Parents' Guide to

MathTV.com

By Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Kid-friendly videos support learning, lack interactivity.

Website http://www.mathtv.com/#
MathTV.com Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

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What’s It About?

MATHTV.COM is a math-focused website designed to teach kids math concepts by video. Videos can be sorted by topic, and all topics are listed on the left side of the screen. Each topic contains subtopics, with videos that align to each subtopic. For example, the topic Quadratic Equations includes the following subtopics: Factoring, Square Root Property, Completing the Square, Quadratic Formula, and Quadratic in Form. The subtopic Factoring includes 12 sample problems, and each problem includes at least two video solutions with a different instructor in each video. Most also include a Spanish version of the video solution. Videos can be added to a playlist, and some subtopics include printable worksheets with problems for kids to solve as well as links to interactive tools that illustrate the subtopic.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is a good collection of videos that show how to solve math problems and would make a solid addition to more formal instruction; just don't count on it as a stand-alone teaching resource. Topics have more than one sample problem, and often, a variety of instructors present solutions to the same problem. This is particularly useful if one teacher's instructional style doesn't work for a kid. Many of the topics are rather challenging, so the ability to view stepped-out solutions to multiple problems that cover the same topic is very useful. But it's not perfect. Including opportunities for kids to interact with the site would improve engagement with learners, especially kids who struggle with understanding math concepts. Plus, the constant pushing toward books and book-related videos does start to get old after a while. But, if your kid needs a new take on figuring out a math concept he or she is struggling with in school, MathTV.com could help solve their problems.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the usefulness of watching videos that show how to solve problems rater than reading solutions in a textbook. How effectively do you think this kind of teaching is for people who don't understand math taught in school?

  • Watch the videos with kids and then challenge them to write and solve their own problems. Do you think this is easier or harder to do after watching these videos?

Website Details

  • Subjects: Math: addition, algebra, arithmetic, calculus, division, equations, fractions, functions, geometry, graphing, multiplication, ratio, sequences, subtraction
  • Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: memorization, Self-Direction: academic development, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
  • Genre: Educational
  • Pricing structure: Paid, Free (Videos are free when sorted by topic. Fees apply when sorted by textbooks, which are avaialbe for purchase.)
  • Last updated: April 6, 2020

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