Math App Solves Problems Step By Step, Is It Good For Students?

If you were born before the last decade, you would have probably loved to have access to a math app that could have solved all those impossible-to-figure-out problems in school. But is using the technology bad for students who are supposed to be learning problem solving skills and critical thinking?

As with many other things that have to do with everyday chores or activities, there is now a free app called PhotoMath, which allows users to solve simple linear equations using a smartphone camera. The greatest benefit students, teachers and parents have with this app is that it shows step-by-step instructions on how to solve a math problem.

If a user is a student, it can help reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. It has happened to all of us. When the teacher is explaining a new math concept, it all makes sense, but when we get home and actually try to do the assignment for the day on our own, questions arise and the answer is not always straightforward.

This new math app can be particularly helpful for parents who may have been out of school for 20 or more years and are totally out of the loop as far as the modern way of doing things in math. PhotoMath can help a frustrated parent explain to their child how to solve an Algebra problem.

Detractors think differently about the new math app, however. Blogger CounterNotions.com suggests this is not a good idea, and his tweet generated some interesting debate and viewpoints. (Make sure to check the comments).

Wet dream of high school math students, but perhaps not such a good idea? https://t.co/MwggAtxZpM

— Kontra (@counternotions) October 21, 2014

While those who are jumping for joy think it’s a good idea and would help avoid frustrations while doing math homework, others believe it’s not helping children learn important skills they will use later in life. Both sides have a point, and the drawback to using this sort of technology to solve problems lies in the fact that all teachers are different and some may be more traditional in their approach.

Many schools still collect cell phones prior to class to keep the kids from sneaking and using it when it’s not allowed. The other danger — from a teacher’s perspective — is that a student would use the app during a math test, which generally requires the kids to write down all the steps they used to reach their answer.

In two 2012 studies, teachers expressed their concern regarding the widespread use of technology in the classroom, and how its constant use is hindering student’s attention span and ability to solve challenging tasks. According to the study, these findings are significant because of teachers’ ability to observe students for long periods of time.

Would you let your kids use this math app while doing homework? Will you use it yourself?

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