Duolingo, the hugely popular language learning app used by over 500 million people, recently launched a new product: Duolingo Math. This free app aims to make building math skills fun and engaging for kids and adults through the same gamified approach that has made Duolingo a hit for learning languages.
But how exactly does it work, and is Duolingo Math really free just like the language version? As a parent, you may be wondering if it‘s a beneficial and accessible tool for your child. Or as an adult, you might want to improve your own math proficiency with a fun app.
Let‘s take a comprehensive look at what to expect from Duolingo Math and the ins and outs of Duolingo‘s teaching methodology and free access.
Yes, Duolingo Math is Completely Free to Use!
First and foremost, Duolingo Math is 100% free to download and use on your iOS device. All of the core app‘s lessons, exercises, games, and progress tracking are accessible without paying anything. Duolingo makes its math curriculum completely free.
Duolingo uses a "freemium" model for both its language and math apps. The apps themselves are free, but optional subscriptions (Duolingo Plus for language, Duolingo Math Premium) provide access to additional features and content for a monthly fee. However, these are supplements, not necessary to enjoy the full apps.
This is the same approach that has allowed Duolingo to create its free language learning courses across 40+ languages. The company relies on other revenue streams like ads, subscriptions for extra features, and selling language translation services to large clients. This allows them to offer the essential language and math apps at no cost.
Duolingo Math Premium does provide perks like unlimited mistakes, no ads, and extra challenging levels for $4.99/month after a 7-day free trial. But again, you can access the full math curriculum and standard app features for free.
Game-Like Lessons for Math Mastery – Does It Work?
So how exactly does Duolingo Math teach skills and is it effective? Duolingo relies on quick, game-like lessons and challenges to build proficiency. The app motivates you to progress by rewarding correct answers with points and fun animations.
For example, a lesson may show a money chart and have you solve word problems involving calculating change. Get enough questions right, and you level up! The app tracks your overall progress and performance on different skill categories with a clean interface.
This gamified approach aims to make learning feel more like playing a game than traditional homework. Educational experts say it allows Duolingo to tap into principles of engagement and motivation. The app provides instant feedback to stimulate the reward center of the brain.
Studies show Duolingo is effective at building vocabulary and grammar skills in its language courses. But critics say it should not replace full immersion and conversing with native speakers. The same may prove true for its math lessons. The app can build skills through fun practice, but likely works best paired with other studying.
For kids ages 7-12 specifically, Duolingo Math presents core concepts like fractions and measurement in an interactive, engaging way. The curriculum builds skills aligned to U.S. Common Core standards. Duolingo also plans to expand the age range and add more advanced middle school math topics over time.
Duolingo Math vs. Competitors Like Photomath, QuickMath
Compared to other popular free math apps, here‘s how Duolingo Math stacks up:
Photomath: Lets you point your camera at math problems to receive step-by-step solutions and answers. More focused on problems than lessons.
Mathway: Similar to Photomath but also allows typing in the math problem. Gives multi-step explanations.
QuickMath: Problem generator and solver combined with lessons and some game elements. But less fully developed as an educational game.
Khan Academy: Nonprofit with free online math courses covering K-12 Common Core and beyond. More traditional lessons without gamification.
Duolingo Math stands out by applying Duolingo‘s proven gamification model to math lessons. Rather than just solve problems, it aims to teach concepts through motivational gameplay. Given Duolingo‘s track record of engagement for language learning, the app shows promise to raise math proficiency through fun practice.
Duolingo‘s Impact on Language Learning
To evaluate Duolingo Math‘s potential, it helps to understand Duolingo‘s impact on language education. The app has made language learning more accessible to a wider demographic far beyond traditional classroom settings.
Some key Duolingo language learning stats:
- 500 million total users
- 40+ languages offered with free courses
- Best Education App – Google Play Awards 2021
- Courses aligned to CEFR levels A1 to C1 skill proficiency
A study by City University of New York showed 34 hours of Duolingo provides equivalent proficiency to a 1st semester college language course. However, experts emphasize Duolingo works best paired with other immersion.
Still, the app has received praise for making language learning more fun, interactive, and available to the masses. It takes advantage of small blocks of free time like 5-10 minutes waiting in line or commuting. The math app shares this digestible style.
"Duolingo has achieved a rare combination of fun and efficacy in education – a valuable model as global edtech rises," said CEO of kids learning company Age of Learning, Paul Candland.
Tips for Using Duolingo Math Most Effectively
Based on education experts‘ analysis, here are some tips for getting the most from Duolingo Math:
- Use it as a supplement – Combine it with math lessons and practice in school for enhanced proficiency.
- Aim for little and often – Brief, daily practice of 5-10 minutes is more beneficial than marathon sessions.
- Focus on weakest areas – Use the app‘s insights to target skills you struggle with.
- Apply concepts taught – Reinforce through word problems and real-world math.
- Pair visual and verbal – Say math problems aloud and visualize them.
- Celebrate growth – Praise yourself or your child for achieving milestones to encourage ongoing learning.
Following these best practices maximizes Duolingo Math‘s potential to build skills through quick, frequent gamified practice. Think of it as fun homework help rather than a comprehensive program.
Duolingo Math and the Future of Education
Duolingo Math represents a continued evolution of education technology. By making core math instruction available in a popular free app, Duolingo expands access similar to its language product. This aligns with the company‘s mission of providing "universally available, fun and effective education for everyone."
Duolingo is even exploring using gamification and AI to offer free, basic literacy and reading skills within the app. Co-founder Luis von Ahn aspires to give people worldwide the education needed to attain a basic job in fields like customer support.
"We want to scale it up and provide elementary school education," said von Ahn.
Of course, traditional schooling remains essential for complete mastery. But opening access to foundational skills via engaging education technology is a promising trend. Especially when coupled with teaching support, it empowers more people to reach learning milestones.
If Duolingo Math proves successful, expect the company to add more subjects to its repertoire. For now, parents and adult learners alike have an exciting new free option to build up math abilities.
The Bottom Line – Fun Math Help for All
Duolingo Math brings Duolingo‘s engaging, gamified learning approach to mathematics. While new, it provides a promising way for kids and adults alike to strengthen core math skills through fun, rewarding lessons for free.
Early reviews praise the app‘s game-like style for keeping motivation high versus standard homework. And by tracking performance on skill categories, it helps identify and fill gaps in your knowledge.
Is Duolingo Math right for you? If you or your child needs a playful math practice supplement, it‘s definitely worth trying. Download the free iOS app today and see the fun way to math mastery!