VideoText Algebra vs Chalkdust

[LadyAberlin]

Can anyone compare the two? Which one do you prefer? The pros and cons?
Thanks,
Heather

[Linda in NM]

We looked at both last year; I think that, conceptually, either one is fine. We chose VT--shorter lessons (I can't imagine my son sitting through a 45-minute math lecture), effective practice and assessment. He's 13; he's thriving.

[langfam]

That's my concern about CD...that the lectures can be long. Also, the Larson text looks pretty challenging. Those using CD .....any thoughts?

[Sophia]

because many posters talk about how much their dc like Dana Mosely, but my oldest tends to tune him out:glare:

It probably is the length of the lectures, because the lessons following the longer lectures are the ones he does the worst on.

[Karin]

We watched the samples for both. Dd liked Chalkdust better for Algebra, but VideoText for Gemetry. It had to do with which teacher she preferred, because I'm not teaching her this part of her math! I teach her the thinking/theory behind Algebra (or at least some of it) with Gelfand's, but the only answer key is on Charon's blog and he's not even promoting this first book much anymore because he's into New Math (which is old for me because I did it when I was younger).

[Hoggirl]

I have not seen Videotext, so I cannot comment at all. It would be nice if all of the DVD segments in Chalkdust were more even in length. However, there are not that many that are over 30 minutes (this is from my experience with Pre-Algebra and Algebra I). And, if it is *too* much to watch all of the DVD in one day, it is easy to break it up into sort of section within the sections. I can't think of a specific Algebra example off the top of my head. But, let's say the entire section was about the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions and it was 45 minutes long. It is easy to see where he transitions from one "topic within a topic" on the DVD (like an editing break). So, you could watch the part of the segment that covered addition and subtraction and then stop and actually DO some addition and subtraction and then watch the part on multiplication and division and then DO those types of problems. Goodness, I hope this makes sense. I really like the DVDs for Chalkdust, and it doesn't bother me that *some* of them are long b/c he addresses subtle nuances in different types of problems or appoaches to problems.
Just my $0.02. Like I said, I cannot compare to VT.
All the best with your decision.

[LadyAberlin]

Thanks you for all your replies. So Do you feel that CD and VT are the same as far as what is covered? Do you think that VT really covers prealgebra through preacal between the algebra and geometry programs like they say?

[Beth in Central TX]

It had to do with which teacher she preferred, because I'm not teaching her this part of her math! I teach her the thinking/theory behind Algebra (or at least some of it) with Gelfand's, but the only answer key is on Charon's blog and he's not even promoting this first book much anymore because he's into New Math (which is old for me because I did it when I was younger).

I'm working through Gelfand's Algebra, and the answer key would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

[Michelle in MO]

on Videotext, but I will say that, at least from my perspective, the Chalkdust lectures are not that terribly long---probably no more than 30 minutes. To me, these are somewhat short, since the lectures that are on the DVT's for Lial's Intro. and Intermed. Algebra are very long, and I've had my girls only listen to that portion of the lecture that pertains to the problems they're tackling for those particular days. I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

[Karin]

I'm working through Gelfand's Algebra, and the answer key would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

The web page cannot be found!!! I just went to Myrtle's blog, clicked onto the solutions link and the page cannot be found. I did that because neither of my other links worked. I don't know if he's taken it down, is working on ot or what. But I'm going to find out!

[Martha in NM]

but haven't used any of the regular Chalkdust videos. We did use VT algebra. FWIW, we're finding that the Chalkdust SAT analysis techniques are compatible with the explanations taught in VT. When Mr. Mosely discusses "classroom" vs. "test-taking" strategies, his review of the classroom methods looks familiar.

VT has been a good fit for our family and I have been pleased with the results, but I do think that it's important to have some experience with a traditional textbook approach, so after we finish VT Geometry we'll be looking at Chalkdust or perhaps a community college course for the next step.