OGT Practice Test:
OGT Practice Desktop Software CD ROM:
OGT Desktop Tutor
OGT Desktop Tutor
by Hollandays Publishing
This software application for personal computers prepares students for all aspects of the Ohio Graduation Test: reading and writing English, mathematics, science and social studies. Like other computer-based aids such as Study Island and IQity, it combines interactivity and stimulating graphics to make OGT test preparation fun, as well as informative.
Once the CD is loaded in the computer, users enter their names and then click on the About Desktop Tutor button for background information and instructions for using the program effectively. There are separate instructions for students and teachers.
Then it’s a matter of choosing test or practice mode and launching into the activity. Desktop’s home page features brightly colored icons and a wealth of choices. Users select the academic subject and a “rewards” icon then enter the exercise, which is made up of multiple-choice, short answer and extended response questions. The “rewards” mode is a lighthearted way to bolster users when they click on the right answers to multiple-choice questions. Example: choosing the “sports” icon gives the user a round of applause (yes, there’s sound with the program) and a sports equipment picture whenever a question is answered correctly. Other “reward” choices include driving, music and work and money. Users can check their answers by clicking on the bell icon. The book bag icon exits the program.
Individual exercises can be printed out for teacher convenience. Once an exercise is finished and the user exits the program, a summary of correct and incorrect answers is provided. Because a user enters his or her name to start the exercise, one CD can be used by multiple people.
OGT Desktop Tutor
Editors’ Review:
OGT Desktop Tutor
Pluses – Like Study Island and IQity, Desktop Tutor turns study time into a video game with instant feedback when questions are answered correctly or incorrectly. It’s hard to overlook the “fun” aspect of this study aid. Teen users who are accustomed to computers, cell phones and iPods will be right at home with this software. It is less expensive than Study Island and has more features. Of course, IQity is free to Ohio school districts. Study Island has only multiple-choice questions, while Desktop Tutor offers short-answer and extended-response questions, as well. As a CD, this all-in-one preparation tool takes up very little space and can be easily carried in a backpack or purse. No bulky workbooks involved! Because one CD can be used by any number of students, it is a cost-effective tool for school districts.
Minuses – There were a few technical “bugs” in the disc. It was impossible to stay in the “test” mode and the program kept reverting to “practice” mode. The cursor had to be placed precisely on the icon for it to work. It was easy to overlook the About Desktop Tutor button for user instruction since it was very small at the lower right corner of the main page. While Hollandays Publishing is based in Ohio, there’s no reference to any of the material in the software being aligned with the state’s academic standards, benchmarks and grade-level indicators.
Video Review of OGT Desktop Tutor
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