VideoText Interactive–Algebra: A Complete Course–a Review

 VideoText Interactive is an interactive math curriculum. Until I received the program to review, I had never heard of VideoText Interactive.  We have been using the Algebra: A Complete Course  (Modules A-F, online version)program.  After using this curriculum for several weeks, I am extremely impressed.  This comprehensive product is the brain child of Tom Clark.  Mr. Clark is a life-long teacher of Mathematics and Science with 46 years experience in education, at all levels, from elementary through adult. We had moved to using several computer based courses this year in our homeschool.  Up till now, I had not implemented a computer based math program as our sole curriculum.  Now, VideoText Interactive is our sole curriculum.  This is the first math program in high school that my kids have actually asked to do each day. The Algebra: A Complete Course  (Modules A-F, online version)program is intended for students who are ready for pre-algebra (this age may vary slightly, but 7th grade up would be typical).  I have been using it with an eighth grader and an eleventh grader.  There is an article, here, about algebra readiness.  It is really helpful in deciding if your child is ready for this program.

     When I received the VideoText Interactive access, there was a little bit of a learning curve for me.  This system is a little different from a traditional video-type mathematics curricula which uses video to supplement textbook material.  With VideoText Interactive, the interactive video is the textbook and print material is the supplement.  We are working our way through the complete algebra program.  When my kids complete the entire program, they will receive a Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 credit.  It does take a little bit of reading and preparation for the parent / teacher to learn the system for VideoText Interactive.  The system is designed so that the teacher / parent is a part of each lesson, not just a bystander.  This unique approach lends itself not only to more interaction between student and teacher / parent but also to more mastery of concepts.

     I spent some time digging through all of the available parent / teacher materials on the website (available with purchase of the course).  There was a ton of information regarding scope and sequence of the course, scheduling, grading, and how to work through the lessons.  I printed materials I needed for myself and my kids, placed them in binders, and we were ready to go. The process is fairly simple.  The kids login and go to whatever lesson they are supposed to work on each day.  If there is a video to watch, they watch the video; if there is an assignment to work on or check, they do that; if there is a quiz or test to take or correct, they do that.  I work through the videos with them, pausing every now and then to ask questions and let them tell me what they are learning about.  One of the materials available with the program is course notes for each lesson. The kids have a printed copy of these and can use them as a reference as they are doing their assignments or for review for quizzes or tests.  I really appreciate how the instructions allow for kids to correct their own assignments, quizzes, etc… using the answer key.  This gives the kids an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.  The videos for each lesson are short enough to not get boring, yet long enough to teach each concept.  There are 2 different versions for quizzes and tests provided.  This allows for retakes if needed (or using one as a review and the other as a test). 

     I am seeing major progress in the area of independence in math work with VideoText Interactive.  My kids using this are in eighth and eleventh grade.  The eleventh grader needed some major review in algebra skills in order to prepare for his ACT.  My eighth grader is at or ahead of her grade level.  It has been fun to watch them help each other out on assignments.  I have my eleventh grader working at a faster pace than my eighth grader. He completes 2 lessons per day (on average).  If it is time for a test / quiz, he usually studies and takes it and corrects it all on the same day.  He is doing a great job with it.  My eighth grader loves the short assignment length and the fact that she can watch a video over if she doesn’t understand something.  If she is still stuck, she reads over the notes, tries to work a problem or two, or asks me for help.  Sometimes, with math, it just takes a different perspective to make a concept click.  They both began the course by studying basic number skills and math language.  Then they progressed to concepts such as greatest common factor, least common multiple, factoring, etc… They have completed the pre-algebra type skills and have moved into the more meaty algebra 1 skills now.  I must say, I thought they would have trouble as they got to these skills, but they have not.  

     The Algebra: A Complete Course covers pre-algebra, algebra 1, and algebra 2. 

     Materials included in the courses are:  

1.  Video Lessons – 5-10 minutes in length each.  Methods presented are easy to follow and understand.

2.  Course Notes – students can view these on screen or print.  The notes follow the video lessons exactly.

3.  Student WorkText – These contain additional review and practice examples of the concepts presented in each video lesson.  Student assignment exercises are also included.

4.  Solutions Manual – detailed, step-by-step solutions for all of the problems found in the WorkText.

5.  Progress Tests – short quizzes and longer tests which are assigned periodically to assess student mastery of concepts.

Pricing for the program we have been using is:

• ONLINE ALGEBRA Modules A-F: Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2 (Classic Print Version – $529.00) ……. $299

($299 pricing reflects licensing for two students. Add an additional student in your family’s household for $49. A student license will last three years from the date it is activated for each student, and instructor accounts may also be turned on for a short period by request for SAT/CLEP prep after a student license has expired. Online Programs have a full 30-day money back guarantee.)

Other delivery options, such as DVD, are available as well as the option to purchase individual modules and extra materials.  Pricing on these items varies and may be found on the website.

To read the reviews from my friends on the Schoolhouse Review Crew, click on the graphic below.