We had the opportunity to review the online programs Typing Tournament Online and Maths Invaders Online from EdAlive.
This review was a bonus one. We got to review not one, but two fun online programs. Since we are heading around to summer when kids (even moms) are a bit tired of the regular homeschool routine, both programs were well received in our home.
I requested to participate on the review more for the Typing Tournament Online program. Although my children use the computer (mostly for games), they have not had regular and formal typing training. I never took typing in school, so we are just a household full of “peckers”, but we manage to make our way well around the keyboard.
Typing Tournament is an instructional and active game program that teaches typist (players) 10-finger typing. While using the program, students work through lessons/games, drills and tests that help them improve their typing skills.
Before starting the program, we were introduced to proper posture as well as hand placement when using the keyboard. I really like that attention is given to both, because the way you sit and hold your hands can affect your typing speed and experience.
We were able to choose our typing goal, which starts at a speed of 22 WPM and can go as fast as 100 WPM. You can adjust your typing speed goal at any time, so as your skill and confidence grows, you are not held back.
The lessons do test your skill, but the speed tests really give you a chance to see your progress. The program is self-paced, so you can skip levels if you are able to pass the tests.
To add more adventure, we were thrust into the Medieval period on a quest (working our way through the lessons). There are three games reflective of that time period in the Typing Tournament program:
Siege
Powder Keg
Dragon Chase
Each game challenged us to practice typing skills we learned from the lessons with challenges of typing bodies of text to locating different keys on the keyboard. Speed is important, but so is accuracy.
The Powder Keg game had us locating the different keys on the keyboard before the keg explodes. While playing the games and having fun, students are reinforcing the typing skills they are learning.
EdAlive recognizes that, although children use electronic devices, they lack correct keyboard skills. Most kids do not use all 10 fingers while playing computer games. Typing Tournament claims to be able to “rewire” the user’s brain and give them “muscle memory and enabling them to type efficiently”. I can see how that would work, especially because of how engaging the program is to use. It is fun and that means your child will want to use it often, so the practice and training become a part of them. I think the presentation was good for River and Lily. The instruction was thorough, but not formal like other typing programs. I think that could be one of the reasons it may work well for helping your teen learn how to type. The gaming aspect is a big plus.
I got lost after Pac Mac with the video game obsession. Now, with children of my own, my interest in video games has still not caught up, But, my children (me too) had a blast (literally) playing Maths Invaders Online.
In this program, Canyon was able to practice his math skills, There are challenges from basic addition all the way to advanced math with fractions, decimals, percentages and more. There is outer space with planets being invaded and you have to save everyone. How do you do it? Well, you guess the math equations correctly and you are able to blast the invaders out of space.
There are three different sections in Maths Invaders Online:
Galactic Campaign – Defend against the Math Invaders that are attacking. You load the weapon with the correct answer to the math equation and shoot at the equation. The attacks come in waves and with each correct answer, your score increases. This game was my favorite.
Space Rescue – Users can compete against other players. We did not use this section that much.
Practice – Users can practice any math functions to improve their skills in a number of areas. I like this section, because students are able to practice a number of combinations of arithmetic, subtraction, multiplication, division and more that will help them in areas where they may struggle.
Maths Invaders Online is a bit addictive, not a curriculum and an online game. All of those facts do not matter, because the game is fun and your children will learn while using it. The mental math challenges in Maths Invaders Online is a great feature. I am all right with my children using screen time with EdAlive.
Fun is all I have to say regarding Typing Tournament Online and Maths Invaders Online. We will definitely be using both programs during the summer months. You may also find me sitting in a corner, blasting my way through one of the levels in Maths Invaders Online; too much fun.
I like how the typing skills you learn in Typing Tournament Online cross over well into the activities you do in Maths Invaders Online.
Both programs are geared towards children, ages five through 15, but children through high school may enjoy the gaming typing challenges and gaming fun.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
You can purchase annual subscriptions to both Typing Tournament Online and Maths Invaders Online. Trials are also available for both to see if your children like the programs. I guarantee they will like both.
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