1)
Brief Summary
Mathway is a useful resource for secondary
students looking for answers to various problems including basic math,
pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc.
Literate and mathematical
skills required
Students should be able to use functions and
have a judgement of when to stop trying and seek help. The website is modular,
in the sense that it provides preset functions in a calculator format that
allows students to create their own problem. However, this solution is provided
contingent upon the student formulating and articulating a problem correctly.
One of the primary skills learnt in math is the ability to articulate a
problem, after which solution is relatively straightforward, whether done by
hand, calculator or through a website such as Mathway.
Age Appropriateness
Mathway is appropriate for secondary students,
given that it provides a blend of junior or senior material on math and thus
require a level of understanding of basics, while also refreshing the student
on pre-algebra aspects.
Recommendation
Mathway can be used by students at secondary
level, provided that the students recognize that it is not a comprehensive tool
to learn math. In fact, the best option for students is to learn math by hand
calculations. However, in order to check their work, the students may use this
website as a quick check, without having to wait for school to open next day.
2)
Brief Summary
Khan Academy is a well-developed website
catering to the needs of students intending to learn math, science and many
other subjects at levels ranging from junior to university.
Literate and mathematical
skills required
Students need not have extensive skills in any
field prior to using this site, given that detailed explanations are available
for a wide range of topics. In this regard, the website acts as an encyclopedia
of knowledge and the only skill needed is the ability to read.
Age Appropriateness
Khan Academy is appropriate for students of
all ages, given that it categorizes the subjects based on level of students.
Recommendation
Khan Academy can be used by students wishing
to learn their level and even beyond, since it is a very user friendly website,
with options to go to advanced level of learning if the student desires so.
Brief Summary
Math Playground is a website that introduces
mathematical concepts to younger students (up to Grade 8) in a playful manner.
Literate and mathematical
skills required
Students need not too many literary or
mathematical skills, since the concept here is to be able to learn concepts by
means of small games designed to enhance understanding of concepts.
Age Appropriateness
This website is appropriate for junior
students, given that the content is suited only for up to Grade 8 math.
Recommendation
Since the website is quite slow and provides
links to other sites, with little in the way of original content (with the
exception of some games), it is not recommended that students use this site for
learning. The quality of website is not very good and does not have a serious
feel to it.
Brief Summary
Math.com is a website designed to teach
students up to Grade 8 math concepts, while also directing the student to sites
providing homework help.
Literate and mathematical
skills required
Students need not have any special skills
other than reading skills in order to benefit from this site. The math concepts
are briefly explained using graphical illustrations and a limited number of
concepts are presented.
Age Appropriateness
This website is appropriate for junior
students, given that the content is suited only for up to Grade 8 math. The
website however encourages students to seek homework help, which might hinder
students’ creativity, thus parents must exercise caution before allowing students
to access this site and seek homework help.
Recommendation
This website can be used by students up to
Grade 8, for learning concepts and to an extent seek help with their homework.
Given that the site is for junior students, it might not be a good idea to
present these young minds with too much homework help. The students should
focus more on the encyclopedia aspect of this site, by reading up on topics of
their interest and trying to solve homework problems themselves.
I like your input . I wish you included some pictures. thanks
ReplyDeleteNice blog . Thanks for the valuable input
ReplyDeletemohammed,
ReplyDeletegood resources and good explanations for them. some of your "skills needed" explanations could have used a little more info, but generally good job.
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