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A Look at…Marvelous Math Products

By Charles Doe
MultiMedia & Internet@Schools Magazine - 6/1/06

Math, computers, and the Internet make a wonderful combination that seems to be producing better, more effective, and more interesting math educational materials every day. Internet technology--driven by speedy DSL access, increasing flexibility of use, and a large (and growing) potential audience--is providing an exciting forum for the development of some really outstanding math resources.

Many of the Internet-based resources are free. However, the very best require a monthly or yearly subscription fee. These paid programs--generally the most developed and the most sophisticated--offer the most features, especially for less-savvy Internet users. These programs range from math tools to tutorial services to "courseware" (basically, material intended to take the place of math textbooks). Some of the programs are very narrow in scope; some are huge packages.

High-speed DSL Internet access powers a host of ever-evolving features, including audio, video, real-time communications through audio or chat rooms, virtual whiteboards that can interact with computer programs, and much more. The Internet can provide realtime access to a math tutor across the country; it can also provide enormous space forstoring resources to be used as needed.

A variety of electronic devices--in addition to calculators and fact-drill electronics--are helpful in math instruction. Interactive whiteboards also offer enormous potential and flexibility for demonstrating math concepts with multimedia in front of a classroom. In the sense that all software or Internet courseware can be used with a whiteboard, all of the programs are "whiteboard-ready." Some programs, however, have been designed or modified to take advantage of the specialtools and possibilities that whiteboards offer.

Unless stated otherwise, all of the software and Web-based material mentioned in this article can be used by an individual or in a small group, large group, or a computer lab situation. As might be expected, most of the programs available today make a serious effort to meet state and national standards.

This is intended to be a survey of some of the possibilities in this category; it is not a comprehensive review of the category. Many excellent materials may not be mentioned here, and those that are mentioned will not be discussed in great detail.

SMARTHINKING and the Virtual Whiteboard

The SMARTHINKING supplemental online tutor program provides math (and writing) help for grades 6-12. Tutors and students communicate using a text chat environment. A virtual whiteboard is available with acapture function that allows students to copy images of graphs or other material from any computer application to show to the tutor.

Tutoring is available 24 hours a day; students can schedule sessions with specific tutors or submit questions at any time to be answered later. SMARTHINKING also offers a Math Tutoring Package, providing a personalized learning program based on an online skills assessment.

More than 80 percent of the online tutors have an advanced degree in their discipline and average 8 years of teaching experience. All of the tutors have had thorough training from SMARTHINKING and are evaluated regularly for quality and consistency. Most are college faculty, graduate students, high-school teachers, or retired educators.

SMARTHINKING, Inc., (888) 430-7429 or http://www.smarthinking.com.

(Copyright © 2006 MultiMedia & Internet@Schools Magazine)