Mathway vs BrainPOP

Easy to use and efficient, Mathway appeals to anyone who needs help solving mathematical problems, whether we're talking about high-school students or undergraduates. Even some professors and scientists can use it to verify results or perform routine equations more quickly. If you want not only answers, but also to learn from this app, however, you'll have to buy a rather pricey subscription.

- Download.com staff

I used mathway.com for my college quantitative analysis class (algebra). Started off using the free version, but I needed to see the steps to solve so I upgraded to the premium version. I only needed it for a month so I only paid $10. All the answers mathway.com gave me were correct and I got an A in the class.

- Gus

While it can be helpful, its is trash. It is somehow unable to solve some calculus question that Symbolab and even my Ti-89 can solve perfectly fine.

- Jack Sauce

I specifically enjoy that BrainPOP includes lessons that are easy for students to understand. I also like that they include follow up activities and games for students to participate in. Not only does this website include educational subjects, but it also includes topics within social emotional learning such as self management, self awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, social awareness. These are topics which are crucial for a significant way of living and awareness of mental/physical health. How I Use It I believe this app is useful for students because it includes a variety of topics including English, science, social studies, math, arts & music, health, and even engineering. I would possibly include the use of BrainPOP at least twice a week because of it exceptional and educational content. Educators will find this website useful especially when they want to add activities and/or educational games to their lessons. By using BrainPOP, younger students will be able to learn more about how to use technology and apply information learned in the classroom within it.

- Lizette P.

The videos on BrainPOP are engaging and simplify complex issues in a short amount of time. Students can take quizzes in Classic mode or Review mode, the latter requiring a correct answer to move ahead. The questions are of the standard multiple-choice variety, so there's very little critical thinking taking place. The reading materials section offers a deeper look into what the short intro video covers, though students will more than likely skip that section unless directed there by the teacher. BrainPOP's clear explanations are straightforward and cover a wide range of sometimes difficult topics, but are often somewhat superficial. To help with that, there's an impressive collection of interactive activities that engage kids in a variety of ways and encourage deeper learning. When available, games such as Sortify and Time Zone X allow students to apply some of the knowledge they learned in the video. The Make-A-Map activity lets students create custom concept maps with keywords, images, and their own writing. And two newer features allow kids to make their own BrainPOP-style movies, or use coding to demonstrate what they've learned. This sort of creation material can be powerful, but students will likely still need guidelines and goals to help them. Teachers will also have to provide the social, collaborative elements that enrich learning. That said, overall, BrainPOP is logical, well thought out, and enriching.

- Mieke V.

”My children LOVE BrainPop! At breakfast and lunch they like to watch episodes. The episodes are very engaging, funny,and informative. They cover a wide variety of topics. BrainPop does a great job with some sensitive subjects like bullying and give kids a way to listen to the message and not feel like they are being lectured by a parent or teacher, which I believe helps them be more open to listening.”

- Sara P.