Since the content is accurate students who have continued in math may
use this website to refresh them of concepts that they are expanding upon in
their current class. Technical Quality: UCSMP Advanced Algebra is
exceptionally easy to use. The
homepage of the website is very easy for student to determine where to go to
get the assistance they need. There is
a Table of Contents listing the chapters from the book with additional
resource material hyperlinks on the side of the page. Once the students select a chapter they are
able to select which hyperlink they want to choose. It is very easy to navigate around the
hyperlinks to take full advantage of the material this website offers. In addition, all of the hyperlinks work
which allows the students not to get distracted or confused. At the same time there are not any sound
effects, which allows students to stay on task while they are taking the
self-tests. There are a few graphics
that were appropriate, but not to many were it
becomes overwhelming. Use of Technology: This website is an
acceptable use of technology. Even
though the students are able to obtain a great deal of information from this
website, it does not provide on overview of each section. It does provide additional examples, but it
does not provide and explanation on how to solve the problems or answers to
those problems. This website only provides
the answers to the self-test problems.
If the UCSMP Advanced Algebra provided a brief clarification on how to
complete the problems, then the students using this site would get that much
more from it. Role of Students: This website allows the
students to take the initiative to go on the site for additional support when
needed. It is meant as supplemental
material to only be used if the student feels it is necessary. If the students feel they do not need the
additional help then they do not need to use the UCSMP Advanced Algebra. Due to this, they are able to work to their
needs and are not constrained by using this website. Role of Teacher: This website gives
teachers a place to suggest their students who are in need of additional
help. Since many students are not able
to stay after school for additional assistance the teacher can tell students
to go to this website for the help they need.
The students then can bring those additional problems to school for
the teacher to review for mistakes if needed. Classroom Usage: UCSMP Advanced Algebra is
a website that teachers can have their students use during class time as a
possible review for a quiz or test.
The class could complete the additional examples and self-tests either
individually, in groups, or as an entire class. Since the computer corrects the self-tests the students can get immediate feedback
without having to rely on the teacher.
The teacher is then able to focus on helping the students with the
problems they do not understand instead of having to correct their work. Critical Summary: This website is easy to
follow, interactive, and educational website for both students and teachers
to use. Having an additional place to
go for problems is important and helpful.
It can be very challenging to create math problems that are meaningful
and work out evenly. Due to this it
makes the website even that more useful for students and teachers. Overall Rating: I give UCSMP Advanced
Algebra a 7.5 out of 10. Explanation of Rating: Even though this website
is useful and easy to follow I feel there are some things that could be
improved upon. Having the answers to
the additional problems would be beneficial for the students. That way the students who completed the
problems can determine if their answers correct or incorrect. In addition, having a short explanation of
how to solve problems from each section might assist the students who really
need the help. At the same time for
students who may be out of class for an extended period of time can try to
keep up with the class to the best of their ability. Even without this information I feel this
website is useful and beneficial for many students. |
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