by Duolingo is ready to branch out into other topics when it comes to its language learning app. After months of beta, the American educational technology company has launched its new math app – Duolingo Math.
The announcement comes just as a national study has shown the biggest drop in math test scores for fourth and eighth graders since recording began in 1990.
The numbers-focused app will be the first subject expansion Duolingo has made beyond its popular language learning and literacy app. Starting today, the app is available on iOS today and Android users should keep their eyes peeled for their version of the math learning app soon.
According to the official Duolingo blog, the company wanted math to be less of a stressor in people’s lives, especially for teenagers. “…many people experience stress when confronted with math-related situations – this is called ‘math anxiety’. Recent studies have found that 93% of American adults have experienced at least some math anxiety and that half of high school students have very high math anxiety,” the blog post read.
Once a user has downloaded the app, they can choose between an elementary version, which tackles basic mathematical concepts like multiplication and division, or an adult version, called “brain training”, which focuses on similar concepts. Brain training “reinforces mental arithmetic skills and covers more advanced topics”. For example, users will be faced with an applicable daily task such as converting between ounces and pounds.
The app, which will be free for now, also allows learners to use virtual tools like clocks to get a better picture of the math problem or concept they’re working on.
The Duolingo team explained, “Each of our exercises are uniquely designed for the content they teach. To do this, we notably ensure that learners handle virtual tools… Having learners interact with these tools allows them to focus on the most important mathematical aspects of objects and to deepen their understanding of underlying concepts. underlyings.
One of the most exciting parts of Duolingo Math is that the concepts taught and practiced are applicable to real-life experiences like calculating a tip or reading and setting a clock. Although the further you go through the app, the more complex the learning becomes – a beginner or novice math student could really benefit from the app.
The app was designed with math-related educational losses in mind.
“Our mission has always been to provide high-quality, accessible education and I don’t think that necessarily stops at language learning,” Duolingo principal engineer Sammi Siegel said in an interview with TechCrunch. “We’ve seen the statistics on math, education, and losses during the pandemic.”
The Nation’s Report Card revealed that “the average fourth-grade math score fell by 5 points and was lower than all previous assessment years dating back to 2005” and that “the average eighth-grade math score decreased by 8 points from 2019 and was lower than all previous valuation years dating back to 2003.”
It looks like Duolingo Math may have come at the perfect time for students and adults alike, and while the lessons might start simple, the app has future dreams to expand into more complex concepts. Siegel told TechCrunch that Duolingo’s math app could start teaching linear algebra or college-level math.
Siegel also said the app is designed to include small lessons, just like its language-focused predecessor, as well as interactive drills and sequences.
Currently, Duolingo Math is available in an English user interface for iPhone, iPad, and select iPod touch devices. Find it on the App Store!
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