First In Math

Software Title and Publisher (provide vendor information, URL link) First In Math by Suntex

http://www.firstinmath.com/visitor/visitor-aboutus.asp 

Price: individual or volume licensing information Single Student price is $8.00

Volume discounts as follows:

1 - 249 IDs = $8.00 ea.; 250 - 499 IDs = $7.75 ea.; 500 - 999 IDs = $7.50 ea.; 1,000 - 2,499 IDs = $7.25 ea.; 2,500 - 4,999 IDs = $7.00 ea.; 5,000 - 9,999 IDs = $6.75 ea.; 10,000 - 24,999 IDs = $6.50 ea.; 25,000 - 49,999 IDs = $6.25 ea.; 50,000 and up IDs = $6.00 ea.

Note the type of software. Mathematical Device

Note the target content area. Math

Note any learning standards alignment. This software aligns with the following content strands in the area of math; numbers and operation, algebra, geometry and measurements, and data analysis and probability. Check out their page to see how the program aligns with each content strand.

What kind of documentation or online help (tutorial) is available? How user friendly is the software for the target audience? There is a 4 minute tutorial on the product and there are different pages where you can find information/troubleshoot if necessary.  I was just introduced to this software and it seems very user friendly.  The students seem to understand what is required of them.

Note computer requirements and the Operating System compatibility.

PC Operating Systems:

WINDOWS - all versions:
1. Newest version of Flash Player - version 9 or higher required (version 10 or higher recommended)
2. Will function with: Firefox 3.0 or higher; Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher; Safari 3.0 or higher or Google Chrome.
3. Cookies: Always allow.
4. JavaScript must be enabled.
5. Browser preferences should be set to always load new pages (no page caching)
6. Make sure FIM is a “Trusted Site” in IE (Tools>Internet Options>Security>Trusted Sites>Sites-then add http://www.firstinmath.com)

Macintosh Operating Systems*:

OSX:
1. Newest version of Flash Player - version 9 or higher required (version 10 or higher recommended)
2. Will function with: Safari 3.0 or higher, Firefox 3.0 or higher or Google Chrome
3. Cookies: Always allow (never ask)
4. JavaScript must be enabled
5. Preferences should be set to always load new pages

* Mac OS 8.6/9.2 not recommended - support discontinued by Adobe. May function with some Games supporting Adobe Flash Player 7 or Lower.

Look for additional available resources that might supplement the software. Does it come packaged with lesson ideas? Are online resources available? I did not see anything on lessons but it does come with a pretest/posttest.  It also comes with Three KNOW & SHOW modules provide a unique way for students to experience the type of problems found in standardized tests.

Share an idea or two about how you might use the software in your classroom. How might you integrate the software application? This software could be implemented at anytime in the classroom.  It has a variety of activities and can be used with whatever operation/area of math that is being covered.  I can see this software fitting anywheres into the curriculum at any point.