E-Learning

For this assignment I visited Apex Learning, Inc. and Class.com. At each site, I previewed math units.

At Apex Learning, Inc. I worked through Math Fundamentals, Unit 1. Math Fundamentals is part of the Core Curriculum. Unit 1 addresses basic number concepts. My first problem with this unit was that it did not let me know the grade level of the work. It took me going through several topics before I learned how to navigate through the lesson. Page indicators were small and difficult to read. Also, on one computer screen, the lesson was in a small frame; on another computer I could only view portions of the page. Hopefully problems with the display are addressed. I found the illustrations of the math concepts appropriate and easy to understand. There are workbook pages to print out, which is very nice to have for study away from the computer. Course objectives were clearly defined. I could keep track of my progress through the unit with the sidebar. I liked the activities used to reinforce the math concepts. In the appendix an overview of what is included for each Apex Learning course including “Netiquette guidelines”; I was not able to access these. However, my biggest concern was that mathematical terms and signs were used without being introduced. In particular the sign ¹ was used in an equation without being identified, and the word “equation” was used without being defined. The concept “greater than and less than” was introduced in lesson 1.8. In 1.8.3, the Flash Card Study, the student is asked to choose the correct symbol. However, the symbols are not introduced until lesson 1.9.Based on my experience with this math unit, I would choose to look elsewhere for an instructional unit.

At Class.com, I worked through the unit Pre Algebra 1A. A Welcome Page lets you know what you need to be able to view the lesson. The tab-top design of the site allows easy access to the tools at any time where a glossary and calculator are available. In the lesson itself, new terms are highlighted; all that the student needs to do is move the mouse over the term and it is defined. Every so often there is an audio option, so the student can hear how terms are spoken as well as see them in print. Pop-ups need to be enabled. The lessons are set up in a way that shows how these math concepts are used in the “real world” away from school. I found this unit easy to navigate. Math can frustrate me enough without having to add navigational challenges. The lesson objectives were on the first page; if for some reason you needed to refer back to them you would have to go back page-by-page. There wasn’t a course outline that let you know what you had already done, but it was clearly marked as what you were working on. I took the quizzes. When my answer was incorrect, I was shown the work so I could see where I made my mistake. Based on my experience of this site, I would consider using their lessons.

This exercise clearly shows how important it is to review the content and delivery to be sure that it meets with your expectations and needs.