Duolingo is ready to expand into other topics with its language learning app. After months of beta, the American educational technology company launched its new math app – Duolingo Math.
The announcement comes just as a national study has shown the largest decline in math test scores for fourth and eighth graders since records began in 1990.
The numbers-focused app will be the first subject extension Duolingo has developed beyond its popular language learning and literacy application. Starting today, the app is available for iOS and Android users should keep an eye out for their version of the math learning app soon.
According to Duolingo’s official blog, the company wanted to make math less of a stressor in people’s lives, especially teenagers. “…many people experience stress when confronted with math-related situations – this is referred to as ‘math anxiety’. Recent studies found that 93% of US adults were at least somewhat math-scared, and half of high school students were very severely math-scared,” the blog reads.
Once a user downloads the app, they can choose between a basic version that deals with basic math concepts like multiplication and division, or an adult version called “Brain Training” that focuses on similar concepts. Brain training “strengthens the math skills in the mind and covers more advanced topics.” For example, users will encounter an everyday, applicable task, such as: B. converting between ounces and pounds.
The app, which is free to use 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 is specifically tailored to the content they teach. One way to do this is for learners to manipulate virtual tools… When learners interact with these tools, they can focus on the key mathematical aspects of the objects and deepen their understanding of the underlying concepts.”
One of the most exciting parts of Duolingo Math is that the concepts taught and put into practice are applicable to real-world experiences like calculating a tip or reading and setting a clock. The further you progress in the app, the more complex the learning becomes – a beginner or novice at math could really benefit from the app.
The app was developed keeping in mind the educational losses related to math.
“Our mission has always been to provide quality, accessible education, and I don’t think that necessarily stops at language learning,” said Duolingo Lead Engineer Sammi Siegel in an interview with TechCrunch. “We’ve seen the statistics on math, education and losses during the pandemic.”
The Nation’s Report Card noted that “the average math score in fourth grade decreased by 5 points and was lower than any previous assessment year since 2005” and that “the average math score in eighth grade compared compared to 2019 by 8 points and was lower than in all previous assessment years since 2003.”
It seems that Duolingo Math has come at the perfect time for students and adults alike, and while the lessons may start out 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 math at the college level.
Siegel also said the app is designed to include bite-sized lessons, just like its language-focused predecessor, along with interactive exercises and streaks.
Currently Duolingo Math is available in an English user interface for iPhone, iPad and some iPod touch devices. Find it in the App Store!
