can google do my math homework

can google do my math homework

The Benefits of Using Google for Math Homework

1. Introduction

Math can be an extraordinarily hard subject. It is likely that even the teacher or professor explaining the material to not have a firm understanding of it. With Google, students have a chance to learn from the mistakes that others have gone through and make the subject much easier on themselves. By allowing for a deeper understanding, better grades are sure to follow.

However, typing the problem into a search engine is not the only way to get a math problem solved. Video streaming sites such as YouTube have individuals who post videos of themselves solving various problems. Screen capture videos and writing implements make it possible for students to watch videos of someone writing out an entire math problem from start to finish. Usually Google’s search engine can lead the way to these videos through recommended links to an answer of a math problem.

Students are challenged with homework after a long day of school. However, there is a learning tool that can help them get better grades on assignments. That tool is Google. When students are tasked with solving elaborate math problems, sometimes they will need a little assistance. Google has dozens of elaborate functions that can help students work out tough math problems. Any problem that involves numbers can be plugged into the search engine and there will be an automatic calculator waiting to solve it. More complicated problems can input a specific mathematical function exported from other programs to solve an integral, a derivative, or a limit. Problems such as mathematical word problems often confuse students. By typing in various different phrases students are likely to find the same problem written out by someone else.

2. Section one: Access to a Vast Array of Resources

An internet search engine is a dedicated tool most students use today, but what many students fail to realize is that access to a vast array of resources is right at their fingertips. The Google search engine, on its own, provides an abundance of information if used correctly. This includes PDFs, spreadsheets, forums, academic websites, blogs, videos, and much more. The internet is also host to a range of math-solving websites. Websites like mathway.com and wolframalpha.com are designed to aid students in math. Unfortunately, these websites often show the working out and provide little in the way of explanation. Google provides access to a range of forums such as math Google groups, Yahoo Answers, and web mathematics fielding specific questions, allowing students to get answers to their questions with explanations. With access to program-specific forums, students can get answers to programming problems which may be math-related and would be difficult to find elsewhere. A more traditional use of the internet for resource gathering is through the use of textbooks. Often times, students may not have a printed or electronic copy of a textbook. Using Google to search for solutions is a great alternative to using a library or borrowing a fellow student’s copy. Searching the internet for specific mathematical topics is made simpler with the use of the Google search engine. By using keywords, students can find information and explanations on a limitless number of math topics. This can be particularly useful for a university student faced with a particular subject. For example, a student taking field theory may find it difficult to get information on the topic. A simple Google search for “field theory explained” may provide a vast array of resources from full explanations with examples and problems to small university websites with notes for a particular course. Access to these types of resources may well make the difference between understanding and failing a difficult topic.

3. Section two: Instant Answers and Solutions

Instant answers and solutions are possible on Google. The end result of the step-by-step working out will be the correct answer; Google is impressive in that it allows students to enter problems at various levels. A student can pose a simple problem such as 5+2 or a more complicated one such as the limit of sinx/x as x approaches zero and receive the correct answer in either case. With the most basic question, the Google calculator can be used, which ensures correct answers 100% of the time. Google displays its capabilities with questions involving a single variable in that it can solve it directly. But it is the harder multi-step problems and the higher level college type problems that it truly shines, as it not only is able to give the correct answer, but it provides detailed solutions that show the work involved in getting there. In effect Google is able to function as a student would and gives direct feedback as to correctness of the work as the solutions can be compared step by step to students own work. This is important as when a student is lost on a math problem, just seeing the correct answer often does not help. Being able to see the work and compare it is necessary for understanding and eventually duplicating the correct method. This function is indeed a double-edged sword. While it is an outstanding resource that provides a huge convenience and promotes increased understanding for students of all levels, it does take away some of the necessity for critical thinking and working out problems. It is stressed to students using Google for math homework that they should try problems on their own first or with the help of a tutor, and use Google as a check to see how it is going. This is to ensure that they are not just taking the easy way out and copying Google solutions in lieu of doing real work.

4. Section three: Enhanced Learning Opportunities

In the mathematics course, we often rely on visual models of math concepts but are not able to get a hold of a classroom set of manipulatives for each student. Google has developed some interactive math manipulatives that can be used to accompany various math concepts. One of these is the pattern block tool. It allows students to explore and create patterns, symmetry, problem solving, and more. Using this digital tool is excellent for those who understand using the hands-on approach but it can also be utilized with the entire class, allowing every student hands-on experience with the activity. Google Present also offers some templates that can be used for constructing graphs and creating various grid-based diagrams. This is an alternative to pencil and paper tasks, but not all students have the spatial skills to visualize the drawing task. Using a digital template allows clear demonstration of the task for the students and you can readily have it projected to the class or printed for future use. Finally, we know that math concepts are continually being developed and recent technological changes, such as the change to teaching long division process after only teaching short division for many years, can sometimes leave us feeling unconfident about our own understanding. Google Search has vast resources for both students and teachers. Googling to find math problems will result in many worksheets that can be assigned to the students, but perhaps the most powerful tool is that many math topics have step-by-step tutorials or YouTube videos which can be viewed and discussed in the classroom.

Learning is more powerful when it is multi-sensory. Using Google Present, students can create electronic slide shows that incorporate text, images, and photos. This makes learning more engaging by allowing students to use their creativity and tailoring to the unique strengths of each individual student. It is also great for the visual learner. The finished product can be emailed to the teacher; therefore, the teacher has an electronic copy. The teacher can then put the slide show up in the classroom for the students to view. Google Search is also a great tool for ESL students or students with learning disabilities. It allows these students to have words or phrases explained to them in a non-threatening manner. It also offers the translate feature, which is great for learning the English language and increasing computer skills. Using Google Documents, students can create a document and then click on tools and use the voice feature which will read the text out loud. This is a great accommodation for students with various learning difficulties.

5. Conclusion

All things considered, Google is a powerful tool that can lead to many opportunities and productive outcomes. Although it can sometimes be a distraction because of the ads and sponsored information, it can also lead to innovative ideas that can benefit the world. Google does not only provide accurate and simple answers to math questions, but it can also aid students in developing and learning new teaching methods. Because it encourages students to manipulate keywords into a question and interpret the mass of data found accurately, students will inadvertently develop their reading and comprehension skills. This is an important point and skill to be learned as students often struggle to achieve higher marks due to the lack of understanding what is said in the question and what data is given. On the downside, this could also lead to students asking for the exact question or answer. However, due to the density and mass of information, it will lead most students to form assumptions and estimations as they cannot find what they are looking for. Consequently, this will develop their intuitive and trial and error skills, rather than just purely using the current method taught in school. Finally, as many of these questions would never have been asked if Google were not available, it demonstrates that with Google, learning math has the potential to be provoking and interesting, rather than mundane and stressful.