Based on their performance while using the app, students are rewarded with data or special prizes such as bags, earphones and accessories. In the long term, students can use the MathU platform as a tool to gain access to bursaries.
As part of the launch, 50 Grade 10, 11 and 12 Magaliesburg State School students that are studying maths and science received a package that enables them to access the MathU app. The package consists of an Android cellular phone with a SIM card and active data line, and a 10,000mah solar charger.
This launch follows the success of a Tracker funded pilot project at the school in 2017. The Magaliesburg State School outreach programme allowed for the testing of this teaching technology in the most challenging circumstances. The pilot programme had a profound positive impact on the education in a school that serves a poor community and is severely under resourced. The result was a 12% increase in maths ratings and a 43% increase in physical science proficiency, plus recognition as the best performing school in Mathematics and Science in Gauteng for rural areas.
“Tracker’s brand promise of 'To care is to protect' is deeply embedded within the culture of the company and everything we do,” says Dumisani Kala, Head: Learning and Development at Tracker SA. “It is our care for the communities within which we operate that led us on this journey and we are pleased to be part of a programme where learning and growing is only a button away. We have found that with reward-based learning, students spend an average of three hours practicing maths and science. Therefore, this initiative promises to bridge the gap in maths and science competency and increase uptake of these subjects.”
The MathU Teaching Emporium app is one of Tracker SA’s corporate social investment initiatives, which focus predominantly on education. Tracker encourages other corporates to consider sponsorship of the app for additional schools to ensure greater uptake of maths and science and increased literacy levels across the country.
