Aleks Learning

We have really enjoyed our journey as part of the TOS Crew, reviewing products produced specifically to benefit homeschoolers. Occasionally, there is some difficulty for us in reviewing a product. This was the case with Aleks web-based learning system.

We experienced difficulty accessing the program, and after several attempts to correct the problem, I have decided to review what I can access, to help interested parents gain some quick, easy information!

From their site: "ALEKS is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. ALEKS courses are very complete in their topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course she is taking. ALEKS also provides the advantages of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any Web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor."

The concept is great - easy access, fair cost, and freedom to work on your own schedule in your own home.

Things that were cool:
Even though we had "technical difficulties," the first-time response was quick and clear.
When signing up, we received a parent account and a student account. This would make for easier management for mom, to oversee all (in our case, four) students.
Students can work at their own pace, and independently of parent time.
There is a large variety of math instruction available, topically, which would be awesome for hand-picking needed instruction.
No textbooks needed!

$19.95 per student per month

$99.95 per student every six months

$179.95 per student every 12 months

They also offer a free one month trial. And they have family discounts. Please see their website for more information.