I had the opportunity to review an online math program which was used by my daughter through A+ TutorSoft, Inc.. She is a little behind in math, so we were given access to the online homeschool version of grade 4 math, A+ Interactive Math Online.
The first thing I noticed when trying to access this program is that it doesn't work too well in Google Chrome. I needed to run it in Mozilla Firefox. Once enrolled, my daughter did a lesson or two a day four days a week. She worked through the program from "number sense review" to "fractions." She also did some work with time and money, skipping algebra and geometry. Clicking on the plus sign beside a topic on the left hand side of the screen, the student can see lessons. Once a lesson is clicked on, it shows up in the screen on the right. A female voice reads everything that shows up on the screen. She reads slowly. My daughter didn't like the voice and usually muted it and read the problems to herself. When the practice problems come up, as soon as an answer is chosen, a window pops up with a character in it letting the student know the answer is right or wrong. There is no "submit" button, no second chance.
There are online worksheets, which my daughter did. They show up one problem at a time, and the score is recorded automatically so that I can chart her progress. A cumulative grade report can be printed out. There are also printable worksheets and exams included in the online version.
My daughter says she didn't like the program, but she doesn't like math; so I'm not sure there would be a math program created that she does like. I, however, liked the fact that she could be taught how to do each type of problem and then practice it before doing worksheets or taking an exam. I would like it if she had to hit a "submit" button before entering her answers on the practice problems so that she wouldn't be frustrated or discouraged when it marks her answer wrong. She did have to hit a button to enter her answer on the online worksheets.
A+ TutorSoft, Inc., offers CD (Windows) and online versions of their math programs for grades 1 through 7 and Algebra 1. The CD versions for each grade come in a standard edition for $99.99, a premium edition for $124.99, and an eBook edition for $59.99. The online version is available in three different subscription lengths: 1 month for $19.99, 3 months for $49.99, and a full year for $124.99.
The online version is the most comprehensive version as it does everything the CD versions do but also automatically grades worksheets and tests, generates additional worksheets and tests, gives the ability to review questions and see step-by-step solutions, gives 24/7 access, and more.
A+ TutorSoft, Inc., is offering a 50% special promotion on A+ Interactive Math through the end of March. The coupon code is SPOFFER50.
There is also a free one-month homeschool edition subscription. Try the program for free before buying a subscription or CD.
You can read other reviews of this product by checking out the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.
