Excel @ Middle School

by Vivendi Universal

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004T9RR
• Item model number: 71099
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,566 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

From Children's Software Revue® -- "Subscribe Now!"

If you look at this multiple CD package from a value standpoint, it's a great deal. You're getting seven good quality, previously released programs that teach middle school skills and subjects, plus a central study program. It's this main study program that's the weak link, however. Kids sign in and then can choose or search for a specific topic to study. Then they can take a pretest if they want or go directly to the study pages. Pre and posttests are all multiple choice, and records are kept. So what's our beef? The study pages are extremely dry, practically devoid of graphics and multimedia. How can you teach science, for instance, without lush photographs and video? On the upside, content is plentiful and effectively covers algebra, grammar, reading comprehension, history, science and geography. The previously released programs included in the package are Math Blaster Algebra, Multimedia Workshop, Math Blaster Pre-Algebra, French for the Real World, Ultimate Word Attack, Spanish for the Real World and Ultimate Speed Reader.
Teaches: reading, math, history, science, geography, Spanish, French
Age Range: 12-up Copyright © 2000 Children's Software Revue

Amazon.com Review

Cruise ahead of your classmates in any subject you like with Excel @ Middle School. This comprehensive school-prep package won't replace the years you spend in the classroom, but it will make them easier. Four history sections as well as two math, three science, and three English sections cover pretty much everything you'll need to know to succeed in the years before high school. Start out by taking some tests to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, then devise a study plan to follow for as long as you like. Switch back and forth between subjects or focus exclusively on one; either way, you'll improve your performance overall with the general tips and tricks that help you take tests and write papers better.

The graphics are professional and, while not as fun or as far-out as popular video games, they won't distract from the lessons as you progress. Though there's a powerful multimedia encyclopedia included and Web links to help you with new material and ideas for projects, the lessons (especially in history) are surprisingly linear and don't take as much advantage of hypertext as other, similar packages. Still, the information is clearly presented and cohesive, with each self-contained lesson providing means for evaluating your comprehension and progress. The science and math lessons use graphics well to emphasize their points; the animated math tutor is especially helpful. With additional programs to help you read and type faster, build your own multimedia reports, and even pick up a bit of French and Spanish, Excel @ Middle School is a great deal for kids who want to continue learning outside the classroom. --Rob Lightner

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Software for Middle School Students, February 23, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Excel @ Middle School (CD-ROM)

Excel @ Middle School covers almost all the subject in school, and it's a great software for a middle school student to do at home. I personally love this software, you should get it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good value., July 12, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Excel @ Middle School (CD-ROM)

I purchased this six CD set mainly for the six previously released programs. These decent programs include Math Blaster Pre Algebra, but does NOT include Math Blaster Algebra. It is a little annoying that these programs are not on stand-alone CDs. You have to run the main program from the first CD, select the "extra" program and switch the CD when prompted. I am happy with the product, and would buy it again.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excel@Middle School, August 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Excel @ Middle School (CD-ROM)

Very simple/helpful, but with no availability to download product updates, it will (like most other programs) be obsolete within a short time. And apparently Knowledge Adventure has either merged with another company or disappeared almost without a trace, because the company that claims to handle their products is choosing to disavow all Knowledge of this particular item...

Otherwise if you don't mind not being able to get product support then the program seem to be easy to follow & a great refresher too...