I am a big fan of Aleks (as my screen name would indicate.) Whenever I hear people criticize Aleks, I always wonder what they are comparing it to. Aleks is exceptionally good at figuring out what a particular student knows and then only giving them topics which they are "ready to learn". I do not know of another product that accomplishes this so efficiently. When Aleks is used properly, it is very effective. It is true that students do Aleks on the computer, but the also must have paper and pencil ready and work out the problems as they go. There are no multiple choice questions. As students learn how to figure out new topics on Aleks, they can progress very quickly through the material because they are always doing topics that are appropriate to their ability. One last thought. I don't think that Aleks should be used exclusively throughout the schooling process. I do think that every child would benefit from using at least every three years or so to ensure that they are not missing key ideas as they progress through their schooling. When students have gaps in their knowledge structure, they often pay for it over and over again. (As a high school math teacher, I see it every day.) Mike Mylin aleksmath@gmail.com

I have a 7 year old daughter finishing 2nd grade math and am considering plans for next year. We are currently using Horizons math and I would like to supplement with Aleks. Has anyone used Aleks with children as young as 8 and how did it go? I am a high school math teacher and began using Aleks with my high school students this year. I was shocked by the difference in cost for one of my students at school and for my own child at home. The cost is about 400% more. Do all of the people using Aleks pay $20 a month/$180 a year? Mike

I have seen a lot of computer math programs, most of which I wouldn't consider using ever. I recently began using Aleks with a class of very low level high school Geometry students. For most of them, it has been very successful. For all of them, it was helpful for me to see what their level was, where their strengths and weaknesses were. It was helpful for them to get immediate feedback, hints and explanations. No computer program or website is a cure-all for all kids, but I would suggest starting with Aleks to see if he likes it and is successful with it. I would be happy to share my experience if you would like more information. Mike aleksmath@gmail.com

I have used the textbook integration feature in my Geometry class (High school math teacher). The Aleks site probably explains it better than I can, but I will try anyway. If you use textbook integration (which I recommend) than Aleks restricts the available topics from which a student can select. (Aleks always restricts the choice to the topics that the student is "ready to learn". That continues and the textbook integration further restricts the choice.) Imagine this situation. Aleks may have a course with 200 topics in it. Let's say you are currently working on Chapter 4 of your selected text. Aleks may have identified 20 (of the 200 topics) that are directly related to the study of Chapter 4 in your book. Additionally, there may be 60 topics that "should have been learned to be ready for the 20 new topics." I call those prerequisite topics. That means that as your child is ready to learn them, she/he will have access to any of the 60 prerequisite topics that have not yet been learned and all of the 20 new topics. The other 120 topics that are not either a prerequisite topic for Chapter 4 or not directly related to Chapter 4 content will be unavailable until after the completion of Chapter 4 material. I find that using the textbook integration feature in Aleks helps to gauge if the student is truly on track with the material. The pie chart and percentages also help, but it is nice to know if they have covered all of the Chapter 4 material on time. Hope this helps. Mike aleksmath@gmail.com

As a teacher, I use a somewhat different interface than you do. However, if you can wait until tomorrow, I have found that the Aleks support staff are very prompt in responding to questions. I would suggest emailing them. I think that their address is support@aleks.com. sorry that I can't be more helpful. Mike aleksmath@gmail.com

As a public school math teacher, I have a couple suggestions to consider. First, I think that it is foolish to consider slowing a child down. I think whatever their interest and ability, encourage them to continue learning all that they can. There is plenty of math available to learn and many others have offered good suggestions. One caution that I would offer is that you try to set up your courses so that in his senior year he studies either Calculus AB or Calculus BC or both. I have seen students who complete these courses prior to their senior year, and too many of them end up taking the senior year off as far as math goes. I think that is a mistake. If I were in your shoes, I would let him continue at a natural pace until he finishes Algebra 2 (that would be at the end of 8th grade, I assume). At that point, you have 4 years to complete Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus ABC. I would consider in 9th or 10th grade doing some computer programming (I would check out HTDP.org if you want a free option that is pretty good) and/or Statistics. Perhaps you might find a Discrete Math course that you could do his junior year. In other words, let him work as fast as he can/wants to. Add depth to the curriculum in grades 9-11. Have him complete pre-Calc in 11th and Calculus in 12th. One opinion to add to many others. Mike aleksmath@gmail.com