My 8th grade daughter needed some help with her algebra homework tonight. Because I can barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone what I did in math class 27 years ago, I had to Google the question in order to find the formula, which would help her find the equation. Confused? Me too.
One of the first websites I came across was called something like “Math is Fun!” which is where I sat and stared at my computer screen for a good three minutes before I could even figure out what I was looking at. It was basically a collage of letters, numbers, exclamation points and parentheses; then my brain exploded. Math is not fun for everyone. Just ask my brain.
The truth is, if it weren’t for the internet I wouldn’t be able to help her with algebra at all and I highly doubt that my parents would have been able to help me nearly three decades ago, either. You know, if parents had been inclined to help with homework back then. They didn’t drive us anywhere either. We rode our bikes. Uphill. Both ways.
I digress.
My point is, some people complain that modern technology is a detriment to the minds of our children, but if we didn’t have it in this house, the detriment would be all mine.
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Colleen - @amadisonmom
Wow… I really don’t look forward to helping with Algebra. I have a masters in elementary ed and I still have trouble helping Zoe with her 2nd grade math sometimes.
tara
Try this website: http://www.khanacademy.org/
I love algebra, it’s the only math I am good at it. Which is why I made such a great decision to be an engineer, which you know, has like no math at all.
Krissi
Yes, khanacademy is wonderful!!! Definitely use that next time.
Jamie@southmainmuse
I don’t even get the internet explanation sometimes. That’s when I’m happy that my neighbors are Georgia Tech grads.
Mama D
I needed to Google “regrouping” recently (for a child much younger than 8th grade!) to discover that it is the new term for what we used to call “carrying the 1” back in the dark ages. I’ll be doomed by the time my kids get to middle school!
Missy
It’s a new day when there are new names for the same Stinkin math expressions we’ve been doing for hundreds of years. It’s a sad day when we can’t even remember how to do these old new equations. I’m totally with ya Momo!
Shannon
I minored in Math, but my 16 year old daughter’s questions about functions and derivatives induce blank stares and drooling on my part.
I used to know this stuff. Luckily, her high school has a math resource center staffed by people who still do.
Momo Fali
I tell my daughter that all the time. “I USED TO know this stuff!” I don’t even think she believes me anymore.
Rhea
I use “The Googler” all the time to help my kids with their homework. I don’t know what I’d do without it.
meleahrebeccah
I haven’t been able to help my son with his math homework since the 5th grade.
Arnebya
Math is my mortal enemy. I used to sneak and look up answers on my phone but now? Now I have to be honest: Why are your math questions written in Orkan?