Description:
Based on the appearance of the word "tutor" right in its title, one might expect PhysicsTutor to offer assistance with learning the arcane mathematics of physics. However, PhysicsTutor boils down to little more than a series of multiple-choice test questions and a list of equations, tied together by an interface that looks like a project created by a first-semester computer science student. The range of subjects PhysicsTutor handles is impressive, covering everything from friction, force, energy, and momentum to more challenging topics like relativity, quantum physics, and particle physics. Unfortunately, it doesn't actually offer any aid in learning the theories or applications behind its topics. The program allows users to adjust its background colors and, well, to answer multiple-choice questions. It offers two types of tests--chapter test or semester exam--but they're almost identical. Even more embarrassing is the two test modes: exam simulation and tutorial mode. The difference: tutorial mode offers limp feedback by popping up one of two dialog boxes ("Correct!" or "Wrong Answer. Try again.") when a student clicks on an answer. The categories in which the equations are arranged differ from the test categories, so locating the proper equation is tedious. Worse, equations aren't explained at all. Someone in need of a learning aid might also benefit from a few sentences to explain "F = ma" or "Magnification Factor = m = -q/p." Tutor notwithstanding, you'd better have that textbook handy. A context-sensitive listing might have helped a little--but that's only one of the many shortcomings of PhysicsTutor. To its credit, PhysicsTutor has enough questions to generate numerous tests without repetition, and as such would be a decent freeware or sub-$10 shareware program. Considering that one can find everything PhysicsTutor has to offer on the Web in under two minutes, its current price would be better spent on a real tutor. --Joel Durham Jr.
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