2008 Woodie Awards
Making the online grade:
University tests computer-based math class
Inga Locke
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
This semester, the Southwest Baptist University math department is testing a new computer-based math class program.
The program, called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces), is being offered this semester to teach a pre-calculus class.
ALEKS is a web-based program that can be accessed from anywhere with internet access.
The program uses adaptive questioning to figure out when a student is struggling and where the student is ready to begin a course.
It then provides the student with problems and explanations to help them fully learn the topic and the program reassess students throughout the course to ensure that the information being learned is also retained.
One of the biggest benefits to the course is that it is individualized and works at the pace of the student.
If a student learns one area faster, the program will work faster through that area but works slower in areas where the student is struggling.
The program offers courses in business, behavioral sciences, math and science.
Some of the courses offered at the higher education level include Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Beginning Algebra, Introduction to Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra with Trigonometry, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Math Prep for Accounting, Introduction to Statistics, Business Statistics, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Math Prep for College Physics and Preparation for Calculus.
Most of the financing for the original program was given by the National Science Foundation.
SBU hopes to continue to use ALEKS and expand the courses that they offer using this program.
The program, called ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces), is being offered this semester to teach a pre-calculus class.
ALEKS is a web-based program that can be accessed from anywhere with internet access.
The program uses adaptive questioning to figure out when a student is struggling and where the student is ready to begin a course.
It then provides the student with problems and explanations to help them fully learn the topic and the program reassess students throughout the course to ensure that the information being learned is also retained.
One of the biggest benefits to the course is that it is individualized and works at the pace of the student.
If a student learns one area faster, the program will work faster through that area but works slower in areas where the student is struggling.
The program offers courses in business, behavioral sciences, math and science.
Some of the courses offered at the higher education level include Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Beginning Algebra, Introduction to Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra with Trigonometry, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Math Prep for Accounting, Introduction to Statistics, Business Statistics, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Math Prep for College Physics and Preparation for Calculus.
Most of the financing for the original program was given by the National Science Foundation.
SBU hopes to continue to use ALEKS and expand the courses that they offer using this program.
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