Synthesis Tutor for Math Review - Best Online Math Programs for Homeschool 2024

eSchooled with Amanda Melrose
18 Feb 202415:16

TLDRThe Synthesis Tutor for Math is an AI-powered online program designed for children aged 7 to 11, aiming to enhance their math skills through interactive lessons. A homeschool mom, who majored in math, shares her positive experience with the program, highlighting its ability to provide a deep understanding of math concepts. Despite the program's cost, she suggests it's worth considering due to its effectiveness, which is backed by research from DARPA. The program offers a 7-day free trial, with a full-year subscription costing $348, or a monthly option for $45. The summary also touches on the program's features, such as customizable settings and a money-back guarantee.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The Synthesis Tutor is an online math program designed for homeschooled children, aiming to help them excel in math.
  • 👩‍🏫 The program features a sophisticated A.I. math tutor tailored for kids aged 7 to 11, focusing on deep understanding rather than just learning.
  • 💡 The creator of the review is a homeschool mom with a math major, who has tried various curriculums and found Synthesis Tutor to be different and effective.
  • 🔍 The Synthesis Tutor and Synthesis Teams are two separate programs; the review focuses on the Tutor, which is an AI math tutor.
  • 💰 The program is not free; it offers a 7-day free trial, followed by a full-year subscription costing $348 or a monthly subscription for $45.
  • 📝 The program is web-based and does not require prior math expertise from parents, as the AI handles the instruction.
  • 🎮 The learning process is interactive and gamified, with lessons such as using a 'Dodge Blaster' to learn multiplication.
  • 🔄 The AI tutor adapts to the child's performance, providing personalized guidance and adjusting the difficulty level accordingly.
  • 👥 The program offers settings to customize the learning experience, including voice selection, talking speed, and accessibility options.
  • 🔒 There's a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who are unsure about committing to the program after the free trial.
  • 🌐 The Synthesis Tutor is built on research by DARPA, known for developing groundbreaking technologies like GPS and the Internet.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the Synthesis Tutor for Math program?

    -The main purpose of the Synthesis Tutor for Math is to provide a sophisticated A.I. math tutoring experience for kids aged 7 to 11, helping them not just learn math but to excel at it.

  • As a homeschool mom who majored in math, what was the narrator's struggle with her nine-year-old's math education?

    -The narrator, despite having a strong math background, struggled to find a curriculum or program that allowed her nine-year-old to gain a deep understanding of math concepts, as her child still had areas where she struggled.

  • What does the Synthesis Tutor program offer that is different from other math programs?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program offers a unique approach with its sophisticated A.I. that adapts to the child's learning needs, providing personalized guidance and ensuring a deep understanding of math concepts, unlike traditional programs.

  • How much does the Synthesis Tutor program cost after the free trial, and what are the payment options?

    -After the free trial, the Synthesis Tutor program costs $348 for a full year. Alternatively, you can pay $45 a month with the option to cancel at any time. There is also a $999 lifetime offer.

  • What happens to a child's progress if the free trial is cancelled and then the program is re-signed up for?

    -If the free trial is cancelled and the program is re-signed up for later, all the work the child did during the trial will not be saved, and they will have to start over.

  • What are the two different options visible on the Synthesis Tutor website, and how do they differ?

    -The two options on the Synthesis Tutor website are 'Synthesis Tutor' and 'Synthesis Teams'. Synthesis Tutor is the A.I. math tutor program, while Synthesis Teams is designed for kids aged 8 to 14 to teach critical thinking.

  • What is the structure of the Synthesis Tutor program in terms of units and lessons?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program is structured into seven units: numbers and place value, addition and subtraction, multiplication, fractions, number sense, bonus lessons, and supplemental arithmetic. Each unit contains multiple lessons that students can work through in order.

  • How does the Synthesis Tutor program introduce new students to the platform?

    -New students are introduced to the Synthesis Tutor program through a 'Meet the Tutor' section, which acts as a tutorial to familiarize them with the program and the tutor in an engaging way.

  • What is the basis of the Synthesis Tutor program's development, and how does it differ from a human tutor?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program is based on research by DARPA, the government agency behind significant technological advancements. Unlike a human tutor, the A.I. tutor doesn't get frustrated or angry and provides consistent, personalized guidance.

  • How does the Synthesis Tutor program handle student progress and the ability to work at their own pace?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program, being an A.I. tool, adapts to the student's pace and understanding. It provides guidance and lessons based on the student's responses and progress, allowing them to work at their own pace.

  • What is the recommended usage time for the Synthesis Tutor program per day or week, and why?

    -The recommended usage time for the Synthesis Tutor program is about 30 minutes, a couple of times a week, especially if it's being used as a supplement to the curriculum. This allows for effective learning without overwhelming the student.

  • How does the Synthesis Tutor program ensure a good fit for the student's learning style and needs?

    -The program offers various settings that can be adjusted according to the student's preferences, such as the voice of the A.I. tutor, talking speed, and options for reading questions and using dyslexic-friendly fonts.

  • What kind of guarantee does the Synthesis Tutor program offer, and what does it entail?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that if a customer pays for the program and is not satisfied with it, they can request a refund within the first 30 days of use.

  • Can the Synthesis Tutor program be accessed through an app or only on the website?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program is not available as an app. It is accessed through their website, which can be used on a desktop computer or any device with internet access.

  • What is the history behind the development of the Synthesis Tutor program?

    -The Synthesis Tutor program was developed based on research by DARPA, which aimed to create an AI tool that could replicate classroom learning. The program was further expanded upon by partnering with the team that created the original DARPA program, tailoring it for students aged 7 to 11.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Synthesis Tutor for Math

The script introduces the Synthesis Tutor, an AI math program designed for kids aged 7 to 11. The narrator, a homeschool mom with a math background, discusses her struggles to find a curriculum that her nine-year-old can truly understand. She expresses excitement about the Synthesis Tutor and its potential to provide a deep understanding of math concepts. The script also clarifies that the company is not sponsoring the review, ensuring its honesty.

05:05

🤖 Exploring the Synthesis Tutor's Features and Costs

This paragraph delves into the features of the Synthesis Tutor, highlighting its AI capabilities and the two distinct programs offered by the company: Synthesis Tutor for math and Synthesis Teams for critical thinking. The narrator advises viewers to select the correct program and warns about the costs involved, mentioning a seven-day free trial, a $348 annual fee, and a monthly subscription option. She humorously discourages signing up for the free trial due to its high likelihood of being worth the continued subscription.

10:07

🎮 Interactive Learning with the Synthesis Tutor

The script presents an interactive lesson from the Synthesis Tutor, using a 'Dodge Blaster' as a metaphor for multiplication. It explains how the program uses a game-like approach to teach math concepts, such as multiplication through repeated addition. The lesson involves 'blasting' dots with the virtual blaster, which helps to visually demonstrate the multiplication process. The AI tutor adapts to the student's responses, providing a personalized learning experience.

15:08

🔧 Customizing the Learning Experience and Additional Considerations

The narrator discusses the customization options available within the Synthesis Tutor, such as changing the AI tutor's voice and adjusting the speaking speed. She also explains how to manage users and settings, including options for reading questions and using a dyslexic-friendly font. The paragraph touches on the program's money-back guarantee, its web-based accessibility, and the narrator's personal experience with its performance on different devices. It concludes with a brief mention of the program's foundation in DARPA research, hinting at its scientific credibility.

🏆 The Synthesis Tutor's Background and Effectiveness

This section provides background information on the Synthesis Tutor, revealing its origins from DARPA research aimed at replicating classroom learning with an AI tool. The script emphasizes the program's success in outperforming traditional classroom students and Navy technicians in studies. It also explains the program's adaptability to different learning paces and its potential as a supplement or main math program for students.

❓ Addressing Common Questions and Final Thoughts

The final paragraph addresses potential questions about the comprehensiveness of the Synthesis Tutor program, its suitability as a main curriculum, and the frequency of new lesson additions. The narrator shares her family's experience using the program as a supplement and provides recommendations on the time commitment for using the program effectively. She acknowledges the program's novelty, hints at potential improvements, and invites further questions from viewers, promising to share updates as her family continues to use the Synthesis Tutor.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Synthesis Tutor

Synthesis Tutor refers to an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) math tutoring program designed for children aged 7 to 11. It is central to the video's theme as it aims to not only teach math but to ensure students excel in it. In the script, the presenter discusses her positive experiences with the program and how it stands out from other math learning tools.

💡Homeschool

Homeschool is an educational approach where children are educated at home rather than in a formal school setting. The script mentions the presenter as a 'homeschool mom' emphasizing the context in which she evaluates the Synthesis Tutor, highlighting its utility for a homeschooling environment.

💡Math Curriculum

A math curriculum is a planned series of lessons and learning experiences in mathematics. The video script discusses the presenter's struggles with finding an effective math curriculum for her nine-year-old, which led her to explore and review the Synthesis Tutor as a potential solution.

💡Deep Understanding

Deep understanding in the context of the video refers to a profound and thorough comprehension of mathematical concepts, rather than just memorizing procedures. The presenter expresses her desire for her child to gain this level of understanding, which is a key reason she is excited about the Synthesis Tutor.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines to perform tasks that would normally require human-like understanding. In the script, the Synthesis Tutor is described as an 'AI math tutor', emphasizing its ability to provide personalized guidance and adapt to the student's learning pace.

💡Free Trial

A free trial is a period during which users can use a product or service without payment to evaluate its value. The video mentions a seven-day free trial for the Synthesis Tutor, which is suggested as a way for viewers to experience the program's benefits before committing to a purchase.

💡Subscription Model

A subscription model is a business model in which customers pay a periodic subscription fee to have access to a product or service. The script explains that after the free trial, the Synthesis Tutor can be accessed for a monthly fee or an annual payment, illustrating the program's subscription-based access.

💡Money-Back Guarantee

A money-back guarantee is a promise that a refund will be given if a customer is not satisfied with a product or service. The video mentions a 30-day money-back guarantee for the Synthesis Tutor, providing assurance to potential users that they can try the program with minimal risk.

💡DARPA

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is known for funding the development of advanced technological and scientific projects. The script highlights that the Synthesis Tutor is built on DARPA research, which lends credibility to the program's effectiveness and innovative approach to learning.

💡Multiplication

Multiplication is a mathematical operation where one number is added to itself a certain number of times. In the script, an example lesson from the Synthesis Tutor uses a 'Dodge Blaster' to teach the concept of multiplication through an engaging and interactive game.

💡Supplemental Arithmetic

Supplemental arithmetic refers to additional or extra material that supports the study of arithmetic. The script mentions 'supplemental arithmetic' as one of the seven units in the Synthesis Tutor, indicating the program's comprehensive approach to math education.

Highlights

The Synthesis Tutor for Math is an online program designed to help children excel in math.

As a homeschool mom and math major, the presenter emphasizes the importance of understanding math concepts.

The presenter's nine-year-old struggled with math despite trying various curriculums and online programs.

The Synthesis Tutor uses advanced A.I. to provide a personalized learning experience for kids aged 7 to 11.

The company behind Synthesis Tutor is not paying for the review, ensuring unbiased feedback.

The website offers two programs: Synthesis Tutor for math and Synthesis Teams for critical thinking.

The program is not inexpensive, with a full year costing $348 after a seven-day free trial.

Canceling the free trial in time allows for a $45 monthly subscription with the flexibility to cancel at any time.

The $29 per month rate is only applicable if the full year is paid upfront, which might be misleading.

Canceling and re-signing up will result in the loss of all child's previous work.

A lifetime offer for $999 is available, though the presenter notes the high cost.

The Synthesis Tutor is easy to start, requiring only the child's name and age for setup.

The program includes seven units covering various math topics with a focus on deep understanding.

Lessons are interactive and engaging, using scenarios like a dart blaster game to teach multiplication.

The AI tutor adapts to the child's answers, providing a customized learning path.

Settings allow for adjustments such as voice selection, talking speed, and reading options.

Synthesis Tutor is based on DARPA research, the agency responsible for developing GPS and the early internet.

The program has a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing assurance for parents.

It is a web-based program, accessible on any device with internet, though best experienced on a desktop.

The Synthesis Tutor is relatively new, having been released in the previous fall, and may still be improving.

The presenter recommends about 30 minutes, a couple of times a week for optimal use as a supplement.

The program includes a feature that suggests when the student should take a break.