Santa Ana, CA, Sep 26, 2012 This week, the education non-profit MIND Research Institute announced that its ST Math® instructional software is now available to students and teachers using tablets in the classroom. MIND Research has re-engineered its research-based software games to capitalize on the powerful learning capabilities of touch technology.
The touch-enabled Spatial Temporal (ST) Math software uses gesture-based interfaces to create a more direct, intuitive and intimate experience with the visually-based math puzzles that are the hallmark of the ST Math curricula. Research shows that hands-on multi-sensory experiences result in stronger neural connections and improved learning. Available for K-5 and Secondary Intervention, ST Math for touch devices enhances learning by combining visual and tactile modalities.
“For the last 17 years, I’ve focused on making visual, interactive games that help students to deeply understand math concepts,” said MIND Research co-founder Matthew Peterson, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and creator of the ST Math games. “With tablets, we can deepen the learning experience by allowing students to more directly touch and interact with fascinating mathematical mechanisms.”
ST Math featuring touch represents Generation 5 of the software and is designed to meet the requirements of the new Common Core State Standards for Math (CCSSM). These standards, created by a nationwide, state-led initiative, are intended to provide a consistent and more rigorous set of educational goals for every student in the U.S. Said Peterson, “MIND Research rigorously embraces and embodies the goals of the CCSSM, especially the new emphasis on mathematical practices and deeper conceptual understanding, which are key to innovation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).”
The ST Math instructional software has been shown to roughly double annual growth in math proficiency at schools where it is implemented. The visually-based ST Math played a pivotal role in closing the achievement gap between its 76 percent English Language Learners and native English speaker in Santa Ana, Calif., where MIND has seen the most longitudinal data. The 36 elementary schools in Santa Ana Unified School District went from 32 percent of students proficient in math to meeting the statewide average of 67 percent proficiency in 2012
“MIND Research Institute is working to close the math achievement gap in U.S. public schools,” said MIND Research Chairman and CEO Ted Smith. “Our move to tablets puts us closer to that goal in two ways – it makes the games accessible on lower-cost, portable devices, and it makes an effective learning program even better.”
The touch-enabled ST Math software offers seamless integration between computers and tablets that students and teachers are using in the classroom, lab and home. The new program runs on major tablet operating systems including iPad and Android.
MIND Research Institute was able to invest in developing the new ST Math program for tablets thanks to generous donors including Cisco Foundation, Croul Family Foundation, The Horowitz Group, Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Peterson, Podlich Family Fund, Samueli Foundation, Stern Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Jim McCluney, Ueberroth Family Foundation and the Verizon Foundation.
For more information contact:
Abby Daniels
949-345-8637
adaniels@mindresearch.net
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