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The launch of Algebra Nation means Duval County high school students may never suffer from math anxiety again, at least when it comes to Algebra One. ?
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Algebra Nation is an online instructional portal designed to help students pass Florida's algebra-one end of course exam. The video lessons, practice tests and study guides are aligned to state standards. Plus, there's a feature called the Algebra Nation Wall where students can post problems they're having trouble with and anyone who's logged on can offer assistance.
Algebra Nation was created by Gainesville, Florida-based Study Edge in collaboration with the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning. Study Edge president Ethan Fieldman says one of the biggest surprises was finding out how much students like to help each other.
"The Algebra Nation wall where students are asking questions and answering others questions is magical. Truly magical. So we've proven that students really like learning, they just need the right medium to do it."
Fieldman says Algebra Nation went live a month ago and, since then, more than four-thousand students from across the state of Florida have logged on. The site has also gotten the attention of educators around the country. Fieldman says teachers in thirty states have contacted Study Edge about getting Algebra Nation for their students.
Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown joined a number of state and local education officials for Algebra Nation's official launch at Andrew Jackson High School. The list of dignitaries included Florida Education Commissioner Tony Bennett, Florida State Board of Education Chairman Gary Chartrand, Duval County School Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and school board members Fel Lee, Becki Couch, Paula Wright, Connie Hall, Cheryl Grymes and Jason Fischer.
Study Edge President Ethan Fieldman says he hopes to have Geometry Nation and Algebra Two Nation up and running by this Fall.
