Does anyone even use Videotext Algebra anymore?

[LolaT]

So I bought Videotext Algebra for my 6th grader last year to do slowly along with RSM G as recommended. RSM G was taking a lot of time and effort and she stopped doing the Algebra which she had been doing independently. Now we are re-assessing for the new school year. We still have more to finish RSM G which is fine, we're going to add some SM 6th grade Extra Practice workbooks for review and extra practice and try to pick up Algebra again.

 

The problem is, I don't remember what I bought and the system is just so convoluted! It's so hard to make sense of the website. I don't remember if I bought the whole Algebra program or one module.  I'm pretty sure I only got the online version. I can't find anything hard copy pertaining to it. Arg.  Does the online access expire? Does anyone even use this curriculum anymore or is it just old and outdated (not the content; just the way it's made available to be used)? Just can't get my mind around it right now. 

[Goldilocks]

I tried using it along with RS G like you with my oldest. He was in 7th. I bought the first few modules used. They were the CD version. The program jumped from pre algebra work into algebra pretty quickly. I had to quit and use a pre algebra course. We never went back to videotext.

[Momto6inIN]

I use it and love it, but we have the print version of Algebra. We did use the online version of Geometry, and I *think* I remember that access was for 2 years? Anyway, their customer service is very responsive and helpful. They could probably help you figure out if you still have access.

[JenneinCA]

I have used it for both my older kids and am using for the younger now. We use the print books and I teach from them. No one likes the videos but I need the well defined lessons.

[Chrysalis Academy]

We're using it now.  We really like it. We're using the online version.  Yes, access is for 2 years, but if you stopped using it and want to restart they will probably give you an extension - just call their customer service, which is excellent. 

 

The scope and sequence isn't traditional, although it covers the material covered in PreAlgebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2.  The first two modules essentially cover PreA - a review of basic operations plus coverage of single-variable equations and word problems using single variables.  Algebra 1 & 2 topics are covered in the remaining modules.  

 

It can be a little tricky to figure out how to find everything on the website, and it can be a little unwieldy, but once we got into a rhythm, it's been pretty painless.

 

My sense is that I wouldn't necessarily have wanted to use this program with a young student as their first exposure to Algebra.  It really focuses on the why behind the computations, on conceptual understanding. I have the sense that this is easier to develop when you have some clue what it is you are learning about in the first place.  For us, this is a revisit of Algebra before moving into Alg.2, and it's really cementing & solidifying understanding. I'm not sure it would have worked so well doing it in 7th grade as a first exposure.  YMMV.

[LolaT]

After finally figuring out what I bought, Online Module A only, I e-mailed them and they did, in fact, re-instate my access. I guess access is only 1 year for Module A. I think I didn't want to commit to anymore than that last year in case it didn't work out.  She really didn't do it enough to give it a fair chance so I would like her to complete it this year as a 7th grader. 

 

I'm still considering if I should get the rest of the program. It does feel a bit pricey for what you get, materials-wise.

 

Is there a Pre-Algebra and Algebra curriculum that is better liked and easier to implement and keep up with?

[fourisenough]

Derek Owens?

[LolaT]

Derek Owens?

Thank you! I hadn't heard of this before. Probably because I'm not that well-acquainted with middle-school curriculum that is out there.

 

This looks easier to follow. At $58/mo for online access, it's definitely more expensive and I'd still have to print out and put the student workbook together. But, I will definitely consider it.

 

 

Any other suggestions?

[deerforest]

 

My sense is that I wouldn't necessarily have wanted to use this program with a young student as their first exposure to Algebra.  It really focuses on the why behind the computations, on conceptual understanding. I have the sense that this is easier to develop when you have some clue what it is you are learning about in the first place.  For us, this is a revisit of Algebra before moving into Alg.2, and it's really cementing & solidifying understanding. I'm not sure it would have worked so well doing it in 7th grade as a first exposure.  YMMV.

 

Do you feel like it's a strong option for a conceptual foundation that doesn't require a discovery-based approach like AoPS? I feel like I am continually searching for the elusive grail of strong conceptual with scaffolding. Do you think it's really a complete Algebra I and II program?

 

We are planning Foerster's Algebra I this year, but it sounds like this might be an option for us in 8th.

[Chrysalis Academy]

Do you feel like it's a strong option for a conceptual foundation that doesn't require a discovery-based approach like AoPS? I feel like I am continually searching for the elusive grail of strong conceptual with scaffolding. Do you think it's really a complete Algebra I and II program?

 

We are planning Foerster's Algebra I this year, but it sounds like this might be an option for us in 8th.

 

Yes, that's it exactly.  You put your finger on it.  It seems to me to offer a very strong conceptual foundation - it really explains why you do what you do, the why behind every single thing, it doesn't rely on any tricks or shortcuts.  Yet it is explicitly spelled out, not discovery-based at all.  I feel like I'm gaining a deeper conceptual understanding, but it doesn't require any mental leaps.  Which works for me, at least! And for dd too, I think.  She enjoyed the more gentle conceptual approach found in the Arbor math books, but the problem was, when she *didn't* discover what she was supposed to, it left her without a way to get from A to B.  Or Z, or wherever.

 

I can't really give you an expert opinion on whether it's "complete" - I have such a hard time figuring out where Alg 1 and 2 end and begin, there seems to be a fair amount of overlap in the middle.  And I don't really know where the line is between Alg 2 and Precalc.  I'm away from home with a slow internet  connection, so i can't look up and post the scope & sequence, but it is available on the website.

[Momto6inIN]

Do you feel like it's a strong option for a conceptual foundation that doesn't require a discovery-based approach like AoPS? I feel like I am continually searching for the elusive grail of strong conceptual with scaffolding. Do you think it's really a complete Algebra I and II program?

 

We are planning Foerster's Algebra I this year, but it sounds like this might be an option for us in 8th.

 

I agree with Rose, that yes it definitely provides a conceptual foundation. I feel like if I'd learned math this way when I was in school, maybe I wouldn't hate it now. :)

 

And I do think it's complete. My DS went through all of Video Text Algebra and what is finished of Video Text Geometry in 2 years. He now is doing AOPS Precalculus and so far so good. I definitely wouldn't skip precalculus after finishing both the programs (as the author says you can), but I feel like it covers Alg I & II very very well.

 

[Haiku]

You could look at TabletClass. It's $100 for the whole year, but it's only $50 if you purchase it in July.

[wehave8]

We are just starting VT Algebra Module A.  Of course being we are only in our 2nd week of school, my son is loving it!  So glad to see good reviews AND from ones who have gone all the way through!  So many times a program is all hyped up at the start, but few finish.  After the LONG lessons in Saxon, VT is so refreshing!!  We actually have time to do extra math games and drills.

 

Pam

[Chrysalis Academy]

Yes, I'd say Pam's point is a real plus - the lessons are short and focused, and the suggestion is that the student do half the exercise problems, and if they get it, move on.  There is a quiz every few lessons and a Unit test so it's easy to make sure that they are getting it, and plenty of extras if they need extra practice.  But each lesson doesn't take very long, so you can supplement with fun stuff, or you can just move through math efficiently, if you have a student that would rather spend time on other things.   For us, with module 1 & 2, which was review, we'd watch 1-3 lessons per day. She did all the quizzes and the Unit tests, but not all the exercises. From here on out (Starting module 3) she will do one lesson a day, plus 15 minutes of Khan Academy or Alcumus, and still get through math in ~ an hour a day. She doesn't want to spend more time than she needs to to master it, she'd rather spend her time reading and writing.  So this efficiency works well for her. She's not a student that would be happy spending hours a day grappling with a lesson.  And that's ok, she spends hours a day grappling with her writing projects.  Not every subject has to be hard.  Math is necessary and important, but not the most important thing for every student. VT lets you move through math lessons effectively and efficiently.

[deerforest]

You guys are selling me on this. Should I bother doing Foerster's first or should I just jump in? You said earlier that you didn't think it was a good first intro to algebra. But, strong conceptual program with small problem sets that you can move on from when mastered is right up DD's alley.

[Chrysalis Academy]

I think you should try it!  I just can't speak from our experience about how it would be for a first exposure, because that's just not been our experience with it, and so far the modules we've covered have been review. But there have been eureka, a-ha moments even there, and i love the ability to tailor the amount of practice to what your student needs. I guess my caveat comes from the fact that I've seen threads where people said they didn't feel like there was enough practice. That has not been our experience, but then, we're not seeing this stuff for the first time.

 

My sense is that if you have a good textbook, like Foersters, in reserve, you are golden, because if she ends up needing more practice, you can always pull out your text.  I think the real test is whether she likes and learns well from the video lectures.  Dd and I really like the video lessons. We like the instructors, we like even their quirks. We like the pithiness. We aren't bothered by the kind of dated feel of the videos.  If a kid hated the videos, it would be a bad fit maybe.  But we like them.  If your dd likes them, I think it will work perfectly for you guys.

[Momto6inIN]

You guys are selling me on this. Should I bother doing Foerster's first or should I just jump in? You said earlier that you didn't think it was a good first intro to algebra. But, strong conceptual program with small problem sets that you can move on from when mastered is right up DD's alley.

My oldest DS had pre-algebra at ps before coming home to hs and went right to VT and did fine, but he is very very mathy and did the whole program in 1 year, so I don't know that his is the typical experience.

 

My 2nd DS came to hs'ing during middle school and we floundered a bit with his math, trying Saxon and MM and Life of Fred without finding anything he really liked. So I threw up my hands and started him on VT and he's done well. He definitely doesn't just "get" math and thrive on it like oldest DS does, and it takes him significantly longer to get through the lessons. We do the lesson, do half the problems, and often we do have to go back and review and do the other half before moving on - mostly because of lack of attention to detail and silly mistakes like forgetting negatives and arithmetic errors and not checking his work. But he's making steady progress and his conceptual understanding is good, which I am easily able to evaluate because I watch the videos right along with him. I think the reason it's taking him longer is because his natural aptitudes and interests are so very different than my oldest DS, not because the VT program isn't good for beginners.

 

Hth!

 

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

[Tea 4 Three]

I struggled a bit with it at first because it was different than how I was taught, but I developed a huge appreciation for it.  I really felt strongly that the conceptual approach was the way to go and we persisted.  After doing Right Start it was a good fit and my kids did really well with it.  Each of them took 2 years to get through it.  We have finished with it and I am ready to sell it if anyone is looking.  I have the DVD version Modules A-F.  PM me if you are interested.

Edited August 19, 2016 by Tea 4 Three

[frogger]

My son finished it. It is good conceptually.He definitely "gets" math, though I can't say how much of that is my son and how much is the Videotext teaching.    My only frustration is that it takes longer than just one Algebra class (expected since it includes Algebra 2 concepts) but he didn't add the Trig into the Geometry program. Most programs mix the Algebra 2 and Trig concepts. I'm going to attempt to just have him do ALEKS for trig concepts and jump into a pre-calc class and hope it works. I'm not sure that every child would want to do that. So just a warning that the sequence and such is different and it looks like he doesn't plan on finishing his geometry/trig program which may throw off your future scheduling.