Teaching Tools:  

Study Works includes quizzes, text instruction, a glossary and representational drawings. They also provide links and additional algebra support online. However, the majority of the instruction does not exceed what you would find in a typical textbook. But if you don’t have a textbook and want to brush up on your math skills this product offers a good run through of most math topics.

This program includes a few interactive features including a function that enables students to create their own geometric drawings or lab reports. This feature could be useful if a student or teacher needs an electronic representation of a problem for a presentation or to print and share with the class.

Homework Help:  

In terms of homework help, you have to go to a subject area and look for your topic. For our sample problem 5(2x–8) +24>3(4+2x), we went to the “Inequalities in One Variable” section and looked for a similar problem. But the worksheet tool couldn’t solve the problem or offer advice on how to solve it.

In addition, they relate that they have online homework help, but we found their help pages to be outdated. For example, the Algebra forum has 6193 posts but the most recent is dated May of 2000.

Topics Covered:  

Even though this product consists of a single CD it covers an extensive range of subjects through easy–to–understand text and drawings. In total the program covers ten subjects including, Pre–Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre–calculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, Statistics and Business Math.

In terms of Algebra, it begins with basics like evaluating expressions and ends with complex subjects like logarithmic functions.

Up-to-Datedness:  

This product cannot compete with Microsoft. Study Works homework help pages are outdated and the program does not offer the level of interactivity that kids are used to today. Whereas, Microsoft continually updates their product and MSN Encarta offers new content daily.

Ease of Use/Support:  

This product includes comprehensive inter–program help with step-by-step instructions, online FAQs and email support.

Study Works! Math Complete includes more instruction than many newer programs, but we found their homework pages to be outdated. However, in one disc this program does a thorough job of covering most math topics and does not require an Internet connection.