StudyWorks! 2003 Math Success

Reviewed by: Hilary Williamson
Published by: MathSoft
Price: $19.99

System Requirements:

PC
Pentium 133+, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/NT 4+, 32 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, Internet for StudyWorks! Online

Description:

When the program is started, two windows are available - the Resource Center and a worksheet window. The Resource Center gives access to lessons and practice problems in: Basic Math & Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry, Precalculus & Trigonometry, Calculus, Business Math and Statistics. There are also a Math Glossary and links to a Tutorial document, Math Games, Homework Help and Study Works Online.

Each topic area in the Resource Center includes lesson explanations, e.g. on Scatter Plots in Statistics or on Limit Theorems in Calculus. These are mostly non-interactive, though there are buttons which cause solutions to problems to be displayed. There are text lessons, examples and practice problems, with some graphics.

I especially liked the sections on 'Math in Your Career' which makes clear the relevance of understanding of basic math concepts to a wide variety of working environments, such as nursing, furniture conservation and robotics. The career description itself is valuable and the explanation of its need for math skills is motivational.

The worksheet window can be used to solve homework problems, write math reports incorporating math symbols and graphs, analyze data, and so on. It has Calculator, Graph, Matrix, Calculus, Boolean and Greek symbol toolbars. Math games include a basic Tetris and Reversi, math puzzles, and interactive activities that demonstrate ideas via hands-on manipulation of images and animation of graphs.

Online Homework Help is available. This requires (currently free) registration to enter an online chat forum for help with math problems. An email address is needed to receive a verification message sent with an initial password. Study Works Online can be used to take online tests. Access to it is again free at present. It requires providing address and phone number as well as an email address, and selecting the test from a catalog (with a zero price). The test I tried was multiple choice and useful feedback was given on errors.

Movement through the information is basic, rather like navigating a sequential set of web pages. However the Home button is handy to bring back the main menu, and there is a very useful search button in the menu bar, that helps to zero in quickly to specific content areas by entering a keyword or selecting from a set of them.

Features:

• Basic Math
• Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II
• Geometry
• Precalculus & Trigonometry
• Calculus
• Business Math
• Statistics
• Worksheet window with math toolbars
• Interactive math games
• Graphic calculator
• Math glossary
• Tip of the Day
• Online 'Test Yourself'
• Live online homework help
• Free online courses for teachers
• 25 page User's Guide

Technical Aspects:

I tried the program on a Pentium IV with Windows XP. I had previously installed Mathsoft's Middle High Mathematics, and no further installation was needed.

The program is accessible to someone with auditory difficulty as material is primarily visual.

Report and Conclusions:

StudyWorks! 2003 Math Success is a very useful resource for study and review of math concepts in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and statistics. Though the material is somewhat in the form of an online textbook, there is some interactivity, and the ability to drag content into the worksheet window (along with the tools to manipulate it there) is powerful.

The program is well priced for the large amount of material. Access to additional (currently free) content online, adds to its value. I recommend it for use in schools or for review at home, by students of all ages. The many 'Math in Career' sections are fascinating and useful in themselves, in giving students ideas on the options available, and the skills needed to get there.