MyMathLab is the most exciting thing to happen to our preparatory math program in years. I was skeptical at first, wondering how a tool that requires self-motivation and discipline would ever work for our students, particularly since they have nothing to gain by finishing the coursework early; but now that I've been able to compare my computer-mediated sections with traditional lecture-based classes, I am sold. Students are too. My exam averages and course pass rates are up. Students are actively engaged in practicing math, ask more and better questions, and enjoy the learning process. They appreciate the instant feedback and aren't satisfied until they get 100% on the homework assignments. When it comes time to register for the next class, most students who have done both lecture-based and MyMathLab hybrid classes seek out the MyMathLab sections. They feel a real sense of accomplishment because they recognize and can take credit for the role they've played in their success.

Jill Shirley, Cal Poly Pomona

Observations on MyMathLab's effects:

• Students got immediate feedback while doing their homework assignments. If unsuccessful, they received help online through four different modes of learning. They were thus given every opportunity to be 100% successful on every task required on their graded assignment.
• Students rarely asked questions in class over their homework. We used the extra class time to slow down during our lectures and to involve our students in activities that enhanced their learning and problem solving skills.
• There was more time for in-class practice.
• With more free time on hand, and more interactive sessions, our teachers were able to better gage their students’ learning, thus identifying and assisting those who needed help the most.
• Students worked independently on homework. No homework was copied from someone else, as all homework problems in MML are algorithmically generated.  In the past, it was not unusual to see students copying homework from each other during the 10 minutes preceding class time....
• The help online, which was provided to the students while doing homework, was efficient and effective enough to be a good motivator and a good incentive for independent work.
• The students who seem to have benefited the most from MyMathLab were our students with learning disabilities. Their testimonials via e-mail and via personal contact were overwhelmingly positive. Some described MyMathLab as “Simply Awesome!” Some stated that this was their second time through the course, and claimed that if they had had MyMathLab when they took the course the first time, they would have passed the course then.
• Students had more flexibility than in the past in submitting their graded assignments. They were given 3 to 5 days of leeway to do so. However, if they missed the final deadline, they knew that under no circumstances could they get another extension. Very quickly students learned to do and submit their work on time.
• The automated electronic grading and delivery system provided by MyMathLab was outstanding.
• All human errors in the grading of the assignments were eradicated. Not a single complaint was voiced about the grading of the assignments and all grading was consistent from section to section.  
• We had no need for graders in Intermediate Algebra & College Algebra for Fall 2004 and Winter 2005—a cost savings.

Faculty surveyed at University of Missouri, University of Missouri

The reliability of this software is very good.  I also like the quick help I receive when I have problems with this software.  It is easy to use and understand.  It provides students with immediate feedback on their work.  It helps me greatly in the grading and keeping track of student's work.  This can not be overstated since I have many students in my courses.  It helps me to keep organized on my lesson plans.  It helps the students to keep organized on their work that I assign.  This software is great for on-line and lecture classes.

Dr. Mark D. Jacobson, Montana State University Billings

I can spend less time grading and more time helping students. I am excited to see students working the problems over and over until they get them correct. The instant feedback is wonderful. The students are motivated to work the problems correctly because they know that they can attain a perfect score on their assignments. In the process, they are learning the material.

Kirk Trigsted, University of Idaho

At the Polya Center, the software is used primarily for completing homework assignments. Students may select to complete their assignments in a traditional manner, from the textbook, or by using the homework/tutorial utility online. This delivery system has several advantages, chief among them immediate feedback on every question. A single teacher cannot possibly review every problem a student works in the traditional textbook-delivery environment, and feedback is inherently delayed. With the electronic grading process, students get hints, step-by-step help, and positive feedback every time they complete work correctly. This builds momentum and corrects problems before they have a chance to solidify. For most students, completing homework in the online environment is more effective than completing it in a traditional environment.

Theresa Allen, University of Idaho