No doubt, Mathematics is one of the tricky subjects in the education system. With the passage of time, many physical guides and online tools have been introduced to make it easy to understand. Among these large numbers of tools, Polypad is one of them. An online learning platform for instructors and students to improve their mathematical skills is provided by Polypad. What it is, what it delivers, and why it differs from other mathematical platforms will all be covered in this informative post.
Overview of Polypad
Polypad is a virtual calculating platform for mathematics education developed by Mathigon. A large number of free tools and courses are provided by Mathigon’s online learning platform to improve learning abilities, particularly in the field of mathematics. Polypad is one of these online learning platforms, it provides a digital environment for teachers and students to work and collaborate on various mathematical concepts and practical exercises.
With the use of this educational platform, teachers can make mathematical courses for their students that will make difficult concepts simple to understand. Many courses and activities to help students easily grasp tough math concepts are provided by this learning platform. Due to these large numbers of features, it is called the “Digital Playground of Mathematics.”
Getting Started with Polypad
To get started with this online learning platform, it’s important to learn about the platform. Here are the key steps to get started:
Accessing Polypad
To begin your math adventure on this platform, simply visit their webpage or download their app on your device. This educational platform is compatible with various operating systems and devices, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Exploring Virtual Manipulatives
Once you’re on the platform, take some time to explore the wide range of virtual manipulatives available on this educational tool. From colorful tiles to counters and geometric shapes, these digital tools are designed to enhance understanding and problem-solving abilities in mathematics.
Navigating the Interface
Polypad has a simple-to-use design that makes it easy for people of all ages to work swiftly. Familiarize yourself with the different menus and options available so that you can make the most out of this powerful tool.
Offering Courses
This online learning platform offers a large number of courses for middle and high school students. A few of these are described below:
For Middle Schools
This educational platform provides three main categories for middle school students. These categories are listed below
- Geometry – In the geometry section, courses for middle school students include Euclidean Geometry, Transformations and Symmetry, Triangles and Trigonometry, Polygons and Polyhedra.
- Numbers and Algebra – In this section, the courses for middle school students include Divisibility and Primes, Sequence, Patterns and Quadratic Equations.
- Probability and Applications – In this section, courses for middle school students include Probability, Combinatorics, Statistics and Data.
For High Schools
For high school students, this online learning platform provides the same three categories, but the subjects are changed in it. These categories with subjects are listed below:
- Geometry – In this section, the subjects for high school students include Non-Euclidean Geometry, Circles, Pies and Fractals.
- Numbers and Algebra – In this section, the subjects for high school include Exponential Functions, Logic, Sets and Proof.
- Probability and Applications – In this section, the subjects for high school students include Graphs, Networks, Codes, Ciphers, Game Theory and Chaos Theory.
Activities
A number of activities are provided by this online learning platform to increase the educational abilities of teachers and students. These activities are basically mathematical games that students play to improve their arithmetic learning experience. A few of these activities are listed below.
Timeline For Mathematics
In this game, the user virtually experiences time travel in the past and explores the greatest mathematicians in history and the biggest discoveries that have been made in the past.
Problems and Puzzles
In this game, users first select a particular subject of mathematical puzzles and problems. After selecting the subject, users solve these puzzles and problems to increase their mathematical knowledge and logical thinking.
Multiplication by Heart
Students and teachers play this game to improve their multiplication skills. In this game, beautiful flash cards use spaced repetition to learn multiplication facts. This game increases users’ fluency in the multiplication of numbers.
Tangram Builder
In this game, a number of different shapes are created by using seven color simple tangram tiles. This game increases the ability of geometry. In this game, users made different shapes, angles and triangles to excel in their arithmetic skills.
Polypad in Math Lessons
Now that you’ve become acquainted with Polypad’s features let’s dive into how you can incorporate this innovative tool into your math lessons. Here are five ways you can use this platform effectively:
Teaching Number Sense
Number sense is a fundamental aspect of mathematics education, and it offers excellent resources for developing this skill. Use virtual counters or base-ten blocks from the manipulative library to explain place value, addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Encourage students to manipulate the digital tools themselves, providing a hands-on experience for better comprehension.
Exploring Geometric Concepts
Geometry can often be an abstract and challenging subject for students. However, with Polypads geometric manipulatives, understanding shapes and their properties becomes interactive and fun. Students can experiment with polygons, and tangrams, or even create symmetrical designs using virtual mirrors.
Introducing Fractions
Fractions are a crucial concept in mathematics that requires visual representation for better understanding. Polypad’s fraction tiles allow students to interactively explore equivalent fractions, addition, multiplication and subtraction of fractions, and fraction multiplication and division. The ability to manipulate these digital tools helps solidify conceptual knowledge.
Solving Equations
Polypad goes beyond basic arithmetic by offering resources for algebraic thinking as well. Use the equation solver tool to visually represent equations and guide students through the process of solving them step by step. This visual approach provides a deeper understanding of algebraic concepts.
Collaborative Learning
This online learning tool enables collaborative learning experiences where multiple users can work on the same virtual canvas simultaneously. Utilize this feature to encourage group problem-solving activities or foster peer-to-peer discussions on math concepts. Collaboration not only enhances critical thinking but also improves communication skills.
Improves Math with Online Lessons
With the rise of online education, finding effective tools that facilitate engaging virtual math lessons is essential. Here’s how this educational platform can enhance online math instruction:
Screen Sharing
Teachers can utilize screen-sharing capabilities during live virtual classes to demonstrate specific math concepts using this online learning platform in real time. This allows students to follow along actively and participate in discussions.
Assigning Interactive Activities
This platform offers pre-made activities and challenges that teachers can assign to their students as independent practice or homework assignments. These activities can be completed directly on the platform, providing instant feedback to students and reducing the need for physical materials.
Virtual Math Centers
Create virtual math centers on Polypad by curating a collection of manipulatives that align with specific learning objectives. Students can access these centers remotely, exploring concepts at their own pace while receiving guidance from teachers through online platforms.
Final Thoughts
Math schooling has been changed by Polypad, which gives guardians, instructors, and students access to a fun and engaging platform. Learning math can be more enjoyable. Experience the potential of this online learning platform and step into a world where math is not just easy but also enjoyable for students.
