Paradigm Shifts from offline to online learning, focusing on a subject like Mathematics

E-learning has offered many things to people nowadays: convenience, user-friendly interface, accessibility to quality faculties and a host of other benefits to a student. For subjects like Mathematics, the platform is more capable of offering one-to-one attention, thereby solving a student’s need for understanding the subject better.  

In India, there is phobia around the subject and this phobia is because of the traditional system of teaching Mathematics, filled with theory rather than any kind of practical application. Rather than mugging up theories and principles, students need to understand those concepts and theories well. In a classroom scenario, a student often, due to shyness or forgetfulness does not consult the teacher. Also, with so many students in a class in India, it isn’t possible for a teacher to answer everyone’s questions. In an online environment, however, a student is free to ask and resolve any question—be it Mathematics or any other subject. Therefore, learning becomes inclusive and interactive.

In this regard, Indian company TruMath is working towards eradicating the fear that students have for Mathematics.

Mathematics can be Fun!

Learning Mathematics requires a lot of patience— both from students and teacher. Unfortunately, in India, the reputation around the subject is so poor that everyone thinks Maths is boring, painful to learn and un-enjoyable! But not anymore! E-learning can make the subject fun, interesting and easily understandable by actually opens doors to a world of Mathematics that is fun and exciting.

E-learning gives the flexibility to students to learn the subject in his/her own pace and depth, thereby maximizing their ability to learn. In this regard, it is very much essential to have regular classes on the subject where students can solve Maths question as many times as s/he wants. Also, here it is very much required to advance mathematical sense-making, reasoning, problem-solving, and communication. An efficient teacher uses e-learning the most efficient way to develop students' understanding, stimulate their interest and increase their proficiency in Mathematics. When teachers use technology strategically, they can provide greater access to the subject for all students.

A better Grasp of Key Concepts

Studying Maths through the e-learning medium can also supplement traditional textbook learning. For example, one-on-one instruction can supplement current schoolwork and advance the concepts in a most convenient way, or it can even help revise and strengthen concepts learnt at school. On the e-learning platform, students are able to use video courses to better understand their classwork as well as concepts better, thereby being far more equipped to score better and improve their marks. It is a boon for parents where they can see their children get a better grasp of key concepts, are able to do homework better and are more thorough with the subject. Moreover, with the help of the online test, students can rectify and set improvement goals.

E-learning companies make learning Mathematics easier with the help of interactive videos. For example, Math problems are shown through an audio/visual format that clears ambiguity around the subject. Most of such platforms have experienced teachers where parents are also able to access a student’s baseline report and monitor progress online.

Through an e-learning platform, a student can access Arithmetic to Algebra, Calculus, Geometry and more. Because of its audio and supporting visuals, the same subject that appears boring in a regular classroom would appear interesting to a student. Students can absorb important mathematical rules and formulas at their own pace. They can spend more time on a specific question/subject than they can in a traditional classroom, allowing them to learn Mathematics at the perfect pace for information retention.

In online Math learning, there are certain content-specific technologies such as computer algebra systems, dynamic geometry environments, interactive applets, handheld computation, data collection, analysis devices and computer-based applications.

In India, e-learning for Mathematics makes sense where the availability of a good Math teacher is sparse. Additionally, through e-learning a student gets better time-management, direct access to teachers along with a cost-effective medium and anytime, anywhere convenience that an offline system lacks. Moreover, through the interactive and tech-enabled modules, a particular student’s performance can be evaluated for further improvement.  

This article is written by Sachin Gulati, Founder, TruMath.