Blog 3.5

The first site, http://www.ixl.com/math/  is a two-tiered website that provides users with free content and also provides a membership option, that gives users more access to the services they offer. The website offers a wide range of material appropriate for varying age groups from Pre-K to Pre-Calculus. The website offers examples for every concepts and also gives an explanation to solutions. Unfortunately, the website doesn’t teach the information well for a non-member. That is, there are no explanations or videos to teach the user how to do the problems before the examples are given.

Because there is a wide range information provided on the website, its difficult to identify specific skills students need to follow the examples. However, there is a steady progression from pre-K until Pre-calculus therefore, students should know the information from the preceding section.

For a student taking pre-calc, the user should the skills taught in the Algebra sections and the geometry section. Specific concepts such as quadratic, parabolas and unit circles are needed to complete this subject, Moreover, users of this website should be adept at using computers as well as be able to understand mathematical symbols.

The interface of the website is pretty straightforward, and for students learning information beyond Algebra 1, it shouldn’t require any supervision or guidance.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this website because they don’t do a good job of teaching the information before providing examples. However, it can still be beneficial for students to do the examples and read the solution afterwards.

The next website, mathplanet.com, is another educational math website. However, in contrast to the previous website, this site doesn’t offer membership and is entirely free. The website has a plethora of videos and examples for subjects ranging from pre algebra to algebra 2 and from geometry to SAT prep. The targeted audience for this website would include high school students and college students taking lower level math classes. This ensures that users are generally adept at using a computer.

Students will have to be able to interpret printed text and numerical concepts. Furthermore, the user should be able to know the information from the preceding sections and the user should be skilled with using a computer.

I would recommend this site because it does as excellent job of actually teaching the concepts rather than just teaching the examples; and the site is appropriate for the targeted audience. Moreover, the website has thorough explanations and videos for the questions supplied. I would also recommend this website because the site is entirely non-profit and doesn’t have ads or operate to gain a profit, which seems admirable.

The next site I chose is certainly the most ubiquitous among all the sites I chose and is probably the most popular supplemental math website on the internet. Khan academy provides material to students, parents and teachers. The website has many interactive sample problems, examples and videos that will aide mathematical development for all age groups. It seems especially helpful for students in high school and for college students taking pre calculus and calculus. Meanwhile, the website also has videos on the website may help college business students because it also has videos on subjects like economics. Moreover, the website also provides supplemental information for a wide range of other subjects such as literature and science.

Students should be have an email address or a social media account for Facebook or a Gmail account. Furthermore, when studying subjects like pre-calc and calc, students should understand Algebra and geometry and consequently, should be able to read printed text and mathematical symbols.

I would recommend Khan academy more for students who want a solid grasp on information or for students who are eager to learn but may not have access to books or teachers/professors. The website could also provide supplemental information for teachers who want to give students more examples or a different method of learning crucial information. Importantly, the website has very specific and nuanced sections for every subject matter, which allows students to get a holistic learning experience.

Finally, http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html , is the final website I would recommend for as a resource to aide math students. Tis webstie seems more appropriate for younger math students, most likely, students from pre-k to students taking pre-algebra. The website provides users with logic and word problems in addition to basic mathematical information. There are different puzzles and popular games such as 2048 and a slew of other problems that makes math extremely interactive and fun for younger demographics. These games will promote spatial awareness, mental math, logical and analytical development.

Students should be able to use a computer, play basic games, read instructions and mathematical symbols.  

The webstie doesn’t require an email address or extra information, which makes it very inclusive to all ages. An adult’s guidance doesn’t seem necessary because many of the games seem very elementary and wouldn’t be disastrous if a younger student encountered a more difficult game. With basic reading skills, a user should be able to find the appropriate section. However, for younger students that haven’t developed these skills, a minimal amount of guidance would be recommended.

I would recommend this site for students who want to interactively practice and foster their math skills. However, I wouldn’t recommend this website for students who are initially trying to learn this information. Certainly, this website still has numerous benefits in aiding mathematical development.