Math Wizard Pro (download - 2.2MB)

Math Wizard Pro has a simple interface. It runs on Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Two separate programs for these platforms are included in the download. For Mac OS 9, use "Math Wizard Pro" and for Mac OS X, use "Math Wizard Pro X." The following description shows the Mac OS X interface; the Mac OS 9 interface is simply a solid gray.

When the program is launched, the main setup window appears.

One of Math Wizard Pro's options is to test against a timer. The timer is turned on or off by clicking on the button with the small alarm clock, as below. When you turn on the timer, the button image changes and the timer options appear. Enter a specific time period for the alarm and if desired, click to use sound with the alarm. If sound is not chosen, a pop-up window will appear when the alarm times out.

To set-up a flashcard, make selections in the three rows of buttons. First decide what type of mathematic problem to study (i.e., addition (+), subtraction (-), etc.). Next, decide how many digits should be in each argument of the problem...there is only two (2) arguments in any possible flashcard. Finally, choose the direction of entering the digits of the answer. When children are learning to perform mathematical problems, the Right to Left, or "column mode" is taught. When using Right to Left, press the appropriate number under the right most column first; the cursor jumps to the left of the digit for the next column to the left. The other choice is Left to Right, or "traditional mode," and is great for one (1) or two (2) digit flashcards.

With multiplication and division problems, the number of digits allowed in the arguments is limited to two (2); and, for division problems, the answers are always integer...no decimal math is available in Math Wizard Pro.

A typical flashcard for multiplication and one (1) digit arguments (with Left to Right entry) is shown below.

Every flashcard has automatic score counting built-in. To display the score information, press the scores button when a flashcard is visible. NOTE: scores are not kept once you close a flashcard by pressing the stop button. To hide the scores, simply press the scores button again. Notice in the figure below that an incorrect answer for entered and the check button pressed because the correct answer is given in red text below the answer entry area. The problem was scored incorrect and any future incorrect answers are not additionally counted as incorrect.

If the timer option is turned on, a small progress bar on the flashcard ticks away the seconds allowed for the timer. If the incorrect answer is entered before the timer expires, you are simply given the remaining time to try and answer the problem correctly (although you have been scored incorrect).

Once the timer does expire, the alarm pop-up window appears (and the alarm sounds, if chosen on the main setup window), the timer stops, and the correct same math problem with correct answer is shown in the mini-flashcard. The program remains idle (under the timer operation) until the continue button is pressed, then a new flashcard appears and the timer begins again.

To stop Math Wizard Pro and quit, press the stop button on the current flashcard, then press quit on the main setup window or choose Quit from the programs menu.

One final note, using a timer of one (1) second can create a frantic situation and make it hard to click the stop button on the flashcard...beware, and Good Luck!