Here are a few specialized tools for you to consider.
In the Nov. 2005 ISTE's Learning and Leading with Technology David Johnson highlights the following intelligent tutorial systems:
Apangea Learning Inc.
"SmartHelp and SmartHelp LIVE! offer 27 tutorial math courses for Grades 5-12. Prices vary, depending on concurrent seat licenses and usage. Annual subscriptions include human tutors online. Alternatively, schools may use their own turos/teachers online."
- SmartHelp
- SmartHelp LIVE! (includes human tutors online)
Apangea Learning
- Professional Development - Free
- Teacher's Toolkit - Free
Carnagie Learning Inc.
Prices vary depending on number of students.
Quantum Simulations Inc.
Math and chemistry modules are available.
Aleks (Grades 3-12)
"ALEKS is a Web-based, individualized learning assistant. Utilizing a sophisticated artificial intelligence engine, ALEKS currently helps people learn a number of subjects in mathematics and business. ALEKS uses its unique, state-of-the-art assessment technology to identify precisely what each individual already knows, and what is now ready to be learned." La Sierra Academy and Elementary are using ALEKS with good success.
Hotmath.com
This service "has tutorial explanations to the odd-numbered homework problems for more than 100 middle school, high school, and college math textbooks. The Web site walks students through problems and reveals step-by-step solutions and hints, which, according to the company, helps students to understand the logic and thought process needed to solve the problem. Topics covered include grades 6-8 algebra, college algebra, geometry, precalculus and calculus, graphing calculators , and math games." (Learning & Leading with Technology, Nov. 2005, p. 45) Hotmath now has affordable video math lessons!
Mathematica CalcCenter 3
This program could possibly be used with 8th grade math and certainly higher. It "solves difficult mathematical p;problems with algebraic solutions, number crunching, data analysis, statistics, plotting, and technical report writing. The software includes 500 function templates, numerical math libraries, alternative suggestions, customized user definitions, conversion between any composite unites, and interface and help features. Graphics options include plot logs, contours, bar charts, density plots and inequality plots. You can use algebraic, linear, and differential equation solving, root finding, and minimum finding.... Runs on Windows 98 or later and Mac OSX." (Learning & Leading with Technology, Nov. 2005, p. 44)
