GCSE Bitesize Revision: Maths (UK Version)

Requires: Pentium 75, Win 95/98, 16 MB RAM, 4xCD-ROM

Description:

This program is intended to help students get through their Maths GCSE exam, by presenting revision material in 'piranha bitesize' chunks that are easy to digest. Start by listening to a brief 'Show Me' explanation from Tim Vincent on how to make use of the program. Then sign in and indicate which GCSE Tier you have entered for - Foundation or Intermediate. If you want structured breaks in study sessions, select Session Timer in Options.

The main screen shows a list of ten Maths topics: Using Number; Percentages and Fractions; Measuring; Shape and Space; Using Graphs; Data Handling; Algebra 1-3; and Probability. The orange Jump Bar at the left (a thin vertical line) expands to show a set of tools: Progress reports, Internet, Bookmark (continue from last study spot), Survival Guide, Options, Search, Calculator and Notebook. Listen to Tim's common sense advice in the Survival Guide. He covers topics like Beating Stress, Surviving Exam Day and Getting the Marks You Deserve. The calculator can be very useful, though some Topic Check questions ask that it not be used.

Look over the topics in the Contents screen and get started. Each Topic has Bites in different categories: Introductions, Fact Zones, Topic Checks, an Exam Question and Revision Bites. Go through them in any order. If unsure, take the Topic Check to find out what you already do and don't know about this topic, and add Revision Links for weaker areas to your Hit List. Fact Zones are presented with interactive explanations. Students can hide information while they check their knowledge and then reveal it to see if they were right. Text buttons can be used to highlight parts of pictures that relate to the material, e.g. different parts of a graph. When you have mastered the topic, answer a sample exam question and then compare your answer with that of an expert.

Features:

• 10 Math Topics
• Over 900 questions
• Over 100 interactive modules
• Multiple user support
• Password protection
• Progress reports
• 5 full exam papers
• Link to Bitesize website
• 22 page Guide (jewel case)
• Full User Guide on CD
• Networkable

Technical Aspects:

This would be suitable for someone with auditory difficulty as most of the information is visual. However they would miss much of the Survival Guide, some audio introductions and Tim's encouraging comments at startup.

Report and Conclusions:

I liked the ability to test your knowledge and then iterate between revision and further spot checks. Provision of real sample exam questions helps to give a student confidence in their knowledge and abilities, as does the ongoing encouragement and 'Survival Guide' advice from Tim Vincent. Overall GCSE Bitesize Revision: Maths is an excellent tool for the student who is motivated to prepare for Maths exams.