Got the algebra blues? Willamette U. has apps for that
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Willamette University students hope to help younger students trying to get into college crack the code of algebra.
With that in mind, the college students have developed iPad applications to increase students' understanding of the mathematics discipline, according to the Statesman Journal.
"Algebra is the gateway to college," said Project Director and Willamette Professor of Education Steve Rhine. "It is most correlated with going to college of anything you take in high school."
One app called "Card Clutter" helps students understand the relative value of numbers by arranging cards in order with face values ranging from negative fractions to absolute numbers. Those expressions sometimes stump students when solving algebraic equations.
Salem-Keizer students soon will get a chance to try the apps as student teachers from Willamette University enter high school classes this winter. Many of the apps are available for free on iTunes.
Parrish Middle School math teacher Ryan Hari likes the technology and finds it especially useful in his math intensive classes for struggling students. He was one of the first to field-test the apps and received eight iPads as part of the grant.
Recently a handful of his students tapped the touch screens in rapid fire to solve for "x."
"Do some Alge-Bingo for me," Hari told Zack Sheldon, who quickly got to work. "It makes it fun and easy," Sheldon said.
Willamette's program is part of a joint effort with Western Oregon University, George Fox University and Pacific University to increase student success in algebra. They received a $740,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create the Center for Algebraic Thinking.
In Oregon, about one 1 out of 3 high school students failed the state math test last year. The main reason is a lack of proficiency in algebra, Rhine said. Next year, all high school students must pass the state math test to earn their high school diploma.
Without interventions, graduation rates will plummet, he said.
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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
I use my smart phone every day to study a foreign language. An application with a built in logarithm that reminds you to review/study. Also, I always have my phone with me and often use it for some quick studying. The normal human isn't going to carry around flashcards and books everywhere. So, in many ways, it beats traditional study methods. I graduated University about 4 years ago, but it's always good to continue self-studying.
I think this is great. Just like flashcards when we were kids. I see nothing wrong with using modern tools to learn as long as you are learning. So I don't agree with the current idea that if you can do basic math on a calculator you are fine but I do think using a game to learn your times table is great. If someone could just make calculus a game that would be really cool.
In the past you could go to the library and rent Algebra for Dummies. Now there's an app for that, LOL!
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@DJK How about Dummies for Dummies? LOL Just in case it taxes their minds too much!
How about an ap for "Get a Life", and stop looking for the easy way out! Teach kids properly and you don't need this stuff. Perhaps there will soon be a hybrid humanoid which has aps for a brain?
 @jpk umm...it's 2013, do you know where your slide rule is? how about your abacus?
Nope, got no idea who bought my K+E Log Lg Duplex slide rule with case on 05/22/10 for $65.00. Never did have an abacus as I couldn't count in Chinese. Won't you look silly when the grid goes down or your batteries die, if you don't know how to do calculations without your wonder goodies. The whole idea is to understand what you are doing, then use the quicky helpers. In law school, they would not allow us to use on-line research during the first year. Wanted us to get to know how to find things without extra assistance! LOLÂ
@gunnutz Nope! I meant Willamette University College of Law in Salem!
Maybe if we had college math professors teaching the math classes once in a while at a lower level, they will see where student learning actually need to be improved upon. Then they could help the teachers teach a better way.
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Just a thought...
The trouble with the apps is no one learns math. Â Without the calculator or smart phone your lost.