WHAT IS VIDEOTEXT?
Recommended by Dr. Jay Wile of Apologia Science as “…truly, the best that I have seen”, VideoText Interactive Math specializes in multi-media programs for middle & high school mathematics (Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calculus). With focus on the ‘why’ behind concepts, video lessons are supported by notes, worktexts, tests, step-by-step solution guides, and a toll-free helpline for additional support. While parents and students are often frightened by the prospect of teaching high school mathematics, VideoText Algebra and Geometry programs are the perfect solution for continuing home education.
Each video lesson is designed to capture and hold the student’s attention for 5-10 minutes, through the use of computer-generated graphics, animation, and color-sequencing, while engaging him or her in the complete development and understanding of concepts. Because of the unique delivery of the VideoText lessons, students can study independently, allowing them to cover and comprehend more material than ever before thought possible.
New online versions of VideoText Algebra and Geometry now also provide families with even more economical and convenient options for mastering our courses! VideoText Online still contains all the elements of our print version, but there are no books or DVDs to keep up with. Nor is there any confusion as to what pages in each book are to be used for a particular lesson, as they will be pulled up automatically. Further, students and instructors can move, without restriction, through the course, looking back, and looking ahead, as necessary.
Visit our website at www.videotext.com to request a FREE sampler DVD and receive information about trial guest access to VideoText Online!
HOW DOES VIDEOTEXT WORK?
1) Developing and Understanding the Concept
In each course, there are approximately 180 video lessons which explore Mathematics concepts in a detailed and logical order. These easy-to-follow presentations may be viewed again and again, in a format which can easily be used in the classroom or independently. During this time, it is best that students not take notes. The student’s attention should not be divided, or important connections may be missed. Everyone should be concentrating on concept development and understanding.
2) Reinforcing the Concept
For each lesson, there are easy-to-read Course Notes, which allow students to review the logical development of the concept in the lesson, and teach the lesson back to someone else. In each course, there are hundreds of pages of notes which replicate content that was viewed in the video lessons. The key here is that students have concentrated on understanding first and now have used the notes to demonstrate understanding.
3) Demonstrating Understanding of the Concept
The Algebra Course contains 10 units, and the Geometry course contains 8 units, all of which are easy to teach because they are sequentially arranged. The Algebra course begins with a comprehensive “reteaching” of Arithmatic concepts that are applicable to Algebraic thinking, and finishes with an exploration of high-level Algebra topics. The Geometry course begins with a comprehensive “reteaching” of basic geometric measurement and logic, and finishes with an investigation of Trigonometric relations. Further, thousands of exercises are included in each course to meet student needs.
Having demonstrated conceptual understanding, students now begin to do some work on their own. The primary benefit of the Student WorkText, besides providing exercises for student work, is that objectives are restated, important terms are reviewed, and additional examples are considered. These examples are explained in significant detail, again taking students
completely through the logic of the concept development process.
4) Checking Student Work for Concept Understanding
Detailed Solutions Manuals provide step-by-step solutions for each and every problem in the Student WorkText. Students now have a powerful tool to personally check the accuracy of their work and their thinking. The instructor now checks only the answers to the exercises. This is important because each student should use the Solutions Manual to personally analyze those exercises which were missed. Students should then be expected to explain to the instructor, or to another student, why the answer to a particular exercise was incorrect.
5) Assessing the Student’s True Conceptual Knowledge
Using a manual of Quizzes, Unit Tests, Cumulative Reviews, and Comprehensive Exams, students will demonstrate true conceptual understanding. There are two versions of each test, allowing for retesting or review. ln addition, an Instructor’s Guide includes detailed solutions, to assist with diagnosis and complete mastery of concepts. With quizzes being provided for nearly every lesson, students will be assessed frequently, as well as being tested comprehensively throughout the course.
HOW DO I KNOW I AM CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAM?
Since the real purpose of studying Algebra is to enable the student to develop the ability to think analytically, we MUST use a program that does more than just teach shortcuts, tricks, rules, and formulas. We MUST ensure that the student really understands the ‘WHY’ behind every process! When you choose your math program, use the checklist below to MAKE SURE you have chosen appropriately:
1) It must be more than just a talking head or writing hand! When video uses computer generated graphics and animation effectively, your students SEE the concepts developed in a way that brings new insight and deeper understanding.
2) It must be fully integrated, with all parts working together! Nothing is more difficult than to work with a program which is a ‘collection’ of independently written lessons, none of which are designed to flow from one to the next.
3) Everything must be included in the price and non-consumable! You certainly don’t want to purchase a program, only to find out you have to pay more for videos, solutions manuals or support.
4) The Solutions Manual must be more than just answers! In mathematics, the solutions manuals MUST show EVERY step of EVERY problem, so that students can troubleshoot any incorrect solution. Error-analysis is a valuable life skill.
5) There must be an unlimited, toll-free help line! Any time instructors come to a hurdle, it is ESSENTIAL that they be able to CALL FOR HELP. Otherwise, that hurdle will turn into a brick wall of discouragement.
6) It must contain a Complete Testing Program! If you expect your students to MASTER Algebra and Geometry concepts, they must be given a short quiz several times a week. This will keep them out of ‘deep water’, and will let you know that they are able to move on. Also, make sure there are two versions of each quiz and test, just in case you have to repeat a lesson and reassess mastery.
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