imported>Tassedethe: /* Arithmetic Skills */

2025-06-27T21:54:14Z

Arithmetic Skills

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'''''Compu-Math''''' was a series of [[mathematics]] [[educational software|tutorials]] developed and published by [[Edu-Ware|Edu-Ware Services]] in the 1980s. Each program in the ''Compu-Math'' series begins with a diagnostic Pre-Test, which presents learners with mathematics problems to determine their current skill level in the subject and then recommends the appropriate learning module. Each learning module begins by specifying the instructional objectives for that module and proceeds to teach those specific goals using shaping and cueing methods, and finishes by testing to verify that learners have indeed learned the skills being taught by the module.

After learners progress through all recommended learning modules and successfully solve the minimum number of randomly generated problems, the program provides a Post-Test, so that learners can see how much their mathematics skills have improved.

The ''Compu-Math'' series also provided the learner with controls for modifying the instructional environment, such as a special remedia learner setting, pass/fail levels, and allowable error rate prior to remediation.

==Fractions==
{{Infobox video game
|title = Fractions
|image = [[Image:CompuMath Fractions Screenshot 1.jpg|center|250px|Screenshot from Numerators and Denominators less in ''Compu-Math: Fractions'', 1980.]]
|developer = [[Edu-Ware]]
|publisher = Edu-Ware
|designer = [[Sherwin Steffin]] ([[Instructional design|designer]]) Steven Pederson ([[Game programming|programmer]], 1980 version) [[David Mullich]] ([[Game programming|programmer]], 1982 version)
|series = Compu-Math
|engine = EWS3 (1982 version)
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|1980}}
|genre = [[Mathematics]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Apple II]], [[IBM PC]]
}}

''Compu-Math: Fractions'' was the first program created in the Compu-Math series, being introduced in Edu-Ware's March 1, 1980 catalog. ''Fractions'' six learning modules include tutorials on definitions, common and lowest denominators, fraction addition, fraction subtraction, fraction multiplication, and fraction division. Each module includes the use of both common fractions and mixed numbers.

Originally developed by Edu-Ware founders [[Sherwin Steffin]] and Steven Pederson as a [[text-based]] program, Edu-Ware upgraded it to high-resolution graphics using its EWS3 engine in 1982, renaming it ''Edu-Ware Fractions'', and later, simply ''Fractions''. The program was featured in the company's catalogs until its closure in 1985.
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==Decimals==
{{Infobox video game
|title = Decimals
|image =
|developer = [[Edu-Ware]]
|publisher = Edu-Ware
|designer = [[Sherwin Steffin]] ([[Instructional design|designer]]) [[David Mullich]] [[Game programming|programmer]]
|series = Compu-Math
|engine = EWS3 (1982 version)
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|1980}}
|genre = [[Mathematics]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Apple II]], [[IBM PC]]
}}

''Compu-Math: Decimals'' was the second program created in the Compu-Math series, being introduced in Edu-Ware's August 1, 1980 catalog. ''Decimals'' seven learning modules include tutorials on conversion, addition, subtraction, rounding off, multiplication, division and percentage.

Originally developed by Edu-Ware founder [[Sherwin Steffin]] and programmer [[David Mullich]] as a [[text-based]] program, Edu-Ware upgraded it to hi-res graphics in 1982, renaming it ''Edu-Ware Decimals, and later, simply ''Decimals''. The program was featured in the company's catalogs until its closure in 1985.
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==Arithmetic Skills==
{{Infobox video game
|title = Arithmetic Skills
|image =
|developer = [[Edu-Ware]]
|publisher = Edu-Ware
|designer = [[Sherwin Steffin]]
|series = Compu-Math
|engine = EWS3
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|1980}}
|genre = [[Mathematics]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Apple II]]
}}

''Compu-Math: Arithmetic Skills'' was the third and final program created in the Compu-Math series, being introduced in Edu-Ware's December 1, 1980 catalog. ''Arithmetic Skills'' seven learning modules include tutorials on counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and addition. The program also includes a learner management system for changing the system parameters, instructional parameters, and performance criteria. Originally developed by Edu-Ware founder [[Sherwin Steffin]] as a [[text-based]] program, Edu-Ware upgraded it to hi-res graphics in 1982; however, its name was not changed, unlike the other two product in the series.

The program's documentation put forth its educational model:
* "Instruction should be individually proscribed. ''Arithmetic Skills'' accomplishes this by changing its procedure depending upon the student profile and performance.
* "Instruction should not be text dependent." The program uses graphics so that minimum emphasis is not placed on reading skills.
* "Instruction should use decremented cues." As the student progresses in the program, decreased cues give the learner more self-prompting responsibility.
* "Instruction should use cognitive/motor stimulation." For learners unfamiliar with the keyboard, a graphical hand presses depictions of the keys on the display and a set of visual prompts are set up.
* "Instruction should be a conceptual sequence." The program attempts to achieve learning by building on acquired skills rather than relying on repetition alone.

A 1981 ''Peelings II'' review noted that while the program makes an attempt at applying formal learning theory in a way that is comfortably, easy-paced, and non-intimidating, ''Arithmetic Skills'' "is also devoid of the fun aspect that makes computerized learning human and inspiring. The sole reinforcement is an ever increasing complexity of the problems".<ref name="Peelings">{{cite journal |last=Martellaro |first=John |date=March 1981 |title=Arithmetic Skills |journal=Peelings II |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=9 }}</ref>

The program was featured in the company's catalogs until its closure in 1985.

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite book |title=Product Catalog |date=March 1, 1980 |publisher=Edu-Ware Services }}
* {{cite book |title=Product Catalog |date=August 1, 1980 |publisher=Edu-Ware Services }}
* {{cite book |title=Product Catalog |date=December 1, 1980 |publisher=Edu-Ware Services }}
* {{cite journal |last=Tommervik |first=Allan |date=May 1981 |title=Exec Edu-Ware |journal=Softalk |pages= 4, 6, 19 }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Compu-Math Series}}
[[Category:Edu-Ware educational software]]

Compu-Math - Revision history

imported>Tassedethe: /* Arithmetic Skills */