DreamBox Learning
Adaptive Technology
Description:
DreamBox Learning is an engaging, adaptive online software that focuses on core mathematical skills for students at the elementary and middle school levels.
Strengths:
- 14 day free trial
- Adapts to individual learners
- Personalizes instruction from intervention through enrichment
- Provides access and equity for ELL's
- Integrates assessment with instruction
- Aligns to state and regional standards
- Standards-aligned data and reporting
- On demand and custom professional development for teachers
- Motivational "game-like" features
- Ipad App
- Parent Dashboard and Progress Reports
- Very engaging at the primary level
Weaknesses:
- Limited graphics (kiddie)
- Lacks student direction/useful explanations
- Can be repetitive
- At the intermediate level kids are "punished"for errors
- School License: $7,000 per year
Added Features:
- Make it more appealing to the middle level grades
- The ability for teachers to assign certain activities based on the standards being covered in class
- More subject areas
Overall Thoughts
After reviewing this adaptive technology, I believe it would be a great resource at the elementary level (K-2). The features do not seem as engaging at the intermediate/middle school level and could be a turn off for the older students. I could see this being an effective supplemental tool, but not a stand alone curriculum. It would be extremely important to spend a significant amount of time testing out the platform during the free trial run before deciding to jump in to this expensive program.