Any one using ALEKS long-term? How does it compare w/ other video math programs?

[5wolfcubs]

My never-liked-math 7th grader started ALEKS (http://www.aleks.com/) on Tuesday. She just completed Key to Decimals (and Key to Fractions prior to that). She loves the program...although the novelty will eventually wear off, I'm sure. I'm impressed so far and plan this to be her only math for these last few months of the school year.

I am completely undecided about math for her 8th grade year. I'd like to try Teaching Textbooks for her but she says she doesn't want a video. Her prior video math experiences are DIVE Saxon 5/4 and MUS.

Have any of you used ALEKS as a stand alone program long term? It is expensive...but what are the other drawbacks?

[susie in tx]

My dd used this for a month in January. She really like it, though I think a lot of it was that she could do it on the computer. She tends to like anything she can do on the computer. She hit a wall when she introduced to several new things. The instruction was very standard and if she did not get something correct, then she was given the exact same instruction she had previously been given. This was not working for her, so she was stumped. I figured, for the money, they could come up with at least two ways to introduce topics.

If your dd learns quickly and likes the Aleks, I see no reason to keep on keeping on. I know that there has been some discussion on whether or not it's a complete program, but I'm not sure I would concur with that after looking at the scope and sequence.

I don't know if you know this, but you can use TT without the videos.

[txchick]

My son was doing the Math in Time4learning.com and we found the explanations much better in it than in aleks. Aleks is great but not for introducing new concepts...they lacked in that area only.

T4L I think is expanding into algebra...but currently I think has only pre algebra(8th grade). Its on the pc and offers printables. costs the same as aleks and she can actually do other subjects such as language arts.

HTH

Weve moved to alpha Omega lifepac math and my son is doing very well with it. We may have finally found a presentation he can handle!!!

We are not in the algebra level yet....still working on middle school math. SOS may be another option as well.

HTH

Donna

[5wolfcubs]

Thank you both! I'll have to check on time4learning also! She's still loving it...she did math today, which is Saturday. :eek: