Pros and Cons of IXL 2024 (2024)

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use IXL Learning to help students master topics and practice questions outside of the classroom. Much of the classroom times is spent in lecture or reviewing problem sets, but with IXL Learning it allows students to breakdown different concepts into different categories and dynamically work through those that are easy or hard for them and practice each concept until they master it. It solves the problem that students may struggle with concepts since they do not receive enough practice or their practice is not tailored to their areas of strength or weakness.

Pros and Cons

• Dynamic Learning to adjust based on the user's level of knowledge with a topic

• Easy to Navigate and set up for professors/teachers

• Breadth of topics and subjects

• Some students can report it being frustrating or time consuming since some subjects have no video tutorials attached to problem sets

• Hard to enforce completion unless directly tied to student's performance

Likelihood to Recommend

It is great for providing students extra resources and opportunities for practice. In this case, it is extremely well suited. Moreover, since every student is different, the dynamic adjustment allows students to work through more/less problems depending on their level of mastery which can help students pinpoint areas of issues to discuss in the class. It is less appropriate for settings where a student may struggle to teach themselves as this requires some level of independence on part of the user.

Most Important Features

• Dynamic Questioning/Learning outcomes

• Topic Selection and Progress Tracker

• Grading feature

Return on Investment

• Improved Student outcomes and Knowledge retention

• Improved student satisfaction

• Decreased Grading time required for teachers so they can spend more time with students

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

As an ELA teacher, our department used IXL Learning for targeted practice of specific skills. IXL Learning aligns with our state standards, which made it easy to pull different skills that directly supported the scope and sequence of instruction. IXL Learning analytics allows users to monitor progress, which is helpful for addressing any gaps and celebrating success. The scope of my use was as a supplemental instruction tool. Students would be taught a skill, and IXL Learning was used to support their learning through additional practice.

Pros and Cons

• Aligned to standards

• Progress monitoring

• Rigorous practice

• Students sometimes have difficulty locating specific assignments

• Student engagement is sometimes an issue - perhaps try incorporating high interest passages or text

Likelihood to Recommend

In terms of IXL Learning for ELA, I think that IXL Learning is best suited for use as homework or as supplemental instruction. It should not be used as the primary means of introducing a topic or concept to students. I also found it to be a helpful diagnostic tool that helped me determine where each of my students was when beginning a new unit or standard.

Most Important Features

• Alignment with state standards

• Available for all grade levels

• Easily differentiate instruction

Return on Investment

• Improved student test scores

• Improved teacher effectiveness

• Increased student confidence when learning new concepts

Alternatives Considered

• NoRedInk

IXL Learning was easier for the students to navigate, and it seems to have a better layout overall. NoRedInk appears slightly antiquated, and students were often confused on how to use the different features or answer questions. However, NoRedInk is the superior tool for teaching writing skills and giving students authentic writing practice. IXL Learning is better when it comes to practicing specific skills.

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

IXL Learning is a great tool for parents and teachers that are needing an extra boost or supplement to their pupils learning portfolio. Learning paths can be customized based on state standards, classroom focus and topic specifics. It helps boost pupil confidence in subjects they previously had issues with because the diagnostic area challenges them and then adjusts based on their level of knowledge.

Pros and Cons

• Learning Plans

• Diagnostic Area

• Tracking Progress

• Clearer explanation of scores

• When scoring - what are they comparing the range to?

• Make the platform more entertaining for younger audiences.

Likelihood to Recommend

IXL Learning is for any one in primary school settings. It isa wonderful tool to encourage profieciency across several subjects using a variety of educational standards including the current year's assigned textbooks, state standards and classroom specific topics. This helps children excel in subjects they are already good in, but also helps them in areas they aren't. The programs are designed to work as a toll based on the child's individual learning levels and abilities.

Most Important Features

• Adaptability

• Diagnostics

• Range of subjects and options

Return on Investment

• Pupil excelled beyond grade level in subject matter

• Pupil caught up to grade level in subject that was challenging

• Tracking progress of pupils is priceless.

Alternatives Considered

I have used other products for pupils in the past but nothing compares to IXL Learning. It is affordable and user friendly, but most importantly it does what is promises. It helps elevate students studies and grades in a way the ABC Mouse and others do not. When my pupils played on ABC Mouse, that is all it was, playing. They found ways out of answering constructive activity questions and found ways to only play the little games that were meant as reward.

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

IXL gives teachers easy access to math practice for students. I have used it in my classroom and for small group interventions. IXL practice is broken down into grade levels and by standards which makes finding your topic easy. In my classroom, I would also use it for bell ringers or problems for review games as well.

Pros and Cons

• Easy to find extra practice for students

• Generates problems for students and also explains wrong answers

• Easy to use for math intervention groups

• Graphics and user face could be better

Likelihood to Recommend

If you want quick practice without any hassle, IXL does that wonderfully. IXL has easy to find standards and pinpoints what practice you want to give your students. I like how it also explains problems that students get wrong. I also like to use it during class to review a standard with students before giving them their independent work.

Most Important Features

• Easy to use

• Layout makes finding standards easy

Return on Investment

• Increased student learning and growth in Math

• Teachers have access to easy to find math practice for students

Alternatives Considered

• Freckle by Renaissance and Prodigy Education

IXL is the best for easy to find practice for math standards. Freckle has more in depth features and integrates with other Renaissance products well, but can be hard to learn or use. Prodigy is a fun math game platform that works well for extra student practice or learning, but isn't as targeted as IXL.

Other Software Used

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

It allowed me to give homework to my students without having to make copies of the work and hand it out. It cut down on the paperwork that I had to take home with me to grade. It automatically grades the work, so all I have to do is get the grades and place them in the grade book. It definitely simplified my course.

Pros and Cons

• Allows students to see what they have missed.

• Gives students the opportunity to build up their grade.

• Allows students to retake and make a better grade if they are unsatisfied with their current grade.

• I would like for it not to drop students down as much when they miss a question. My students tend to get too frustrated and quit when it does.

Likelihood to Recommend

This is particularly great for when students miss class and need to make up work. You have the ability to link the work to Google Classroom, Canvas, etc., and they can work it through there without having to wait to get back to school to pick up paperwork for them to complete. It allows them to keep up with their work at school.

Most Important Features

• The ability to link IXL with Google Classroom, Canvas, etc., and have students work the work without the possibility of losing the paperwork that may have been given in class.

Return on Investment

• It has allowed our students to be remediated or enriched on a much easier basis without having to come up with ideas for them.

Other Software Used