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For the Diagnostic tests, the core mathematics syllabus has been divided into six main topic areas: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry, Graphs, Probability and Statistics and Matrices and Transformations. A calculator is allowed for all the tests apart from arithmetic.

The Learning Module programs cover a variety of 30 different topics ranging from multiplication and division of decimals to frequencies, 3-dimensional trigonometry, and determinant and inverse of matrices. Each section provides the student with the useful option of selecting Notes before attempting to answer the questions, and the examples are then worked out step-by-step on the screen with comments to clarify the various stages.

I haven't done any serious maths for many years but I found things coming back to me after working through the Notes. The Study Aids booklet too, is an excellent source of information, and the package as a whole represents a powerful interactive revision aid.

For the serious student, these packages represent superb value for money. What they are most definitely not, is a short-cut for the less able. The fact that each Course Tutor covers such a wealth of information may cause problems to the student who is unsure about the precise requirements of the exam syllabus being followed, but an approach to the teacher would resolve this problem. The producers of these programs have avoided any temptation to include gimmicks or unnecessary graphics to give them more mass appeal, and a great deal of thought has gone into their preparation. Their main advantage lies in the way the computer is used to test understanding and pinpoint areas of weakness, to provide personal tuition based on the Diagnostic Test results, and to give practice in answering examination questions. As examples of truly interactive learning they are impressive indeed.