Dreambox Learning
Dreambox
Floyd Brooks
DreamBox Learning is an engaging, adaptive learning online software that targets core mathematical skills for students in grades K-8, making it an awesome online technology tool for blended learning. Dreambox aligns directly with various standards, such as the Common Core Standards. Dreambox will adapt to the mathematical performance of all students. Therefore, the program is very beneficial in classrooms where you may have students performing at various levels. Dreambox has proven to be the kind of program that kids just love to do, all while learning.
Obviously a lot of work was done, and is being done, to make Dreambox into the awesome program that it is today. Your students will keep asking you for more. Students really enjoy the games that are embedded into the software; they will end up learning core skills while playing. The students will develop sound mathematical concepts that will enable them to successfully invent strategies to solve rigorous activities and grasp important mathematical concepts.
Pros:
Adaptive Lessons
While students are engaged in activities, Dreambox will automatically make adjustments to the student’s activities and lessons based on the way in which the student is performing. This adaptive learning is the key behind the differentiated activities that students will be engaged in while using the platform.
Differentiated Instruction
Dreambox is a great program for differentiated learning. Since the program adapts to students' various curricular needs, this will definitely help to supplement daily classroom activities. This is also a great software to identify the mathematical strengths and weaknesses of your students.
Standards Based Activities
The activities presented on Dreambox align to various standards such as the Common Core Standards, Standards of Learning (SOL) for Virginia Public Schools, and so on.
Progress Monitoring and Reporting
Dreambox will track the progress of students and generate excellent reports that details the progress that students are making in relation to the set standards. Additionally, usage reports will be available for monitoring as well. These reports will be available to parents, teachers, schools and district administrators.
Cons:
Minimal Controls
As a teacher, it would be great if I could assign specific activities to students based on the standards that are being covered in the classroom. The point is, we have less than 150 days to cover the standards, and therefore the ability to assign activities based on the standards would be very beneficial.
Missing Standards
Dreambox does not cover all of the required math standards for grade levels. Therefore, Dreambox makes itself more useful as a supplemental tool. Hopefully, as time goes on, they can add activities to address more standards and widen their appeal to justify the cost. Obviously, Dreambox loses a lot of points on my scale right here.
Cost:
Cost may be prohibitive for many potential users:
Home: Individual licenses for each child: $12.95 per month or $59.95 for six months.
Group license for up to four children: $19.95 per month or $99.95 for six months.
Per Student Pricing (25 students minimum):
$25 per student/year.
District/ Schools:
Contact Dreambox for group information.
From the Publisher:
We make math real and relevant, so learners from kindergarten through middle school gain conceptual understanding and the ability to solve real-world problems. It’s a solution driven by a technology that’s as unique as the students and educators who need it, love it, and use it to go to the next level. If you want a K-8 learning experience kids connect to, actionable data and professional development that supports teachers so they can be powerful coaches, and outcomes you’ll be proud to share, there is a partnership solution you can count on. DreamBox works.
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