Educational Math Apps Reach One Million Downloads

The Math Learning Center (“MLC”) is celebrating the widespread success of their innovative educational apps for visualizing mathematical concepts. MLC’s growing collection of free apps reflects its commitment to inquiry-based learning using effective instructional strategies and practices supported by research. The apps are the product of the organization’s collaboration with Clarity Innovations, a Portland-based strategy and development services firm focused on the K-12 education industry. The apps are used on their own or in conjunction with MLC’s K-5 mathematics curriculum, Bridges in Mathematics. This month, total downloads reached one million worldwide.

The Math Learning Center’s growing collection of free apps reflects its commitment to inquiry-based learning using effective instructional strategies and practices supported by research now reach one million downloads.  The apps are the product of the organization’s collaboration with Clarity Innovations, a Portland-based strategy and development services firm focused on the K-12 education industry.

“The apps we created aren't games: they're open-ended learning experiences—more like tools for exploring mathematical concepts than scripted activities. The popular apps really emphasize visual thinking, which is a powerful way to learn abstract concepts,” says Jonathan Maier, a client lead and producer for Clarity Innovations.

Teachers are heaping praise for MLC’s apps: “There is nothing better than a simple, accurate math app that allows students to convey their knowledge and understanding. … Thank you for a great resource that students can use when demonstrating the Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice.” (Source: iTunes review of the Geoboard app.) Cynthia Hockmann-Chupp, longtime Bridges in Mathematics teacher, says, “When I pull out the Number Frames and Number Rack to use with first graders, they start bobbing in their chairs with excitement. Another advantage? The apps let students access manipulatives like those we use in class, through home computers and mobile devices. And they share them with their families: one parent told me how her husband and daughter stood in line at the grocery store and played with Geoboard.”

Along with Geoboard, apps in this growing collection include Number Frames, Pattern Shapes, Number Rack, and Number Line. All the apps work from within a web browser or your favorite iOS device. Recently updated with enhanced features and drawing tools, MLC’s free math apps are now even more classroom friendly than before.

Part of the math apps’ international appeal is that they aren’t language or curriculum specific. In fact, in Norway a publication of the National Center for Mathematics Education of the Ministry of Education featured the MLC apps and instructed teachers on how to use them in their classrooms. 

To celebrate the million-app landmark, MLC will be sharing stories and photos via social media. “The response on Twitter has been exciting. Almost every day we see new photos of elementary-age students using our apps to explain their thoughts about math. That is just very cool!” says Jami Smith, media specialist for MLC. If you’d like to share your experience with MLC’s math apps, you can tag @MLCmath or use #appsamillion.

To download visit: www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps 

About MLC

The Math Learning Center (“MLC”) is a nonprofit organization serving the education community. Our mission is to inspire and enable individuals to develop their mathematical confidence and ability. MLC offers innovative and standards-based curriculum, resources, and professional development.

About Clarity Innovations

Clarity Innovations is a mission-driven company that makes innovative ideas clear through strategy and development. Drawing on their blended expertise from the classroom and looking ahead to where technology is evolving, Clarity Innovations provide consulting, product strategy, instructional design, content development and software engineering to companies that sell products and services to K-12 educational institutions.

Download a copy of this press release here