Will students be spending virtually all their class time on the computer?
Some lessons — we recommend at least one per fortnight — are used for doing hands-on problem based learning, where students work in groups to solve problems; typically these lessons do not use the computer at all. The rest of the time, students are using their workbooks, pen and paper to complete maths work. The computer is used alongside this to provide access to questions, worked solutions, videos and interactive activities. Students also work with the teacher and interact with their peers to discuss their work and get help if they’re stuck. Once a fortnight students also complete a maths test, part of which is done on paper, with only some of it directly on the computer.
Do students need a textbook?
Maths Pathway replaces the text book as the core resource for students; traditional text books are no longer needed. Maths Pathway contains all of the problem sets, information and structure that text books have traditionally provided, but there are now 9 grade levels available to students rather than just one and the material is continuously adapted to students' specific learning needs.
Is the teacher still teaching the class from up the front of the room on the blackboard?
No, not in the same way as traditional teaching. Research has shown that lecture-style lessons are extremely ineffective for student learning, particularly in subjects like mathematics where students learn most by doing. The teacher is still very active in teaching the students, but this now takes the form of more feedback and targeted help for small groups and individuals.