Teachers today are balancing more than ever—lesson planning, instruction, assessment, reporting, and a host of other responsibilities. Amid these demands, finding the time and resources to evaluate and implement new tools can be daunting.
Yet one tool is becoming increasingly essential in math classrooms: the Digital Learning Platform (DLP).
From Calculators to Comprehensive Digital Tools
The debate over technology in math education isn’t new. When calculators first entered classrooms, many educators resisted, fearing students would lose foundational skills. But over time, it became clear that calculators weren’t a crutch—they were a necessary tool for navigating a changing world.
Today, we face a similar moment with DLPs. These platforms are more than just digital add-ons—they’re powerful tools that can transform how students engage with math, deepen their understanding, and build essential problem-solving skills.
Not All DLPs Are Created Equal
When it comes to selecting a DLP, it’s important to understand the difference between platforms that simply digitize old methods and those that truly support modern pedagogy.
1. Digitized Worksheets
These platforms replicate outdated worksheets and textbooks in a digital format. While they may appear modern, they often rely on rote memorization and procedural drills, offering little more than a cosmetic update to traditional teaching.
2. Pedagogically Sound Platforms
The most effective DLPs go beyond surface-level engagement. They present math in real-world contexts, use everyday language, and incorporate visual models and digital manipulatives. These platforms support students in moving from concrete understanding to abstract reasoning, while fostering critical thinking, logical reasoning, and mathematical communication.
Helping Teachers Make Informed Choices
Teachers often default to platforms they’re familiar with, especially when time and training are limited. But familiarity doesn’t always equal effectiveness.
When evaluating a DLP, schools and educators should ask:
- Does this platform truly engage students—or just digitize old worksheets?
- Does it focus on memorization—or on developing reasoning and problem-solving skills?
- Does it prepare students for the future—or reinforce outdated methods?
Empowering Educators and Students
Offering a high-quality DLP isn’t about replacing teachers or traditional skills. It’s about empowering educators with tools that support differentiated instruction, meet students where they are, and help them grow into confident, capable mathematical thinkers.
Discover how Matific can transform your math classroom.
Matific is a research-backed Digital Learning Platform designed to engage students, support teachers, and build deep mathematical understanding. With real-world problem-solving, interactive activities, and adaptive learning pathways, Matific helps schools move beyond digitized worksheets to deliver meaningful, personalized math instruction.
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Learn more about how Matific supports effective math teaching and learning.
Editor’s note: This blog was originally written by Gerard Tuffield, MEd. for Matific in 2021. It has been lightly edited and updated for the Heinemann blog in 2025.
