Homeschooling parents are probably perfectly capable of teaching their children basic math functions, fraction and decimals, all the way up to algebra and geometry. But teaching higher math concepts such as calculus and statistics are beyond the scope of most homeschool parents so where should those parents turn to help educate their advanced child? Technology can step in to fill the gap in the absence of a community college or AP course or simply provide additional practice for students who are taking an advanced math class. Following are the top 3 apps for teaching calculus:
Calculus FTW – Deep Insight into Solving Calculus Problems promises to help students understand how to solve common first-year calculus problems in a non-intimidating format. Students can brush up on their pre-calculus skills within the app; many students struggle with calculus because they do not understand or remember the concepts and skills learned in a pre-calculus course. Each calculus problem is then delivered alongside a “hint” to help if a student is stuck, a solution with a detailed but not overwhelming explanation, and “Tips and Tricks” to guide students in solving similar problems. One of the most useful features of the app are the interactive explanations for each problem that contain links to definitions of common math terms for students who are confused by the terminology itself.
Wolfram Calculus Course Assistant is designed to help students work on their specific calculus problems rather than software generated equations. As students work through the problem, they are guided step-by-step through derivatives, integrals, critical and inflection points of a function, the local and absolute extrema of a function, and much more. The app can lead students from Calculus to AP Calculus AB and BC, all the way through Calculus II. Wolfram is generally regarded as the leader in software systems for mathematical research and education so this app is loaded with power and highly-regarded teaching methods.
Symbolab – Calculator with Steps can help students solve problems from pre-algebra through calculus. The app offers step-by-step guidance for each solution and covers calculus concepts such as integrals, partial derivatives, ODE, Laplace transformations, and more. Additionally, the app saves each problem solved under a History heading so students can revisit troublesome problems or use the previously solved equations as a review source to prepare for tests.
Students who are still struggling to understand calculus after utilizing these apps can also search for live, on-demand tutoring apps. Tutors can look at actual homework problems and help a student work to find the solution; some apps offer audio connections while others use interactive whiteboards to allow tutors and students to communicate. MathElf – Live On-demand Math Tutoring and GotIt!- Homework Help Math, Chem, Physics are two popular options.
Parent/teachers shouldn’t worry about asking their students to rely too much on technology to learn these difficult math concepts; whether using paper and pencil or stylus and tablet, students are learning the same theories and problem-solving skills. Advanced mathematics concepts are difficult for highly-educated mathematicians to teach so parent/teachers in a homeschool environment should feel good about attempting the feat and feel empowered to use every tool available.
Mimi Rothschild is a veteran homeschooling mother of 8, writer of a series of books called Cyberspace for Kids, and passionate advocate for children and education that is truly worthy of them. In 2001, Mimi and her late husband founded Learning By Grace, a leading provider of online Christian homeschooling Academies.
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