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README.TXT
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1993-06-17
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ALGEBRA, A SKILL-ORIENTED APPROACH
SOAV2.EXE is an upgrade to the Shareware version of SOA.LZH
Algebra, A Skill-Oriented Approach, (or short title, "Skill-
Oriented Algebra, "SOA") is a teacher-based, two semester,
computer-generated course in elementary algebra. It consists
primarily of printed exercises and tests, formatted for direct
and immediate student use. All exercises are random number based
and no two are precisely alike. The supply is substantially
unlimited. SOA's software in turn is supported by a curriculum
guide with addendum, printed word problems, and semester tests,
(the Manual). Full documentation, however, can be acquired only
with REGISTRATION. See below. The REGISTRATION fee entitles the
user to a BONUS: "MATHEMATICS, BASIC SKILLS," a compendium of
exercises on the order of SOA, but in basic arithmetic. An IBM
computer or compatible is required for both packages, together with
a printer having the capability of printing superscripts. A
monochrome monitor will suffice.
SKILL-ORIENTED ALGEBRA (SOA) can be used in three ways: as a
complete algebra course; as an an inexhaustible supply of algebra
exercises, each tailored specifically to type and difficulty level;
or as a "pre-algebra" for use in junior high schools.
As a complete course. SOA comprises a significant subset
of the elementary algebra, more than is taught currently in 90
percent of our public schools.
As an adjunct to the text-based course. The additional
exercises cannot help but aid the algebra teacher in providing
a more effective learning experience. Within this context,
wherein SOA may be regarded as a "worksheet generator," the
exercises are infinitely variable (as to difficulty level), and
endlessly renewable.
As a "pre-algebra" given at the junior high school level.
SOA will provide excellent preparation for a more
conceptualized, text-based course to be given in high school.
Skill-Oriented Algebra has a proven track record. It is solid
and substantial and produces students with well-rounded skills
in both algebra and -- surprisingly -- basic arithmetic. SOA
is teachable. The material is learnable. Its scope and content
reaches well beyond that which is currently absorbed in our
public schools. With SOA, students acquire substantial skills.
And since it is sequenced as to levels of arithmetic difficulty
(in addition to the algebra), it remediates in that area too.
SOAV2.EXE may be reproduced and distributed freely. The complete
one year course is provided. Only the full documentation is
missing, although "CAT.DOC," included herein, gives ample gui-
dance for proper choice by users. Only registered users will be
provided the full documentation, (the MANUAL), and "MATHEMATICS,
BASIC SKILLS," another complete package of printed exercises,
but this time in add, subtract, multiply and divide; integers,
fractions, decimals and percent. This "skills" package, sold
originally by the T'Aide Software Company of Arizona for 100
dollars, is now offered as a BONUS to REGISTERED owners of
"ALGEBRA, A SKILL-ORIENTED APPROACH."
Run SOA. Photocopy the exercises. Use them in class. Note
their suitability and variability. The manual, containing the
full documentation, is spiral bound, 8 1/2 X 11 inch in size,
primed for reproduction and in-class use. The cost for
registration is only 59.95 dollars. Contact Alfred D'Attore
at the address below.
************************
OPERATING PROCEDURES
************************
When expanded, Skill-Oriented Algebra, (SOA), occupies over
400,000 bytes. Hereinafter, this README file will assume that
you are "in" the directory SOA or some disk containing all the
files. Note that in the setups to follow, SOA exercises and
documentation can be printed to the screen. The display scrolls
by very quickly, but a touch of the space bar will stop the
display. Touching it again will recommence the display. Command
SOA, and the MENU will appear.
SETUP ONE
*********
SOA is configured to print using EPSON 2500 printer codes. This
is pretty much an industry standard today. If your printer
responds to this standard, and if it is not a laser printer or
Desk Jet (Ink Jet) type printer, (see below), the operating pro-
ceedures are very brief:
Use the cursor up/down keys to highlight your choice and hit
RETURN (ENTER).
To configure the software for printers other than the EPSON 2500
or compatibles: from the MENU, command PSETUP as described below.
Also from the MENU, the user can command PRINTER to print out the
documentation. In this version, it will only print out the
three-page SOA catalog, "CAT.DOC."
SETUP TWO
*********
Wherein the printer is not Epson 2500-compatible, or the user
has a laser or "desk jet" type printer. Command PSETUP, (that
is, highlight the command and press return). A listing is
provided. If the user's printer is contained therein, or if
there is one listed that has comparable printer-codes; then
choose "e," and input the printer filename with or without the
".PRN" appendage. Those with laser or "desk jet" type printers,
use "HPII-III.PRN," notwithstanding IBM or Epson compatibility.
The reasons relate to proper spacing in the printed exercises.
Output will be in accordance with rules for HP PCL 4. Since
printer requirements are moderate, this will serve for PCL 5
types and most non-HP desk jets too. The user will then be
returned to the MENU. Printer configuration is now complete.
Proceed as above.
SETUP THREE
***********
Note SETUP TWO, above. If your printer is not listed, and if --
further -- there are none with comparable printer codes; command
"s," and hit ENTER (RETURN). Then armed with your printer
manual (containing your printer codes), follow directions as
indicated exactly. Use base 10 integers only, (no hexidecimal).
When inputs are complete, you will be asked the name for this
new printer file. Use eight characters or less and no
appendage; this latter will be added automatically. Afterwhich,
you will be asked if you want this file transferred to
"USERP.PRN," the working file for SOA. If you answer "yes,"
this will be the printer file through which SOA will output its
exercises, tests and documentation. You will be returned to the
MENU.
If you make a mistake, simply exit the software and start
again.
Remember, only registered users get the full documentation and
the very excellent package, "Mathematics, Basic Skills." Send
checks or purchase orders to --
Alfred D'Attore
1300 S. Farm View Drive
Apartment B-21
Dover, Delaware 19901