Game Maker Polymath: Learn Math with Fun, Like Roblox!
The Challenge of Engaging Young Learners
With the increasing prevalence of platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and YouTube in the lives of young children, edtech companies are encountering difficulties in effectively capturing and maintaining their attention.
These popular digital environments present a significant challenge to traditional learning methods.
Polymath: Gamified Math Education
Polymath is designed to address this challenge by integrating gamified elements, drawing inspiration from widely-loved games, with adaptive math instruction.
The goal is to create a more engaging and enjoyable learning experience for children.
Exploring a Virtual Learning Environment
The platform is an educational sandbox game where children can explore a virtual island.
Within this world, they can personalize their avatars, construct buildings using various materials, and interact with non-player characters (NPCs).
Math Integration and Progress
To advance within the game, children are required to solve math problems.
This ensures a consistent focus on educational objectives while they play.
Securing Funding for Expansion
On Monday, Polymath announced the successful completion of a $1 million pre-seed funding round.
These funds will be utilized to broaden the platform’s reach into new markets.
The investment was jointly led by Blackbird Ventures and GD1.
Liam Don, the Chief Technology Officer of ClassDojo, participated as an angel investor in this round.
The Inspiration Behind Polymath
Sophie Silver, co-founder and CEO of Polymath, holds a degree from University College London (UCL) with a focus on human learning, memory, and developmental psychology.
Her observations while working as a nanny revealed a noticeable gap in children’s mathematical skills and the difficulty of making math lessons appealing.
Recognizing a Need for Innovative Approaches
“Children consistently expressed a lack of enjoyment in mathematics,” Sophie Silver explained to TechCrunch.
“I began creating games, primarily using cards or dice, to motivate them during their multiplication practice or other required tasks.”
She further noted that conventional learning methods often fail to align with the natural workings of the brain.
Adaptive Learning Technology
Polymath employs an adaptive algorithm to tailor the learning experience to each child’s individual progress.
The system analyzes responses to identify the most appropriate subsequent question.
It also detects areas where knowledge is lacking and strategically introduces new information to prevent cognitive overload.
Learning Opportunities Within the Game World
Beyond the core math lessons, the virtual world itself provides opportunities for learning.
For example, constructing a house requires measuring dimensions and calculating the necessary amount of building materials.
Real-World Math Scenarios
Christian Silver, co-founder and CTO, described a scenario involving a shopkeeper within the game.
“The shopkeeper, at times, provides inaccurate pricing.
If a block of wood costs 5 “cubos” (Polymath’s currency), and a player attempts to purchase four blocks but is charged 30 cubos, it presents a critical thinking challenge to recognize the error.”
Versatile Platform Options
Polymath is available in both at-home and classroom versions.
The classroom version allows teachers to monitor student progress in real-time.
It also facilitates collaborative learning, enabling all students to participate simultaneously in a shared environment.
If device availability is limited, Polymath can sequentially call on students to answer questions, ensuring everyone remains engaged.
Parental Involvement and Progress Tracking
The at-home version empowers parents to oversee their child’s learning journey.
Parents receive weekly email reports detailing their child’s progress.
The Polymath Relate app provides parents with access to detailed answers for every question completed.
Social Interaction with Safety Measures
Children can connect with friends using a unique friend code.
However, a chat function is intentionally disabled in multiplayer mode to ensure a safe environment.
Launch and Initial Growth
Polymath was launched in January 2023 through the Startmate accelerator program in New Zealand.
The platform has already attracted thousands of users across Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, and Virginia, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.
Future Development Plans
Future development plans include expanding the curriculum to encompass more advanced learning opportunities.
The company also intends to introduce collaborative gameplay, allowing children to work together on problem-solving.
Additionally, Polymath plans to generate revenue through the sale of avatar assets.
Accessibility
Polymath is freely accessible on the web, iOS, and Android devices.
