Math class is a struggle for many high school or middle school students. However, algebra students can now find a new form of assistance without paying for tutoring or spending any extra time in class.

Montgomery County Public Schools provides free instruction on Algebra 1 through the Math Dude. The Math Dude is a video series airing on iTV (channel 33 on Comcast cable) starring Mike DeGraba as the Math Dude. The show airs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 6:00 P.M., with new episodes airing weekly.

The show is also accessible through MCPS's website: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org. Computers with Flash 8 or better can view the videos on the site. Videos can also be downloaded in MPEG-4 format and watched with Quicktime on the computer or on iPods or other portable video players. Alternative methods of watching the Math Dude on the Internet are subscriptions to the podcast for iTunes or to the RSS feed.

Episodes are only three to seven minutes long. The Math Dude's new episodes cover curriculum concurrently with classroom instruction. Currently Algebra 1 units five and six are being covered. Unit seven will be completed by the end of the 2006-2007 school year. During the 2007-2008 school year, units one through four will be taught.

Students and teachers have attested to the Math Dude's accuracy and efficiency as a teacher.

"I really like how he moves slowly and emphasizes different subjects with colors. I would use it in my classroom," said Algebra 1 teacher Rebecca Corey.

"He's very reliable, I do admit," added sophomore algebra student Michelle Katzdorn. Her only complaint was that "he's just almost too cheesy to bear."