Alcumus

What Alcumus is

Alcumus is a free web-based math learning system that adapts practice and lessons to a student’s performance. It is aligned with AoPS introductory online courses and the Introduction series of textbooks, and anyone can use it, including people who are not AoPS students. As learners work through a topic, Alcumus chooses problems based on their earlier answers and the topic level. It marks topics as passed or mastered according to performance, and may bring back passed material for review; an incorrect answer on review can return a topic to unpassed status. There is no set number of problems a student must complete within a topic. After a correct answer, after a student gives up, or after two incorrect answers, the system shows the correct answer and a solution. Teacher Tools let parents and instructors monitor progress. AoPS users keep access after a course ends, and their progress remains saved. The maker describes Alcumus as useful for students supplementing regular math courses, pursuing enrichment, and parents exploring additional learning opportunities. Its listed plan is Free, with an adaptive online learning system and Teacher Tools for instructors and parents. Technical questions are directed to the Alcumus Forum.

Who it suits

Alcumus suits students who want additional math practice alongside regular coursework or are looking for enrichment. It also fits parents and instructors who want to monitor student progress through Teacher Tools.

Getting started

1. Open the Alcumus website in a web browser.
2. Create or use an AoPS account to access Alcumus; it is also available to non-AoPS students.
3. Choose a topic and work through the problems Alcumus selects.
4. Use Teacher Tools to monitor a student’s progress if you are a parent or instructor.
5. Visit the Alcumus Forum for technical questions.

Verdict

Choose Alcumus for free, adaptive math practice aligned with AoPS introductory courses and textbooks. It is especially suited to students seeking supplemental practice or enrichment, with progress monitoring for parents and instructors.