Ages 6-99

Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP

System requirements: Pentium processor, sound card, CD-ROM drive, graphics card with a minimum of 256 colours

Mathswiz Level 1

Mathswiz Level 1 is a stimulating teaching aid for training the different areas of mathematics. Using this program, teachers can secure the students' proficiency in all required areas.

The program is designed for use with ages 6-11 as well as for remedial teaching for older children. The exercises are selected in such a way that students will acquire the necessary knowledge to pass preliminary tests in second grade, as well as the national tests in sixth grade.

Contents of the program

Mathswiz Level 1 trains:

• Addition and subtraction.
• Multiplication and division. One table of multiplication at a time, or mixed tables.
• Telling the time. Conversion to and from the 24-hour clock.
• Decimal point positions and the value of the digits. Whole numbers, decimal numbers, fractions and powers.
• Money calculations.
• Conversion of lengths, weights and volumes.
• Basic calculation of percentages. Pictures facilitate the learning process.
• Basic calculation of fractions. Fractions, mixed form, and the connection between vulgar and decimal fractions.
• Basic geometry. Angles, perimeter and surface area.
• Basic calculation of equations. Number scales, thermometers and the system of co-ordinates.

Mathswiz provides progress reports within the different areas and levels, with detailed results statements. The program contains 177 exercises divided into 19 separate areas. More than 5000 questions in total. In addition, teachers can create new exercises or modify existing ones.

This is how it works

In some exercises the students are required to type the answers themselves, in others they can choose between several given answers. Some exercises have to be made within a specified amount of time. The teacher can change the time limit, or remove it entirely. A help text accompanies each exercise.

Teachers can create a list of students, with individual learning programmes for each student. Therefore, the program is very suitable for individualized studies.

After each exercise a student finishes, the result is shown and can be saved in the student's personal result list. Incorrect answers are shown in this list and a bar chart shows how long it took to answer each question. This way of presenting results is well suited as a basis for grading and progress reports according to the portfolio model.

Motivating the students

In order to encourage the students to practise often, they collect points for every correct answer. Every student who has collected a certain amount of points is awarded a bronze diploma. Later on, even a silver and gold diploma can be reached.