Aha!Math
Posted by LisaHill - 21/12/09 at 02:12 pm
Subject Matter: Math
Grades: Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Well Designed Online Supplemental Curriculum
There are many supplemental programs to reinforce content material. For elementary students, it is essential they have a strong foundation in math. Yet, students don’t learn in one fashion. My son is a visual learner. He’s good in Math, but when he started word problems, he had a difficult time in elementary school. With Aha!Math, Learning.com provides multiple avenues to tackle a wide variety of math topics.
Aha!Math provides a balance of procedural fluency along with conceptual understanding. The program offers more than just fact recall.
Teacher Introduces Activity
Each topic incorporates multiple activities providing students various avenues to learn material (Instruction, Games, Activities, Lessons, Journal, and Quizzes). All students learn differently, and Aha!Math provides unique resources to handle their demands. Each teacher has the flexibility to decide the path status for each student. And once the school system, or the individual teacher signs up, they have access to the whole curriculum, not just selected parts.
Teachers present the topic concepts, then can decide on having the entire class participate in the lesson, complete them in groups, or be available for one-on-one intensive tutoring. And if instructors need to transfer to teaching different grade levels, this material has been used for professional development and review.
Good Resource for Special Education and ESL
Each topic provides different lessons that allows teachers the flexibility for their classroom dynamics. It’s not uncommon to have ESL students in classrooms, and due to language constrainsts, have a difficult time keeping up with the class. Or, as with my son, students may have test anxiety and need extra practice to improve their confidence and test-taking skills. Many teachers also have special education students, who need a little more time, or assistance with material.
Inquiry Based Approach
Whether the students are learning by reading the material, playing games, or completing the activities the topics focus on an inquiry based approach. One interesting point is that at each grade level, individual student understanding is challenged at increased levels. For K-2 students, if they miss two or more times, then they are required to repeat the material. Older students, however, earn points, yet if they make too many mistakes, they start losing points.
Each topic provides primary and secondary objective, estimated completion time, and teacher reports. There are 19 topic units with 400 separate curriculum. Teachers can also add their own lesson plans within various topics.
New Additions
Currently, Aha!Math is aligned to 20 states, and by Spring 2010 will be aligned to all state standards. In August 2009, different topics will incorporate math journals, enhancing a student’s exposure to word problems. And if a student can explain in writing how they achieved their answer, then they really do understand the material. In addition, the K-2 units will be available in Spanish, and 3-5th grade material will offer ESL English instructions and strategy guides. Teachers are also encouraged to provide content and suggestions.
Crosses Over Into Traditional or Tech Savy Schools
Whether a school is lecture-based, or embraces technology, Aha!Math’s goal is to support the teacher’s and administrative requirements and future expectations. The teacher is the expert, and Aha!Math provides them sound tools.
System Requirements: Mac OS X; Windows 98/2000; web browser (Internet Explorer 6.0, Safari 2.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0); Adobe Flash 7.0; Adobe Reader 7.0, Bandwidth of 64 kb/s per student
Contact: Learning.com
Cost: $120 for Starter Kits w/Teacher Account (1-10 Students); $60 for Expanson Pack (5 Extra Students, includes Starter Kits); Adaptive Curriculum for Aha!Math (6-8th grade) and EasyTech (K-5th and 6-8th grades) link to Learning.com Store.
