By Donald Prickel, MS. for Educational Activities, The Math Map Trip covers a variety of mathematical concepts and map skills: calendar, time, weight, height, linear and liquid measurement, temperature, fractions, area and perimeter, mileage, charts, graphs, and comparisons. Floppy Disk (Macintosh/DOS): $89. CD-ROM (Macintosh): $99.
The areas are presented through the vehicle of "taking a trip" around the United States. Learners "travel" at their own pace. Students select from trips between two major destination cities. Subscreens remediate incorrect answers so that concepts are re-taught in a variety of ways. Students may be computing the distance from Los Angeles to Phoenix, figuring out the weather in New York, the time in Texas or the gas mileage in Chicago. State capitols are also covered.
The basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are reviewed and reinforced. The content of this material is varied and well presented. Covering a wide array of topics in each "trip" keeps the pace lively and each learning segment is designed to take only about 15-25 minutes. Two attempts are given to answer a question and the correct answer given after the second try. Remedial branches are provided after even one incorrect answer, but these branches are engaging with just as many graphics as the main program but with additional hints given, etc.
The difficulty of each trip sequence increases slightly as the trip progresses with graphics and sound effects upon completion. Since students do not see their scores, teachers may choose to use this program motivationally while still being able to monitor concept progress. Flexibility for students to leave a trip and return for later completion continues the low pressure - high interest atmosphere.
Text, funny sounds, and enjoyable animation clips are combined in
the "trip" context. While most of the screens are static text
screens, they are well done and colorfully illustrated. "Reward"
animation and sound clips are provided frequently and enliven the
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User Interface
Ease of Use: The interface is extremely easy to use. Any questions about using a particular segment has specific instructions in the "manual" on the "dashboard" of the car. "Maps" are also provided to click on and see states by region if necessary.
The interface and use of the administrative manager system is
also straightforward. The manager provides rosters and reports by
class and by individual which can be displayed or printed.
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Recommended Use
Audience: Designed for the average population of middle and upper elementary grades, but can be adapted for ESL or more challenged learners. After observing fourth grade students using this program, we note that it may be a challenge to middle grades and maybe better suited to fifth and sixth grades plus. A sixth grader said, "Fun! Good game!", and a fourth grader said, "Too hard" even though scoring well.
Recommendations: I recommend this program for
the overall review of concepts and for the enrichment element
provided. The student users responded favorably to the interface
and style of presentation. A fun way to enjoy working with math
concepts. Well-recommended for the purpose stated.
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Installation Details
System requirements: Macintosh computer with hard drive, 2MB under System 6 (version 6.0.5 or later) with MultiFinder off; 4MB under System 7 (or later) or while using MultiFinder under System 6. Color or Monochrome Monitor. CD-ROM Drive if using CD-ROM version.
Installation: Installation and testing were done on an LCII 8/80 with System 7 operating system and an external CD-ROM drive. The disk containing the management system software is stored on the hard drive and the CD-ROM then loads individual test scores to it. Installation was brief (3-5 minutes) and quite easy.
Product Support: The documentation provides a
good overview of the program and how to use it as well as the
instructional background and objectives. The program comes with
a 50" by 33" map of the U.S. and distribution map samples
(climate, vegetation, minerals, population) for ordering if
desired. The Installation Guide was also very easy to follow.
Calls to the 1-800 number were answered cordially and promptly.
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Other Reviews
Booklist. August,1994.