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The Importance of Online Tools for Math Success: How Roots to Routes Academy is Changing the Game
March 14, 2025
Math can be tough. For many high school students, it’s the one subject that causes stress, frustration, and even self-doubt. If you’ve ever seen your child struggle with a math problem for hours, only to give up feeling defeated, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
But here’s the good news: technology has completely changed the way students learn math. Today, online tools are helping students grasp concepts faster, stay engaged, and even start enjoying math (yes, really!).
At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe that every Black student deserves an education that meets them where they are, supports their unique learning style, and prepares them for real-world success. That’s why we’ve integrated the best online tools into our math program—so that students don’t just learn math, but actually understand and apply it in ways that make sense to them.
Why Do So Many Students Struggle with Math?
Before we talk about solutions, let’s address the problem. Why is math such a challenge for so many students?
- It feels abstract: Numbers and formulas on a page don’t always connect to real life.
- One-size-fits-all teaching: Traditional classrooms don’t always cater to different learning styles.
- Fear of failure: Many students feel pressured to get the right answer immediately, instead of focusing on understanding the process.
- Lack of confidence: If a student believes they’re “just bad at math,” they’re less likely to engage or ask for help.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we use technology to tackle these issues head-on. We don’t just teach math—we make sure students understand why it matters and how to use it in real life.
How Online Tools Are Making Math More Accessible and Engaging
The right online tools can make all the difference. Here’s how they help:
1. Making Math Visual and Interactive
Traditional math lessons rely heavily on textbooks and lectures. But research shows that students learn better when they can see and interact with what they’re learning. That’s where tools like Desmos and GeoGebra come in. These platforms allow students to visualize graphs, manipulate equations, and experiment with numbers in real time—making math more engaging and easier to understand.
2. Instant Feedback = Faster Learning
Imagine your child completing a math problem and knowing immediately whether they got it right or wrong. That’s the power of online tools. Platforms like IXL and DeltaMath provide real-time feedback, helping students correct mistakes on the spot rather than waiting days for test results. This boosts confidence and encourages a growth mindset—students see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.
3. Personalized Learning Paths for Every Student
No two students learn the same way. Some need extra practice, while others need more challenging problems to stay engaged. Online platforms use adaptive learning, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on the student’s performance. If a student struggles with a concept, they get extra support. If they master it quickly, they move on to more advanced topics.
At Roots to Routes Academy, we use these personalized tools to ensure every student gets the right level of challenge and support they need.
4. Gamifying Math to Make It Fun
Let’s be honest—most students don’t see math as fun. But what if math felt like a game? Platforms like Prodigy and Kahoot! turn math into an interactive experience where students earn rewards, compete in challenges, and stay engaged without even realizing they’re learning. At Roots to Routes, we use these tools to make sure students look forward to learning math.
How Roots to Routes Academy Uses Online Tools for Math Success
At Roots to Routes Academy, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all education. Here’s how we use online tools to give Black students the best math learning experience:
- Live Virtual Classes with Interactive Tools: Our online classrooms aren’t just Zoom lectures. We use virtual whiteboards, live polls, and real-time problem-solving sessions to keep students actively engaged.
- Real-World Math Applications: We connect math to everyday life—financial literacy, data analysis, budgeting, and problem-solving—so students understand why it matters.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Our curriculum is designed by Black educators for Black students, incorporating examples and stories that resonate with their experiences.
- One-on-One Support & Tutoring: Students who need extra help can access personalized teaching sessions, ensuring they never feel lost or left behind.
Here’s how we integrate these in our learning setting:
1. Google Classroom Practice Sets: Personalized Assignments
We utilize Google Classroom’s Practice Sets to create assignments that adapt to each student’s learning level. This tool allows teachers to monitor progress in real-time and provide instant feedback, enabling students to learn from their mistakes immediately. For instance, if a student struggles with quadratic equations, the Practice Sets offer tailored problems that gradually increase in complexity, reinforcing their understanding step by step.
2. BrainingCamp ShortCodes: Interactive Math Simulations
BrainingCamp ShortCodes transforms abstract math concepts into interactive simulations. By turning math problems into engaging puzzles, students can visualize and manipulate mathematical ideas, enhancing their comprehension and retention. This approach makes learning more interactive and enjoyable, fostering a deeper connection with the material.
3. Knowledgehook: Data-Driven Insights
Knowledgehook provides data-driven insights into each student’s learning journey. By identifying individual strengths and areas needing improvement, this tool enables teachers to tailor their instruction effectively. Students receive personalized support, ensuring they build a strong foundation in math concepts.
How You Can Support Your Child’s Math Journey at Home
As a parent, you play a huge role in your child’s math success. Here are some practical ways to help:
- Encourage the use of online tools: Explore platforms like Khan Academy or Photomath together.
- Make math part of everyday life: Have your child calculate grocery bills, measure ingredients while cooking, or track savings.
- Set a study routine: A structured schedule helps students stay on top of their learning.
- Celebrate progress, not just results: Encourage effort and improvement, rather than just focusing on grades.
The Bigger Picture: Why Math Success Matters
Strong math skills open doors. They build problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and confidence—all essential for careers in STEM, business, finance, and beyond. At Roots to Routes Academy, we believe that every Black student deserves to see themselves as capable mathematicians, critical thinkers, and future leaders.
Don’t Let Your Child Struggle: Join Roots to Routes Academy Today!
If you’re tired of seeing your child struggle with math and want a proven, engaging, and culturally responsive solution, now is the time to act. At Roots to Routes Academy, we don’t just teach math—we transform how students see it.
Give your child the support they deserve. You can indicate interest in joining our upcoming sessions.
Visit www.rootstoroutes.ca to learn more and secure your child’s spot today.
