This year the laptops have become a crucial component in classrooms, and one way it is being utilized is through the math program, Cognitive Tutor. But is this software really conducive to students and teachers?
The Cognitive Tutor, published by Carnegie Learning, is a program that has two parts: a textbook part and a software part. It consists of application problems on which no mistakes are allowed.
If a problem is done incorrectly, the student may not move on to the next problem of a certain subject until the problem is done correctly. Hints are given if help is needed, and there is a skill meter that evaluates performance.
In the textbook part, there is math work which the students use in class.
There are definitely pros to this program, and Mr. Ryan Haupt especially feels that the software is useful. “I love it. I’ve been using it for the past three years,” Haupt said.
Senior Jessica Howard has used the program. “I hate it,” she said.
Junior Brandon DeFiore agrees. “I don’t like it because I’d rather have a teacher teaching me instead of a software,” he said.
Every student and teacher feels a different way towards the program, because everyone has a different style of learning. Therefore, the verdict is quite mixed.
The software itself is of great use because students can utilize their personal laptop. However, since it is incorporated twice per week it can become tiresome and the students could get confused on the topics being taught.
Cognitive Tutor is open to opinion, but the program is part of the curriculum, and love it or hate it, its going to stay.
