ALEKS - A math review

Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces

 

What is ALEKS? (from the website) Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. ALEKS courses are very complete in their topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple-choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course she is taking. ALEKS also provides the advantages of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any Web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor. How much does it cost: Free Trial $19.95/month . . . $99.95/6 months . . . $179.95/12 months Family discounts chart Age Ranges: K-12 and Continuing Education  Course Choices Brief Intro Video Our Thoughts: We have tried many math items on the TOS Crew - both in workbook and online formats.  A few my girls have liked; most they have not liked.  Neither daughter cares for math, so it takes a lot to impress them.  :) So what did they think of Aleks?  Well, like so many of the other math programs we have tried, they weren't thrilled with it.  They used the program with less fuss than some of the ones in the past, but they didn't particularly enjoy using it.  But here is the thing.  It worked! Maybe they didn't love it.  Maybe they would groan when I said it was time for math.  But it worked.  They took their assessment and then started to fill their "Pies" one concept at a time.  They would choose any topic, their choice.  Then they would answer the questions.  If they got it right they moved on to more practice.  If they got it wrong, they could ask for an explanation and try again.  After a certain number of correct responses, ALEKS considers the topic mastered and adds it to the "Pie".  Then the student picks another topic of the "Pie".  My girls have reviewed things that they have learned in the past, practiced up on some important skills, and tackled some new topics.  They have gained confidence, working mostly independently, watching their "Pie" grow and grow. I have been happy with the program and happy with the results.  I am pleased to see their confidence, skill, and recollection grow.  Read more reviews. Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge to review, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.