Online math textbook enhances learning for Wichita students

Algebra and geometry in Wichita schools just got a little more real-world and a lot more online.

The district launched a new online textbook this fall for middle- and high-school students that aims to reinforce standard math concepts with online videos, games, drag-and-drop puzzles and other activities geared toward more visual learners.

“Everything is done within the context of the new (Kansas College and Career Ready) standards,” said Liz Peyser, a middle-school math coach for the Wichita district. The new standards are based primarily on Common Core State Standards, an outline of what students should learn in math and English in each grade through high school.

“We require them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers,” Peyser said. “So everything that is presented is in the real-world context.”

The district partnered with Agile Mind, an education curriculum company, to provide an online textbook that supports the district’s current math curriculum, Peyser said. It was rolled out this fall for algebra and geometry classes at most Wichita middle and high schools.

The district paid $1.4 million for three years of the online math textbook, according to a district spokeswoman. That cost includes professional support and an intervention program for struggling students.

Students use the online textbook in lieu of a standard textbook. Teachers employ projection screens and interactive clickers in class and provide printouts of worksheets when necessary.

At East High School on Wednesday, freshmen in Kirsten Meireis’ Algebra I class calculated which of two potential rose suppliers a soccer team should use for its fundraiser.

The students first figured out how many roses they could order from Roses-R-Red, which charges a $20 service fee and 75 cents a rose. Then they calculated costs using Flower Power, which sells roses for a $60 service charge and 50 cents per rose.

“I like how it gives you hints. You can view motion pictures or they tell you” how to set up equations, said Pierre Johnson, 14. “I definitely use it when I’m doing my math homework or studying for a test.”

Students can sign into the online text at home to complete lessons or study concepts taught in class. Parents can use their child’s sign-in information to see students are learning.

If a student doesn’t have a computer or internet access at home, printed materials are provided.

Meireis, the East High teacher, said she likes the new textbook so far, and so do her students. Because it’s online, lessons or materials can be changed or updated quickly based on teacher feedback, as opposed to a printed textbook that usually is replaced after seven or more years.

“The kids are so visual now. Seeing the visual prompts and the animations and stuff just keeps them a little more engaged than traditional PowerPoints” or paper textbooks, Meireis said.

“I think they really like not having to carry around a textbook, too, so that’s a little bonus.”

Parents wanting additional information or a demonstration of the new online algebra and geometry textbooks are invited to a meeting Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southeast High School library, 903 S. Edgemoor.

This story was originally published September 10, 2014 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Online math textbook enhances learning for Wichita students."