Math Drill Express: Silver Edition is a computer program that drills elementary through middle school math students using the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. According to the creators, the product has the following characteristics:
- Fun to use, easy to operate
- Four learning levels
- Timed problem sets
- Self-correcting answers
- Automatically score results
- Random or ordered problems
- Printable report page
- Printable missed problem page
- Windows and Mac compatible
After launching Math Drill Express, students have the opportunity to customize the look of the program by choosing one of ten designs. Next they enter their name and the date. They are then ready to choose the operation they wish to drill and the level of difficulty. The time limit may also be adjusted, from one to five minutes, and students may choose whether problems appear in a random or orderly manner. Time begins when the student clicks the start button and ends when time runs out or the stop button is clicked. Once the drill is complete, the student can print a results page and a missed problems page.
Even though the graphics are somewhat lacking, Math Drill Express is a good product for what it does, drilling basic math facts. The sound effects can get annoying, but they can be turned off. No information is stored on your computer, so you must record your student's scores yourself if you wish to keep track of progress. This was not a problem for me. The program is very easy for students to use on their own; even early elementary students should have no problem setting up their daily drill and printing their results. My fifth-grade son has enjoyed this product, and I have seen his skill level and speed increase. I will continue to use it with him.
Product review by Karen Ciavolella, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, July 2006
|
