Adi's Complete Learning Pack: Year

What is initially striking about this package is the impressive range of options available to the user--Maths and English exercises to reinforce and extend understanding, virtual online classes where skills can be practised in groups and special dens where children can meet, chat and play with other Adi users. The educational modules are well-structured forming a sound learning plan. Each section allows for revision of previous knowledge before progressing onto hypertext lessons (weaker readers will need adult support here) which are then reinforced through practice exercises. Finally, an extension task ensures that skills and knowledge are secure. Adi's spaceship also contains a wealth of cross-curricular resources and creative tools such as an interactive atlas, diary, simulations, an observatory and multimedia documents.

As in any effective classroom the child is always encouraged and allowed to progress at their own speed and their hard work is rewarded by access to various games and "break" times. Adi is parent-friendly too, with all the information about the activities conveniently presented in a "Parent's Corner". Grown-ups can also check on their children' progress as their scores on each unit are recorded.

Adi's Complete Learning Pack: Year 5 is so slick and has learned so much from what is recognised as "good practice" in educational methods that it is hard not to be impressed by it all. One reservation may be whether the kids will be as convinced as the parents who buy it. Some of the activities are a little repetitive and the hypertext lessons are very dry with so much script to read. However, child scholars who are keen to keep well up with their peers, and parents who need support in working with their children at home will find no more comprehensive tool than this. --Nicola Hollins