Math Homework Hotline (Merlot Lab)

There are many times that my students need help with common misconceptions or  just remembering the steps to solving problems. This website allows students to find a resource that explains the process to math problems verbally and visually for a student that may not have access to someone for help.

Math Homework Hotline
Math Homework Hotline Direct Link  (Skipping Merlot)

Quality of Content:

1. Does the software present valid (correct) concepts, models, and skills? 
   Yes. This software shows videos of common problem areas in mathematics with examples of how to solve them correctly.
   
   
2. Does the software present educationally significant concepts, models, and skills for the discipline?
    Yes. This software shows videos of common problem areas in mathematics with examples of how to solve them correctly. The videos show a person solving the problems with step by step directions.
   
   

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:

1. What stage(s) in the learning process/cycle could the materials be used?
1. Explanation or description of the topic/stating the problem
   The videos clearly show a list of commonly mistaken problems.
2. Demonstration of the curriculum/exploration of the problem
   The videos show step-by-step instruction.
3. Practice using the curriculum/analysis of the outcomes from solving the problem
   This could be used as an extra resource for students to revisit while completing practice problems when away from the teacher. 
2. What is(are) the learning objective(s)? What should students be able to do after successfully learning with the materials?
   The objective of this website is to give students a resource to see step by step instructions on how to solve commonly mistaken math problems. The students should be able to solve problems they are having difficulty with, when they need an explanation of how.
3. What are the characteristics of the target learner(s)
   This resource is targeted toward middle level mathematics ranging from 6th grade material through geometry.
4. Does the interactive/media-rich presentation of material improve faculty and students' abilities to teach and learn the materials?
   Yes. It allows the students to have an added resource of explanation outside of the classroom.
5. Can the use of the software be readily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within the discipline?
   The content could be used an alternative way of describing material. However, it may be unnecessary since the videos only show line by line solutions, with very little pictures or manipulatives. 
6. Can the software be used in a variety of ways to achieve teaching and learning goals?
   Yes the website offers instructional videos for many objectives. However, the use of these videos are limited to deductive instructional strategies.
   
   
7. Are the teaching-learning goals easy to identify?
   Yes. The learning goals change by the topics listed. 
   
   
8. Can good learning assignments for using the software application be written easily?
   Yes. A teacher could easily create worksheets and activities that the students could use to practice the math skills explained or to extend the activities to the next level. 

Ease of Use:

1. Are the labels, buttons, menus, text, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct?
   Yes. This website is very easy to navigate.
2. Does the user get trapped in the material?
   No.
3. Can the user get lost easily in the material?
   No. The website is simple and straight to the point.
4. Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses?
   No.
5. Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use?
   No.
6. Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support, and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software?
   No. The website only requires a computer with internet connection.
7. Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students?
   Yes. The website provides a lecture based format that are short in length and provide explanations with examples, similar to the majority of classrooms.
8. Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students?
   Yes. The website used bright colors and a cartoon character to gain the students attention.