Math-Whizz Blog

We are in Alaska – Come say hello

September 23rd, 2011 by Sally

Did you know Math-Whizz is helping teachers deliver effective, individualized instruction for each student, whether struggling or advanced? Aligned to the Alaska GLE’s, Math-Whizz’s personalized, interactive and collaborative approach to teaching math is helping all students build the foundation they need to achieve proficiency in math and see success in STEM subjects. Math-Whizz, quite simply, is changing the math education equation.

Want to learn more? We will be hosting three speaker sessions. Come join us at the 2011 Alaska Math and Science Conference Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) September 24th- 26th.

Saturday 1:30-4:30

Math-Whizz: The Perfect Online Math Tutor

Participants will get an opportunity to explore Math-Whizz, the most advanced and engaging online math tutoring program for students in grades K-8.

Participants will observe the student experience, try sample lessons, see what it’s like to teach with the program and have an opportunity to try Math-Whizz out for themselves.

All participants will receive a free trial for their schools to extend the experience.

Kevin Judd, Whizz Education

PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8

Sunday 10:45-11:45

Solving for Xs and Whys: Teaching Math to Avoid the Blank Stares

Based on brain research of how students learn and process information, this session will provide participants with practical ways to embed research into their classroom.

Kevin Judd, Whizz Education

Monday 10:45-11:45

Using Math‐Whizz to improve Student Performance

This session will introduce participants to the newest and most advanced online math tutor in the world. Used in more than 50 countries, Math‐Whizz uses artificial intelligence combined with fun animation and games to teach and tutor students in K‐8 math. Students who spend 90 minutes per week on Math‐Whizz show 2 years of growth in just a year ‐ come see how to help your students succeed.

Kevin Judd, Whizz Education

 

Kevin Judd taught mathematics for 13 years before spending 5 years as a math specialist and curriculum administrator.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Policy Studies and has also consulted with schools on ways to reform mathematics curriculum and instruction for students.  He is a frequent conference speaker on the topic of aligning math instruction to research on how students learn.

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It’s not too late for summer learning

August 8th, 2011 by kevin

I recently read a NY Times Op Ed piece by Jeff Smink, “This is Your Brain on Summer” that captured my attention. In his article he cites a RAND study of summer learning loss that was released a month ago. This report finds that the average summer learning loss amounts to about 1 month per year and is significantly worse for students of poverty. I’ve seen the studies myself for years and this study validates the impact of our short school year and long summer in the US.

While the results of the study are at first sight depressing, the encouraging part is that keeping students engaged in math and reading can not only keep students from losing a month or two over the summer, but actually enable students to gain a month or two. Factored over a 5 year period, this could easily amount to a year of math or reading.

At Math-Whizz, we know that summer learning loss is real, but we are committed to “Summer Learning Gain”. When working with schools, we make sure our licenses are available for a 12-month calendar year so that schools can give students access over the summer and other break times. As a parent, if your child’s school is not utilizing Math-Whizz, you can register for just the summer or for an ongoing period if your child needs to catch up. It’s not too late for this summer – for a free trial.

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Math-Whizz 101: Recommended Usage

August 3rd, 2011 by Rita

Like any good tool, Math-Whizz should be utilized properly in order to be fully effective. Luckily, Math-Whizz already comes fully assembled and there isn’t even any packaging to try and pry open! That being said, this next video in our Math-Whizz 101 series is going to answer the important question of “how exactly should my student/child be using this tool?” While this video is directed towards teachers, it is absolutely applicable to educators of all stripes as well as parents or mentors.

One of the most important roles a parent or educator plays in helping their child or student succeed is setting realistic goals and weekly routines. Teachers can turn to the “best practices” document as Richard suggested, but for you parents out there here are some tips just for you:

  • Here at Math-Whizz we love that your child is enthusiastic about using our product – we just recommend that you do your part to ensure they don’t experience “burn out.”
  • Aim to have your child actively using Math-Whizz for 60 – 90 minutes per week for best results.
  • To get to into that 60 – 90 minute time frame we suggest scheduling 2-3 times per week at sessions ranging from 20 – 45 minutes.

So, if you are ready to get on the track to success why not create your own calendar? You and your students or child can pick an appropriate picture and work together to choose which days of the week they’d like to use Math-Whizz. There are many free calendar resources out there – I used Calendar Labs to create this special calendar just for Carol Whizz. Once your calendar is created continue to reward and motivate your student, by using stickers or just color coding the days on the calendar after they’ve successfully kept up with their routine. If you’ve had success using a calendar with your child to keep them on track, or have other helpful tips – let us know!

 

About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.

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Math-Whizz 101: What is Math Age™?

July 22nd, 2011 by Rita

Today we are going to talk about the comparative measure that is wholly unique to Math-Whizz, Math Age™. We’ve mentioned it before in previous posts on how the tutor works and in taking a deeper look into the student assessment, and indeed it plays an important role in Math-Whizz. So, what exactly is Math Age™? What is it measuring and how is it useful?

The video tutorial below, presented by our London based CEO, Richard Marett, will help us answer these questions.

As you can see Math Age™ is an invaluable measure for mapping progress and assessing strengths and weaknesses in terms of numeracy. For each student, Math Age™ is assigned to individual topics and then is averaged for an overall composite. These numbers allow educators and parents alike to view an individual’s progress. As a result, Math Age™ allows teachers or parents to create targeted lesson plans that give each individual the attention in the areas where they need it most – just like Math-Whizz.

About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.

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Math-Whizz 101: Student Assessment

July 20th, 2011 by Rita

Math-Whizz 101 is back for our second installment in the series! Now that you have an understanding of how the Math-Whizz tutor works, you are certainly ready to take a deeper look into one of the first things a Whizzer will accomplish – the assessment. Our very own Whizz Professor is going to take us on a guided tour of the initial assessment that, after completion, will help the tutor begin assigning individualized, targeted math lessons. This video tutorial is a great way to get your student, or child, excited and ready to begin using Math-Whizz – let’s take a look!

The first question of the assessment will be delivered based on the actual age of the student. If the student should correctly answer this question, the level of difficulty will increase with each subsequent question until the student reaches a point where they no longer demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the area. Conversely, if a student has difficulty answering the first question presented, questions with a slightly lower level of difficulty will be delivered.

Typically, the assessment will last about 20 -45 minutes, although this time can vary based on the amount of knowledge (and concentration!) a student brings to the session. Remember it is more than OK to take breaks during the assessment, the progress will be saved. This adaptive and responsive assessment is the foundation upon which Math-Whizz is built, ensuring that each student continually receives precisely the right lessons for their needs. Essentially, the assessment provides a snapshot of the student’s math ability by topic, and assigns them a beginning Math Age™ which will help in determining their initial lesson plan. Now the student is ready to begin using the tutor and exploring all that Math-Whizz has to offer.

It’s worth mentioning that the assessment can be reset at anytime – just contact us!

About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.

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Welcome to Math-Whizz 101!

July 14th, 2011 by Rita

We are happy to announce a new series of posts that will help you better understand and utilize the countless Math-Whizz features by highlighting and guiding you through some of our video tutorials. A portion of the tutorials will be targeted towards specific audiences, while others will prove helpful for all those who come in contact with Math-Whizz – from those just looking to experienced Math-Whizzers – there will be something for everyone.

So, to get things started let us take a deeper look into just how the Math-Whizz tutor works to deliver such an engaging and personalized learning environment.

“How the Tutor Works” is presented by our London based CEO, Richard Marett.

As you can see, after initially completing the assessment, the tutor begins tailoring Math-Whizz to each student; the math lessons and online games are completely customized to the child with the intention of boosting the students’ overall Math Age™. Content is aligned with Common Core as well as encompassing many individual State standards. The more than 1200 math lessons are delivered using interactive and entertaining math games that not only engage each student, but make them excited and motivated to learn. Math-Whizz recognizes that these lessons, while incredible teaching tools, are not always representative of testing situations students experience in school, and thus delivers short assessments at the end of lessons when appropriate. This not only ensures success in the classroom, but total comprehension of a mathematical concept as well.

About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.

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What to look for in Educational Technology

June 1st, 2011 by kevin

I’ve been thinking recently about the role of technology in our schools today.  In my previous life as a Curriculum Coordinator, the research I was looking at was saying that the strongest connection to student learning was the teacher-student relationship rather than the computer-student relationship.  However, as Richard F. Elmore and Elizabeth A. City pose in their opening question of their EdWeek article, Using Technology to Move Beyond Schools,  “What proportion of the activity called ‘learning’ will be located in the institution called ‘school’ in 10 to 15 years?”  I don’t know the answer to this question, but what I know is that when I chose to use technology in my school, it better be to do something more than what I, and my staff, can already do with a student without it – otherwise the computer is just in the way of the real connection. 

 According to Elmore and City, “With rare exceptions, schools currently treat the digital revolution as if it never happened. Computers, more often than not, still sit in dedicated rooms, accessible only with adult supervision. Laptops, when they are used at all in classrooms, are frequently employed as electronic worksheets, digital typewriters, and presentation producers, rather than as extensions of students’ access to knowledge.”  It seems to me that a computer is an amazingly powerful machine – so powerful that it can do mind-blowing things like build individualized learning pathways for every student based on their specific needs and skill sets and provide a personalized learning experience – not just an individualized learning experience, but a personalized experience that I can customize and is waiting for me when I return, that remembers me –  not just how I do on the curriculum, but remembers me and things about me like my birthday and who my friends are.  I thought we’d be further along in 2011 and have lots of these programs – there aren’t a lot of them, but they are out there.

So if I’m looking for a computer program for math, what should I be looking for?  I’m looking for a program that is individualized, diagnostic, and prescriptive.  I’m looking for software that teaches content, anticipates misconceptions and errors, and offers hints and help with immediate feedback.  I’m looking for a program that is instructionally oriented rather than assessment oriented.  I’m looking for a program that allows me to take the very best of curriculum and instruction and scale it in an individualized manner to my 35 students.  I’m looking for software that can go several years back to fill in gaps for some students and several years ahead to stretch for others since a typical 5th grade class has a 4 year ability range in math.  I’m looking for software that is motivational and fun – that kids will want to do once they leave the building.  I’m also looking for a program that can be implemented easily and makes a teacher better by providing modeled instruction and interactive board tools.  If I’m in an Elementary school, I’m looking for Math-Whizz .

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Personalized Learning

March 9th, 2011 by ben

Over the last three decades a consistent pattern has emerged.  Despite huge spending in education, American and Brittish students are losing ground on their peers in other countries, especially in Math and Science.  Both countries, whose education systems were once envied and copied the world over, have been looking for ways to arrest this slide and once again become the leading light in the teaching of Math and Science. 

Personalized Learning in schools has been championed by governments from all around the globe.  They understand that it is unreasonable for a teacher to be able to teach to the specific strengths and weaknesses of every student, but feel that by combining their efforts in the classroom with the technology that is now readily available; each student can be delivered a unique and highly effective learning experience.  One person who has been outspoken in his support for Personalized Learning, and knows a thing or two about technology and education through his commercial and charitable lives, is Bill Gates.  In a recent radio interview he talked about how over the last 20 to 30 years “…our achievement has been pretty flat while other countries have managed to improve their achievement.”  Specifically talking about using technology to help students who are struggling, Gates goes on to say that “…when you have a kid who’s behind in math, identifying exactly what they are missing and drilling in on that, we have not incorporated that into the education system”.  Yet.  Bill Gates, governments, school administrators, teachers, parents and publishers all see that this is the direction we need to go in and yet all the signs are there of making exactly the same mistakes that have been made in the past. 

Money has been and will continue to be made available for schools to buy products that provide personalized instruction. Schools will be told that they need to incorporate these products into their teaching.  The market will continue to be flooded with products that claim to provide personalized instruction.  Schools, understandably, will find it hard to pick from all the products offered and either go with the big publisher they trust that provides all their text books or choose the cheapest offering that gets the administrators off their back.  Ten years from now there will be no improvement in math scores.

Why will this happen? 

Read the rest of this entry »

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Gates digs online learning and the Math-Whizz method

January 26th, 2010 by admin

The day when Bill Gates publicly declares his enthusiasm for Math-Whizz will be a happy day indeed at our Seattle offices.

Until then we can content ourselves with the knowledge that one of the world’s most influential technocrats (and popular tweeters) understands just what Math-Whizz is doing with online learning, and why it works:

But online learning can be more than lectures. Another element involves presenting information in an interactive form, which can be used to find out what a student knows and doesn’t know. This makes it possible to tailor the learning session to the individual student.

…the online system can quickly diagnose what the students know, provide positive feedback, and make sure their time is spent really improving the conceptual areas where they are weak.

Microsoft founder Gates, who recently moved from the big MS to his equally huge Gates Foundation charity, is clearly keen on how technology can help transform the lives of the underprivileged and poorly-educated and raise standards for everyone else.

Gates, in the ‘Online Learning’ section of his latest annual letter for the Gates Foundation, goes on to argue for co-ordination in rating and organising resources to help teachers and students find the the best material. Despite the size and influence of his former employer, he gives a hat tip to the likes of us, toiling to raise standards in math, english, science…

Some of the best interactive software for K–8 learning is being done by startups using interactivity in innovative ways.

Someone give the man a free Math-Whizz subscription…

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