Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three questions I need answered before I purchase Ko's Journey?
(1) Do my student(s) have access to a computer? (2) Does the computer have speakers or headphones? (3) Is the Internet connection broadband of standard performance?
Can I use Ko's Journey for my primary curriculum?
Ko's Journey may certainly be used as the primary curriculum for a concentrated period (usually taking a couple of weeks) or as a supplemental program used intermittently (once or twice a week) over a couple of months. We have found that students welcome a change to the typical math textbook approach regardless to how you schedule it.
What do I need to implement Ko's Journey?
You need a minimal Internet connection speed of 1.5 Mbps and a common web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari. You may also need to download a free Flash player from Adobe (www.adobe.com).
What are the main features?
- 15-hour curriculum of core middle school math embedded in rich story
- Guarantee_seal Easy on-line set-up and administration
- Automatically tracks student progress and assignments
- Aligned with NCTM standards
- Excellent preparation for state testing (includes pre and post tests)
- Interactive learning environment with peer teaching
- Creative tool aimed at addressing emotional resistance to math
- Empower students comprehension of fundamental concepts
Most math games target boys. What about girls struggling in math?
Ko’s Journey was specifically designed to consider both boys..and girls. In our test groups, girls in particular have responded positively to story-line and character development that helps build a thematic relationship to the content material.
How does Ko's Journey play?
Ko's Journey plays directly through the web. Like any web-based software application, it does require download time. Rather than downloading all at once, Ko's Journey will download as your student(s) play.
What about a CD?
Ko's Journey is web-based technology that plays directly in common web browsers and does not require a CD to play.
What is a normal waiting time for my student(s)?
Once your student(s) click on the "Launch Game" button their wait will average 3-5 minutes. This will occur periodically throughout the game as new phases are loaded. Slower Internet connections may take longer and faster connections may take less than 1 minute. This timing is normal and should be expected for this type of application. Load times are a perfect break for students to complete their practice lessons or tests.
How do I know how fast my Internet speed is?
Go to www.speedtest.net and test your computer. Internet speeds currently vary anywhere between 0.5 Mbps to 50 Mbps! You will need a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps to play Ko's Journey. The faster the Internet speed the faster the download time.
Do my students need headphones?
Ko's Journey incorporates audio dialogue. We recommend headphones in order avoid distractions and immerse each individual student deeper into the story. However, speakers will work as well.
Why does Ko’s Journey appear to be at a slower pace than other math games?
So many math games today are about speed and ultimately entertainment. Some can even over-stimulate the mind of a student. Think of Ko’s Journey as more of an interactive story that purposely slows down the game pace to allow for imagination and mathematical thinking to arise.
What math does Ko's Journey cover?
Ko's Journey covers the core concepts in middle-school math, comprising about 20% of a comprehensive curriculum. By going deep into a set of approximately 10 main areas of learning, students gain a rich, contextual understanding of essential concepts including number lines, fractions with non-common denominators, multiplication, division, rounding, percentage of numbers, applying scales, graphing comprehension, linear equations, Cartesian coordinate mapping, area of a circle, ratios, determining unknown variables, volume, complementary/supplementary angles, slope, addition/subtraction of decimals, multi-step problems and conversion of units of measure. Please see Math Content for more information.
Does Ko's Journey align with national learning standards?
Yes, Ko's Journey aligns with 25 NCTM standards. Please see Math Content for more information.
Any suggestions for how to introduce Ko's Journey to my student(s)?
An easy way for teachers to introduce students to the game is to watch the original classroom video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnLoo4E94zE. Like any good story, engagement is based on the introduction. Creating curiosity about the new math curriculum is a way to enhance your student's level of participation and interest.
How do I set up my class?
Every piece of the architecture, from how you purchase Ko's Journey to its type of delivery was set up for simplicity in the classroom. Each class is given a unique URL. For example, mrdavisclassroom.kosjourney.com. From there, you simply set up your student roster and usernames and passwords are automatically assigned. With this information, students are ready to play!
Is this a plug and play application?
Ko's Journey is simple to set up and administer. However, students will need help with some of the math equations, so the teacher's role is crucial. On the first two days of classroom use, it's a very good idea to schedule additional help in the form of tutors, teachers' aides or volunteers.
