MobiusMath (Website)
[MobiusMath (888) 849-0774]

         MobiusMath's motto is, "Break the memorize-forget cycle by Building Mathematics Fluency." To this end, rich visual interactive models abound in this subscription-based website. Well-designed diagrams and charts demonstrate contextual problems and sequential lessons, and there are valuable skill-building exercises. Pre- and Post-Assessments are used to measure the student's level and ability.
         The website's interface consists of navigation tabs: Dashboard, Workspace, and Classroom. Content is structured using Pyramids that contain Modules (Chapters and Lessons). The student is introduced to the program with the "Explore How Things Work" lesson, a good idea to ensure that s/he knows how to interact and navigate through the menus and screens. Interactive Tool Videos methodically explain concepts, helping the student recognize "facts that you know," then providing guidance on how to solve a problem or equation. Multiple-choice questions follow, to reinforce learning. The program's design and pace, and the abundance of drills and exercises, are well suited to the student in need of intervention or a better understanding of  fundamentals. The curriculum includes Addition, Multiplication, Fraction Basics, Fraction Addition, Decimals and Percents.
         Teacher tools are provided in the Classroom Control Panel for managing various aspects of the classroom. The Guided Lessons option allows the teacher to target concepts in a chapter. Reports can be filtered by Chapter, Module, Assessment and Student.
         MobiusMath is well deserving of this year's BESSIE Award in the Middle School Math Website category.

Success at the Core  (Website)
[Vulcan Productions, (206) 342-2579]

         Success at the Core was envisioned by Vulcan Productions and the Education Development Center as the answer to problems facing many public schools: Effective professional development.  Winner of this year's BESSIE for Professional Development Website, Success at the Core distinguishes itself by achieving excellence in four areas: Content, Video, Design, and Technology.
         The program's Content focuses on the relationship between teachers, students, and administrators, emphasizing the instructional core and leadership. Video illustrates how educators implement best practices and lessons in real time, and provides interviews that complement the narrative. Design anticipates different styles and needs, and can be used by teams or individuals to improve best practice. Technology is an intuitive website which requires minimal hardware, while the multimedia presentation acts as co-facilitator, managing handouts, videos, and questions users will need to answer as they progress to best practice.
         What we liked: Success at the Core is easy to use, relevant to educators, provides very high quality video and production values and, because it's free of charge, offers immense value for instructional development.