To further help students better adapt to the online and blended education in the new normal, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) recently launched web and mobile mathematics apps.
During a webinar series called “Senso Eskwela Pilipinas at Iba pa,” by the ADMU-School of Science and Engineering, the Mathplus apps were introduced as free, runs on moderate system requirements in laptops, tablets or cellphones, and is readily available for teachers and students.
The Mathplus Resources team consists of ADMU mathematicians, mathematics educators, and software developers headed by Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, a Professor at the Department of Mathematics and the associate dean for Research and Creative Work of Loyola Schools
They initially developed these apps to create a digital mathematics learning environment where Filipino students can learn mathematics, and think by and for themselves in solving mathematical problems which evidently became an essential aid to learning in response to the unprecedented urgent need for educational adaptations in the Philippines driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.
De Las Peñas’ team accomplished this through the project “Technology Innovations for Mathematical Reasoning, Statistical Thinking and Assessment" funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
DOST-PCIEERD said that these apps are research-based, aligned with the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) of the official Grade 1-11 Mathematics Curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) and are designed to promote mathematical reasoning and visual thinking so that Filipino children can learn to think by and for themselves.
“We are confident that this project can help students to manage their own learning, monitor their progress, think creatively and critically, and solve real-life problems. With that, no one will be left behind as students from isolated community will also have access to these learning resources,” said DOST-PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit.
During the webinar, ADMU officially sealed their collaboration with DepEd schools' divisions in Mandaluyong and Marikina through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).