Math 911–or a Math Rescue

Math is a real nemesis for a couple of my kids.  We are in the Algebra years in our house and that can be very challenging.  We have tried many types of math curricula and there are still topics that the kids have trouble grasping.

     Enter Math911.  This program has been a virtual math rescue for us! Professor Martin Weissman, a math teacher for over 40 years, has developed a no-frills computer based upper math teaching program.  When the disclaimer (pictured at left) says “NO gamelike graphics and NO animation” it means it.  At first glance after installation, I was a little shocked by the look and functionality of this program.  The Math911 website has a similar no-frills look to it, so it gives you a hint as to what the program will look like.  But, I had no idea how it was actually going to operate.

     The Math911 program is almost like a combination of programs we used to use back in the msDos days of computers, and programs we use today on Windows.  It holds true to the disclaimer.  There are definitely no graphics.  The opening screen looks like a chart with assignment topics listed and several choice buttons at the top on either side.  We signed up for the free version first, which is Introductory Algebra.  Once signed up, if you want access to the paid classes, you go through a brief process of paying, receiving access codes, and entering those codes.  Once the codes have been accepted the program opens for all of the classes.  There is no time limit on the classes, kids can operate at their own pace; however, there is a time clock on the screen where the kids are working that shows how long they have been working.

     We have mainly been in Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra.  When my son goes into the program, he selects the lesson he needs to be on and is taken to a page with a problem from that lesson.  He works the problem on paper and enters his answer into the box provided on the screen.  Immediate feedback as to whether or not he was right is given, that is a big plus for him.  Also, on the sidebar is an option for him to see the solution (step by step) or select a new problem.  We have found that if he is confused on a problem, the teaching really comes into play by following the solution through and getting a new problem.  If he gets enough problems right in a level to indicate mastery, he is automatically bumped to the next level for that topic. There are 8 levels for each topic, each progressively more complex.  He doesn’t like the fact that I make him write down his work before he enters an answer; but, I feel it is important for him to know how to write out the process.

     Math911 is making an impact on JT’s Algebra skills.  He is preparing for his ACT, and was weak in integer skills.  The first topic he experienced in Math911 was integers.  He has spent a lot of time on that topic.  There are 4 areas of integer skills with 8 levels for each area, so he has gotten a lot of practice.  Once he demonstrated mastery, we moved on to the Intermediate Algebra.  He is working with inequalities on that subject.  I can’t say it has been easy.  The problems he is working are difficult, but he works through them with the help of seeing problems worked out, and he is grasping the concepts.  He will be moving into a review of integer functions and rational / irrational numbers soon.  This will definitely show me how much he is grasping.

      As for parental feedback, this is not a program with a lot of different passwords, logins, and privacy type features.  It is simply a program that is installed on your computer, the kids do their work, and I can get into it anytime I need to and check progress.  I like that I can track progress easily.  I also like the fact that I can choose a topic or level for James to work in if I am seeing something in his regular math work that he needs help on.  We have been using Math911 as a supplement to our regular curriculum and as a help for ACT preparation.  In this capacity, I can say that it has been an extremely useful program.  It is not the fun “bells-and-whistles” type program that kids are used to nowadays, but it is effective.  It is so much a part of our math routine now that I know we will continue to use it.

     The Introductory Algebra course is available for free through the Math911 website.  If you need other courses, you simply download Introductory Algebra and go through the upgrade process.  The price is currently $49, but, as with all things, prices are subject to change, so I recommend checking the Math911 website for current pricing information. The entire program is available as a download, which can be used on one computer, or as a flash drive which can be used on multiple computers. We have been using the download version. It is recommended for kids 12 and up; however, any student who is academically ready for Introductory Algebra can benefit from the program.  I recommend trying the Introductory Algebra course for a few lessons, then making the decision about whether or not to buy.  Honestly, compared to the curriculum my kids use, Introductory Algebra is more along the lines of mid-year Introductory Algebra or even beginning Algebra 1.  It is very thorough, but I would not use it as a stand alone curriculum.  I think it works very well as a tutoring and supplemental program.  For the price, I don’t think I have ever seen as much helpful math tutoring available all in one place.

     Professor Weissman does a great job of helping kids grasp concepts.  This program works well with kids who are “bottom line” types.  The kids who like all of the extra fluff of game-type programs may be bored a bit, but they can learn from it.  I will tell you that Professor Weissman is excellent at responding to e-mails about customer service type issues.  We had a little issue at the beginning of using Math911 and he was quick to respond and quick to post an update to the program on the website.  I love programs that give the updates free to users. Thank you Professor Weissman for helping me teach the ‘unteachable’ to my son!

     Many of my friends on the Schoolhouse Review Crew have also been using Math911 in their homes. To read their reviews, simply visit our crew blog page.

**Disclaimer:  As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received the complete Math911 program free of charge in exchange for this honest review.  No compensation was received.**