Algebra VideoText Interactive Review
www.videotext.com

This company makes videotape instruction tapes for Algebra. The have a
homeschooler discount of $10 off making the cost of each module $89.95 and
covers 3 months. There are 6 modules to the complete 2 year program. You
get 176 lessons, course notes, student work text, solutions manual, and
instructor guide with tests. If you purchase a whole year, or the complete
package you get discounts. 

I was sent a sample tape and sample curriculum sheet. First things I
noticed is that the teaching method is thought out but I didn’t like how
the students were not to write down anything while the tape was playing.
It was suggested that students could pause and replay the tape but the
‘notes’ were already written down for them in the book. For those of us
from the old way of learning, you must read it, think it, and write it for
the concept to stick in your mind. I guess that you might find the notes
already sitting in the text helpful if enough practice and assignments
were completed to be assured that the student did in fact have the concept
down pat. Hence why they do have tests included. 

Now, on a positive note the examples, layouts, diagrams, and animations
are excellent for teaching algebra. I was impressed with the 3D version
diagrams teaching x, y, z and polar concepts. The narrator and instructor
have a very pleasing voice to listen to and you don’t get put to sleep
either. With all that in mind, I was expecting a higher quality tape. What
do I mean by that? The tape quality was that of a local access channel and
not a high image quality. Granted you didn’t need it in order to view the
diagrams properly and it didn’t interfere with the instruction, it was
still nonetheless noticeable. Perhaps this is just due to it being a
‘sample’ tape and that these are not returned to them etc.

This program was tested in the public schools and students using it scored
higher then even the honors math class. It can be used with multiple
students with no additional expense but they don’t explain that fully
unless you can reproduce the student text. They have a payment plan and
a referral plan where you can earn free curriculum. Considering that some
parents will never be able or want to teach Algebra, this is one very good
option for you. The price is expensive but spread out the cost of other
programs using a student text, teacher manual, solutions manual and tests
over 2 years and compare. 

To get the homeschool prices you will have to call. Modules are $89.95,
one year package is $259.00 and the complete 2 year program is $489.00 For
this kind of money I would get the sample tape and review the program
yourself. Please do tell them that Home Crusaders sent you. God bless,
Leslie

VideoText Interactive
1-800-897-6181
PO Box 19761
Indianapolis, IN 46226