Math For the Real World

How many times have you heard your children lament, "But why do I have to learn all of this math? I am never going to use this stuff anyway!" We have all heard the cry as parents or teachers. Davidson and Associates has just released a new program called "Math For the Real World." Although I have some serious reservations regarding the layout of the program, the underlying premise is very good. Through the use of the computer, your children can learn for themselves (and not through your nagging) just why they are learning all of this "stuff."

"Math For the Real World" is for children ages ten to fourteen. Your child will become part of a rock band of their own design and choosing. The objective is to travel around the United States, create a "killer" music video and hit the top of the charts. In the process, your child will have to solve problems which relate to the bands' progress. Bills must be calculated properly, costs estimated and compared, expenses tracked and much more. The problems really do make sense in a "real world" way. Most kids dread story problems, but here they make sense and become a part of the game. The better your child is at making decisions and answering the math questions, the quicker the climb to stardom.

Math skills such as percentages, time, money, fractions, decimals and map reading make this program valuable as far as the skills it covers. The questions are selected at random making the game one that your child can return to over and over again. If they are stuck on any question, help is only a mouse click away. A good reference library helps your child work through any problem he does not feel comfortable with. The game automatically monitors and adjusts itself to the child's ability level.

My only concern with this program is one that some of you may not agree with, but I must voice my opinion. Some parents may find parts of this program offensive. The rock and roll backdrop, comments about "karma" and "previous lives" will bother some parents. That was not my main concern however. There was something about this program which seemed to say, "hey, we know you won't learn any other way so let's sugar coat this and make it more palatable." While some would say, "sure, that is exactly what we want!" to me it came across as condescending. I really don't think kids need rock and roll and silliness to want to learn. For a reluctant learner who is highly motivated by MTV and rock music, this program will fit the bill perfectly. Most kids will find it fun. Simply be aware of what you are purchasing if you can relate to any of my concerns.

Grading:

Educational value- ****
Entertainment value- ****
Use of medium- ***
Age- 10-14

This program is, unfortunately, not available. Watch for it on Ebay!