App for learning maths

App for learning maths Dhanusha Gokulan (dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com) / 21 May 2013 Apps have made their way into the classroom. Computer science and Mathematics teachers at a school in Sharjah have created an online app ‘Math Café’ that promises to make the cumbersome task of learning Mathematics easy. Teachers of Our Own English High School in Sharjah, began work on Math Cafe about a month ago, and students can now use the app either on a tablet or a laptop. Designed by computer teacher Indirapriya Sucheendranathan, and content provided by Annamma Abraham, a hyperlink of the app is available on the school websites’ internal server-GLG. However, students were advised to bring in their devices from home. The pilot project was launched on May 16. “It is still in its nascent stages. For now, only Grade 7 students studying Mathematics are working on the app. The app can be used only by students of Our Own Sharjah, and only if they have access to the GLG learning platform,” said Sucheendranathan. Currently, the students can complete worksheets based on the lesson, view pictures, solve puzzles, listen to Maths songs, watch videos, and play games on the platform. “Last year, the school sent a communication across to parents informing them about the initiative ‘Bring Your Own Device’ or BYOD. We have been in the talks about this programme for a year now. We officially launched it this academic year,” said school principal, Asma Gilani. She added: “The project is ambitious and we want to eventually float it across to all classes and all subjects. The system is currently monitored and students are allowed to bring their devices only on specific days of the week. It is a great initiative by our mathematics and computer teachers. We are expecting a few initial teething problems, but as of now, the system will be tried only twice a week.” According to the principal, the app addresses the individual needs of each student in the classroom. “Even questions on each of the worksheets are targeted at students in different ability groups. Like for example, a student with average skills can answer questions which require Higher Order Thinking Skills. So the child learns more and in a very interactive method,” added Gilani. Students can log into the internal server GLG from home and access the app from there, as well. The worksheets are all multiple choice questions and children are corrected if wrong answers are posted almost immediately. “In mathematics, concepts such as decimals, fractions and numbers are taught to the students by use of the app. Eventually, we will upgrade the app to hold tests, as well,” added Sucheendranathan. “Currently there are no time limits to keep the app working, but however, in time, we are hoping that it will change. For now, even the students love it,” she said. However, students do promise to spend more time studying maths with the introduction of the app. But they strongly believe that nothing can replace the physical presence of a teacher. In a class of about 40 students, only 15 to 20 said they enjoy doing mathematics. “This definitely makes learning maths a lot more interesting and I would now spend at least two-and-a-half to three hours on math,” said grade 7 student Irene Mariam (12). “Technology can never replace teachers, but yes, learning will definitely become a lot more fun,” said another student Samra Rizvi.   Taylor Scott International