Excel Middle School
© 2000 Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
If you look at this multiple-CD package from a value standpoint, it's a great deal. You're getting seven good quality, previously released programs that teach middle school skills and subjects, plus a central study program. It's this main study program that's the weak link, however. Kids sign in and then can choose or search for a specific topic to study. Then they can take a pretest if they want or go directly to the study pages. Pre- and post-tests are all multiple choice, and records are kept. So what's our beef? The study pages are extremely dry, practically devoid of graphics and multimedia. How can you teach science, for instance, without lush photographs and video? On the upside, content is plentiful and effectively covers algebra, grammar, reading comprehension, history, science and geography. The previously released programs included in the package are Math Blaster Algebra, Multimedia Workshop, Math Blaster Pre-Algebra, French for the Real World, Ultimate Word Attack, Spanish for the Real World and Ultimate Speed Reader.
$40, Win, Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: reading, math, history, science, geography, Spanish, French