VideoText Interactive Algebra
Developed by: Tom Clark
Publisher: Videotext Interactive
For more information or to order: www.videotext.com
"The word of the day, every day, is why." Tom Clark, the author of VideoText Interactive Algebra, uses these words to explain the underlying philosophy of his algebra curriculum. Not content with teaching shortcuts and tricks, Mr. Clark wants students to understand the mathematical concepts that underlie the study of algebra.
The VideoText Algebra course consists of six modules (A through F) covering Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and Algebra II. A student, doing one lesson every other day, can expect to cover the course in two years. A motivated student can complete the course in one year. (Yes, Algebra I and II in one year - more on that later).
Each VideoText Algebra module contains
· Three videotapes with lessons (one module contains two)
· Course Notes - exactly what's on-screen in the videos, so students don't have to be distracted by taking notes
· Student Worktext, containing objectives for each lesson, a review of important terms, sample problems and exercises.
· Solutions Manual - which has detailed answers to every problem in the student worktext
· Progress Tests - with lesson quizzes, unit tests, and comprehensive tests
· Instructor's Guide, including detailed solutions for the progress tests and some instructor helps.
The course is broken into units (I, II, III...), which may be spread across modules, then parts (A, B, C...), and then lessons (1, 2, 3...), much like an outline.
Each lesson begins by student and parent discussing the objective and concepts for the lesson. The student and parent are encouraged to watch the video together (at least at first), pausing the video when the instructor asks questions to give the student an opportunity to answer (the "interactive" part of VideoText). Once the lesson has been viewed, the student reviews the additional examples in the student worktext and completes the exercises - usually just the even or odd problems. If the student needs to review the video lesson, the Course Notes provide a review of what was covered on the tape. The author recommends that the student check his own work in the Solutions Manual, with the goal of reinforcing the concept by learning from his mistakes. For most lessons, the student takes a quiz the next day, before moving on to the next lesson. At the completion of each unit, the student takes a unit test, and then a comprehensive review of all the previous units.
The teaching videos provide clear illustrations, and show a variety of ways of approaching a problem. The instructors are businesslike without being boring, and animated but not cutesy. The student can work on the course independently, but parents should monitor student progress, and at least at first should sit with their children and "train" them to use the videos interactively.
I had my math-phobic teenager watch one lesson in Module D, explaining exponential notation (a concept I knew was unfamiliar to her). She watched and listened as exponents were explained. When the time came to work sample problems on the video, she said, "Wait! Pause it! I want to figure this out for myself!" Hmmm.... one lesson, new concept, and she's already engaged.
One thing you may notice right away is that there are fewer problems for each lesson than you're accustomed to seeing in a traditional algebra textbook. Exercise sets range from 4-30 problems, with an average of 8-12 problems per lesson. The author advocates doing only half of those problems: "Don't use up all the problems before you find out if you really understand." Because students are learning concepts instead of memorizing mathematical steps, fewer problems are necessary to assess comprehension and reinforce the concept. However, add to the daily exercises the almost-daily quiz of approximately 10 problems, and students are still getting plenty of math practice each day. This approach (a dose of problems one day, another dose the next day) is an excellent way of assessing whether or not the student understood the concept. If he's successful with the exercises but bombs the next-day quiz, chances are the concept went into short-term memory and needs to be reinforced. If he still remembers how to work the problems the next day, the concept was most likely internalized.
Besides the solid instruction, there are a number of features of VideoText Algebra that make it exceptional. Rather than the "spiral" approach to teaching mathematics found in traditional algebra courses, Videotext Interactive uses a "mastery" approach. The difference? With the spiral approach, the same topics are covered year after year, adding a little bit more each year. The goal is to "keep going" - if the student doesn't "get it" this year; perhaps he'll "get it" next year when it's covered again.
With the mastery approach, the goal is for the student to "master" the concept before he moves on. This eliminates the need to cover topics again and again (Algebra I reviews pre-algebra, Algebra II reviews Pre-algebra and Algebra I). VideoText's mastery approach is what makes it possible for a motivated student to complete all 6 modules in one year. The course offers plenty of resources if your student needs to go back and review concepts if needed: If you have your child work only the even or odd problems, you have a built-in second problem set; and the Progress Test book offers two of each quiz, test, and comprehensive review. In the Instructor's Guide, the answer key for comprehensive reviews gives the lesson where the concept was covered, so the student knows exactly where to go back and review. After all that, if your student still doesn't understand the concept, Videotext offers a toll-free number with algebra experts standing by to help.
One thing that really impressed me was the attention given to solving word problems. Word problems are addressed in each unit. The course provides the student a systematic approach to "translating" word problems into mathematical language, sometimes spending just a lesson on "how would you write this in math?" before actually going on to solve the problems.
The program also addresses all three of the learning styles: visual learners see the visual presentation on the video; auditory learners hear the concepts explained; and kinesthetic learners benefit from stopping the tape to respond to questions asked.
The company offers strong support for VideoText Algebra. In his video introduction to the course, Tom Clark gives many suggestions for using the course flexibly with your student. There is a toll-free "help" line that you're encouraged to call any time you have a problem. When I called with questions about the course, I found the staff to be friendly and responsive. The Videotext website offers additional practice exercises for many of the lessons, with more in development, and also progress charts for each of the modules.
The cost of the VideoText course is one thing that gives many homeschool families pause. If you're living on one income, the cost of one module, or three, or even the whole course can seem insurmountable. The first thing to keep in mind is that you're getting both Algebra I and Algebra II when you buy all of the modules. In addition, VideoText is not insensitive to the financial challenges for homeschool families. The course materials are designed so they can be used with multiple students without having to purchase any additional materials. So if you're going to be using the program with more than one child, it decreases the cost. The company also gives permission for you to resell the curriculum when you're finished with it.
The company offers a 30-day 100% guarantee on the first module. If you're not happy with the course, you can return it for a full refund. If you ARE happy with the course, they'll apply the cost of Module A to the cost of a three- module or six-module package. The three-module package price represents a 10% discount on the cost of the individual modules; the six-module price offers a 15% discount. A five-month "payment plan" is also available on the purchase of all six modules.
The "value" of this course relative to the price is somewhat subjective. To a parent with strong higher math skills who's teaching a logical-mathematical student, the price may seem steep compared to buying a textbook program (any old textbook program will do). To a parent without higher math skills who is uncomfortable with teaching algebra, or to any parent teaching a child who has difficulty with math concepts, the value is probably much greater when you take into account the money, gas, and time invested in finding and paying a tutor.
VideoText Algebra is a solid curriculum that will teach your child mathematical concepts and not just mathematical processes. Once your student understands how to use the course, he or she can work independently with minimal parental oversight. The company offers plenty of support to help you be successful. If your family can manage the up-front cost, it's a cost-effective and worthwhile investment.
Making the Grade: A
Cost: $99.95 each module; $269 for three modules; $519 for the complete course
Value for Your Homeschool Dollar: 8
Review provided by Marcy Schaller, homeschool mom of 2
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