Problems in each set are unique, so the student won't see the same problem again and again. And each explanation is specific to each missed problem. These two factors makes IXL an online math program that my children enjoyed using. It isn't too easy, and it isn't too hard. It moves them along quickly when they grasp a concept and helps them without leaving them feeling "dumb" when they get a problem wrong.
IXL has multiple choice, fill in the blank, multiple correct answers, word problems, and interactive questions. This is great for students who do not want to see webpage after webpage of the same thing. It also covers a variety of math skills in a variety of formats, and that is a plus when it comes to math. After all, no decent high school math program only has FIB or MC, right? And college math certainly won't be confined to simplistic formats. As a mom to three high schoolers and one middle schooler (and one in college), I find myself thinking all the time about college preparatory course work. IXL fits the bill for our family's needs.
Each student has their own profile page, where they can see how much time they have spent working problems, how many skills they have mastered, which awards they have won, and what kind of progress they've made. I like that my kids can see how they are doing at any given time. I think it provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages them to keep on working hard.
Another aspect of IXL that I really like is that many of the problems sets can be done quickly. So if they only have a few minutes before they have to head out the door, they can still get one or two sets done. And if they have a longer amount of time, they are able to complete more sets with a short break in between each set. And for my older students, they are able to choose a higher level of math where the skills are listed individually. So if there is any area they really want to strengthen, they can do that. If there is something they feel a bit "wobbly" about in regard to upcoming standardized testing, they can focus on that specific need. IXL makes it easy, lends itself easily to success, and allows students to excel in math (hence the name IXL!).
Parents have their own page so that they can check out their child's progress, see how long the child spent working on math, view a pie chart containing mastery of topics, view any missed problems, and even make sure they are meeting state standards (which really does matter in many states). Parents also receive emails detailing student work, so they don't actually have to log into IXL.com to see how each student is doing. For me personally, receiving the emails is just plain nice.
Now let me just say that this is not a program our family would use as a stand-alone math curriculum. I'm not even certain that would be the intent of the program in the first place. But it is a fantastic way to improve any child's math competency in a fun way.
There is a convenient "User Guide" tab located at the top of the home page that answers pretty much any question you might have. I really appreciated this when I first logged in to IXL.com. And honestly, using this website was a breeze. Set up was very easy, and so is our day-to-day use.
Over all, IXL is an easy to use website that really does a great job of making math practice simple and fun. I highly recommend it.
In case you missed it scattered throughout this review, the website is www.IXL.com.
Pricing info is $9.95/month (add additional students for $2/month) OR
$79/year (add additional students for $20).
(Disclaimer ~ I received this product free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this weblog post are solely my own.)
You can read what my other Crew mates had to say HERE
Lord bless you and your family as you enjoy the summertime!
Day 193 done :)
Jan L. Burt
http://www.allthingshomeschool.weebly.com/
http://www.savanasclaycreations.com/
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