To help children learn multiplication and division, parents and educators have many software options. For straightforward instruction about multiplication and division, turn to On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division: Grades 3-4. For children who learn best with music and games, explore Professor Finkle’s Times Table Factory. If you have a child who learns best with others, use GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math Multiplication & Division CD-ROM Learning Game. For those looking for old-fashioned flash cards with an updated look, try Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division. Here’s a closer look at each of these options.

On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division: Grades 3-4 Published on October 5th, 2001

This software is a modernized version of an old-fashioned workbook. There are 30 pages represented as screens, and each starts with instructions and examples that are read aloud. This electronic workbook does an excellent job of explaining how multiplication is the process of adding sets. As children work through the sequential lessons, they will be exposed to single-digit multiplication, double-digit multiplication, regrouping, multiplying with zeros, three-or-more-digit equations, and word problems. The software presents a similar sequence for division. On-Track Software: Multiplication and Division: Grades 3-4 is a good choice for children just learning their times tables because it comes with an excellent explanation on each workbook page, presents sequential lessons, scores each page immediately, and has an extra help option. Periodic games and animations help break up the intensity of the learning.
Summary Age  7 - 9 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $20.00 Category  Math Grade  ISBN  Company  School Zone Interactive (800) 253-0564 http://www.schoolzone.com

Professor Finkle’s Times Table Factory Published on October 5th, 2001

Perfect for the musical learner, this software presents multiplication facts and the underlying concepts in a series of video lessons, games, and songs. Hosted by Professor Finkle, a talented actor who plays numerous roles in this software, the program presents six different games. There is a timed drag-the-solution-type game, a concentration matching game, a “Hear a Joke” game where kids learn the punch line of a joke only after answering a math problem correctly, a “Hear a Story” game where the story unfolds as children answer math problems, a fill in the times tables exercise, and a flash-card type game. This title offers a lot of humor and music as it teaches. It is a good choice for the hesitant learner and for those who learn best in a musical environment.
Summary Age  7 - 11 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $25.00 Category  Math Grade  ISBN  Company  Sing n Learn Software (800) 723-5642 http://www.singandlearn.com

GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math Multiplication & Division CD-ROM Learning Game Published on October 5th, 2001

This new software from Educational Insights offers 56 sequential lessons to learn multiplication and division. Children work through the lessons by dragging answers from a list to the correct questions. Its strength is that it has a two-player option so a child can learn by playing with another. Its weaknesses are that it has no audio component; and the format of the lessons don’t vary much so they can get tedious.
Summary Age  8 - 10 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $25.00 Category  Math Grade  ISBN  Company  Educational Insights http://www.educationalinsights.com

Flash Action Software: Multiplication & Division Published on October 5th, 2001

This software presents old-fashioned flash cards in a snazzy high-tech manner. Kids can drill for accuracy or time, and can compete against another player. Players can choose specific times tables to drill or let the computer mix it up.
Summary Age  6 - 10 Platform  Windows Mac Price  $15.00 Category  Math Grade  ISBN  Company  School Zone Interactive (800) 253-0564 http://www.schoolzone.com

All software is judged on a five star scale by looking at the following five factors: educational, fun, ease of use, value, technical.

Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have questions or comments, please write to: .

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