Date:01/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110114320500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Simplifying problems in learning math

Staff Reporter

HeyMath aims to make classroom learning more interactive HeyMath aims to make classroom learning more interactive

MAKING MATH SIMPLER: A school principal from Singapore shares her perspectives on HeyMath at the principals' conclave organised in Chennai on Tuesday. — PHOTO: Shaju John

CHENNAI: The day a student sitting in Chennai discusses a math problem online with his counterpart in Singapore is not far, said Nirmala Sankaran of HeyMath. HeyMath, an e-learning system that offers material on Mathematical concepts, aims at making classroom learning more interactive and interesting for school students.

Speaking at a school principals' conclave organised on Tuesday, she said networking and collaborative learning would enable continuous sharing of best teaching and learning practices.

City schools such as Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, Vidya Mandir and Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram have incorporated HeyMath in their curriculum.

Mrs.Y.G.Parthasarathy, dean of Padma Seshadri group of schools said it helped reduce dependence on tuitions and provided a comprehensive question bank with challenging problems. "Such problems will encourage students to think and apply concepts they have learnt in classroom," she added.

Durga Chandrasekar, who teaches Mathematics at the school, said HeyMath saved planning time for teachers.

Certain topics such as Least Common Multiple (LCM) lent themselves to technology beautifully and helped students in retention of concepts.

At Vidya Mandir, the Maths Lab has been designed with HeyMath inputs.

Since learning is fundamentally computer-aided, students also get to practice problems from their homes.

Besides learning material, they also arrange student exchange programmes in India and Singapore.

"There is a big change in learning environment. The education system is not able to mirror the technological advancements around us. Our aim is to enhance learning through creative use of technology and help our children compete in the global setting," Ms.Sankaran said.