Mathspace

Track and provide feedback on all aspects of a math problem, including intermediate steps

Overview

Mathspace allows students to receive automated feedback on every step of a math problem. The tool identifies whether students have taken the correct steps to solve the problem and provides feedback when they have not. Mathspace is available for individuals to purchase or for school or district leaders to purchase for their teachers.

GOALS

Mathspace allows students to show and receive feedback on every step of a math problem, from beginning to end. The product was created with the goal of helping students and teachers to learn and teach the thinking processes behind math, decreasing the focus on getting the correct answer.

APPROACH

Teachers log in to Mathspace and can create digital classes; they can then assign exercises to each class, or adjust the assignments for individual students. Teachers can track a student’s progress and final score for each exercise, and can use Mathspace to communicate directly with the student’s parent.

Once students receive their assignments, they can begin exercises directly or read about the topic assigned in the Mathspace-provided lesson. These lessons include a clear explanation of the concepts involved and example problems; some also include interactive diagrams.

Once they begin the exercise, students are encouraged to show all of their work on the problem. At each step, Mathspace reads what the student has typed and provides feedback on whether the step was the correct one to take. If students are unsure of what to do, they can ask Mathspace for a hint, or in some cases watch a video for additional help. On a tablet, Mathspace can also convert students’ handwriting into responses for the program. Even on a non-touch device, students can use the “scratch” feature to make marks on the problem, helping them to think through the exercise and show their work.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mathspace is available through a browser, or through native iPad, Android tablet, or Surface apps.

PRICING

Mathspace is available for purchase for a school or for individual users. Teachers, or school or district leaders can purchase the full program for the cost of $20/student/year. Alternatively, individuals can purchase the product for $100/student/year. Some free content is available for individuals but most is behind the paywall.

WHO IS USING IT

As of June 2015, hundreds of teachers were using Mathspace with over 10,000 students around the world.