Algebra in Simplest Terms by Annenberg Media is a free video series with an optional textbook that covers the topics taught in most college algebra courses. The program is an excellent option for visual learners, as well as for those who simply enjoy learning by watching videos. It's a great program for homeschooling parents to use for their high school children, and it's a nice supplement for those who are in a college math course in college or high school. The program offers 26 half-hour videos covering a variety of college algebra concepts.
The Language of Algebra College Math Videos
Algebra in Simplest Terms begins with a basic understanding of the language of algebra and how it works in people's lives. Host Sol Garfunkel explains how algebra is used to solve real world problems and covers complex algebraic concepts. Utilizing computer animation, real word situations, and narration, the video series keeps the attention of algebra students while imparting important concepts.
The first video in the series, Introduction, explains the problem of negative square roots using the example of electricians working with alternating current. The free video goes on to show a kidney patient who needs shock therapy for a kidney stone. The algebra video explains the importance of the doctors using the correct mathematical formula. The videos do an excellent job of making abstract concepts more concrete by using these kinds of examples throughout the program.
Using Online Algebra Classes for Specific Instruction
The courses do not have to be watched successively. Students may decide they only need extra help in a specific content area. Each of the math videos are conveniently labeled by the content covered. Some of the algebra content includes:
- Exponential Functions
- Logarithmic Functions
- Systems of Equations
- Systems of Linear Inequalities
- Arithmetic Sequences and Series
- Geometric Sequences and Series
- Mathematical Induction
- Permutations and Combinations
Each of the content areas uses concrete examples to illustrate key concepts in college math. For example, the section on Exponential Functions uses the population of Massachusetts, the “learning curve,” bacterial growth, and radioactive decay to demonstrate those concepts. For students who are having difficulty with mathematic comprehension in a specific content area, watching the video in that area may help with comprehension and retention of the material.
Online College Math Coursework in Video Format Benefits Visual Learners
Online college math coursework is beneficial to visual learners. Information about learning styles can help students effectively learn. Learning styles are simply the different ways and approaches students use for acquiring knowledge. Visual learners learn through seeing. Online college math coursework in video format can help visual learner's retentention of the concepts. Visual learners tend to need to see a teacher's body language and facial expressions to fully grasp the content of the lesson. They often prefer sitting at the front of the class. They may think in pictures and learn best by visual display. Because of this, illustrated text books, diagrams, overhead transparencies, flip charts, hand outs and videos are some of the best mediums for learning. Visual learners will grasp the concepts of algebra better if they have a video they can watch and re-watch at their leisure.
Algebra in Simplest Terms covers complex algebraic concepts in a student-friendly way and makes algebra easy to understand. Annenberg Media has gone the extra mile to make their online college math courses professional and useful for high school as well as college students who want to have a better understanding of algebra, and who would benefit from real world application of abstract mathematical concepts.
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Laura Holst - Laura Holst is a substitute teacher and writer. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and is ...
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