Matematikvågen is the digital tool that takes teaching to the next level - without distraction. Teacher Emma Holmström from Örnsköldsvik is soon ready to launch her app for teachers across Sweden.
The equal sign is a classic challenge for primary school children and their teachers. Most people can learn that 3 + 5 = 8, but to really grasp the meaning of the equal sign, you also need to understand that 8 = 3 + 5, or that 3 + 5 = 10 - 2, for example.
- Children have a hard time with it. They think that the first two digits will always be the third digit, because that's usually how it looks when we start learning math," says Emma Holmström.
Emma's invention, the Math Scale, can help with exactly this. By placing numbers or quantities on either side of an illustrated scale, teachers can show how different mathematical problems can give the same result - be equal to each other. A tap on the balance point of the scale shows whether one side "weighs" more or whether there is an equilibrium.
- Many teachers balance with their arms and hands as scales in the classroom. I started thinking about how it could be developed into a better digital tool," says Emma Holmström.
Emma contacted BizMaker, and together with business developer Jonny Nissilä, she tweaked her idea a few times. Through Bron Innovation, Emma received support from RISE, which helped develop the service. Now the app is almost ready for launch. The tool offers the opportunity to work with both numbers and quantities, and either in teaching mode - for the teacher - or self-study mode where the student can practice.
Matematikvågen uses a simple graphic expression, a very conscious choice by Emma and the team behind the app.
- "We have chosen calm colors and adapted numbers that everyone should be able to read. A one today always has the little "flag" at the top, but that makes some children read it as a seven. Clarity is incredibly important.
Avoiding distractions has been a priority in the design process, as well as avoiding "gamification", the game-like, reward-driven thinking that characterizes many other apps.
- As soon as there are monkeys climbing around in the picture, or whatever fun design, there's a risk that we'll lose some kids who just look at it. And rewards always mean that those who aren't impressed are left out," says Emma Holmström.
BizMaker's Jonny Nissilä came in early in the process, and sees that Emma's idea fills an important function in schools.
- "Emma is doing this out of her heart, so that all Swedish children have a better opportunity to learn mathematics. This is a great idea, which we also get proof of when Emma succeeds in attracting other parties in the innovation support system. Now the app is being launched and we are entering the verification stage for real, it's exciting," he says.
- "I really want to thank BizMaker and everyone who has supported me in the project. Few people know how much help there is for those who have an idea," says Emma.
The app has been tested on a small group of teachers during the year, and in October the idea is to make it available to more people, in a first version.
"We teachers are very careful to think about what we need. Is there a math book that best suits this group this year, or can we work in a different way? With the Maths Wave, teachers can work practically, orally and digitally. It will be incredibly exciting to see the demand!
CONTACT
Emma Holmström, Innovator Diggalikamed
070 641 08 73, emmaholmstrom85@gmail.com
Jonny Nissilä, Business Advisor BizMaker
070 145 57 62, jonny.nissila@bizmaker.se
