LOUISVILLE, KY – A seventh-grade student from Louisville is making waves in the tech world after collaborating with WAVE Learning, a technology company specializing in educational software for children, to develop a new mobile application aimed at enhancing learning through interactive gameplay.
Sarah Miller, a student at Meyzeek Middle School, began her partnership with WAVE Learning earlier this year after submitting a proposal to the company outlining her vision for a more engaging and accessible learning tool. Miller, a self-taught coder with a passion for education, felt that many existing educational apps lacked the crucial element of fun, often leading to disengagement among students.
“I noticed a lot of apps felt more like homework than games,” Miller explained. “I wanted to create something that kids would actually *want* to play, while still learning important skills.”
WAVE Learning, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, was impressed with Miller's innovative ideas and her clear understanding of the learning process. They offered her a unique opportunity to work alongside their team of software developers and educators to bring her vision to life.
“Sarah’s passion and insights were truly remarkable,” said David Thompson, CEO of WAVE Learning. “She brought a fresh perspective to our development process, helping us understand what truly resonates with students her age. We knew immediately we wanted to collaborate.”
The result of this collaboration is "Math Mania," a mobile game designed to help students in grades 6-8 improve their math skills through a series of challenges and puzzles. The app covers a range of topics, from basic arithmetic to pre-algebra concepts, all presented in a visually appealing and interactive format.
What sets "Math Mania" apart, according to both Miller and WAVE Learning, is its focus on personalized learning. The app adapts to each student’s individual learning pace, providing targeted support and feedback as they progress. It also includes a built-in progress tracking system that allows students, parents, and teachers to monitor their performance.
“We wanted to make sure the app was not only fun but also effective,” Thompson stated. “The adaptive learning component ensures that each student is challenged appropriately, preventing frustration and maximizing their learning potential.”
"Math Mania" is currently in the beta testing phase, with a wider release planned for the start of the upcoming school year. WAVE Learning plans to make the app available on both iOS and Android platforms. Initial feedback from students and educators involved in the beta testing has been overwhelmingly positive.
“My students are actually excited to practice math now,” said Mrs. Emily Carter, a math teacher at Meyzeek Middle School who participated in the beta program. “The game is engaging, challenging, and provides valuable feedback. It's a great addition to our classroom resources.”
Miller hopes that “Math Mania” will inspire other young people to pursue their interests in technology and education. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the power of bringing diverse perspectives to the development process.
"I learned so much working with the team at WAVE Learning," Miller said. "It showed me that anyone, even a middle schooler, can make a real difference by sharing their ideas and working hard."
WAVE Learning plans to continue its partnership with Miller on future projects, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting young talent in the technology field. The company believes that engaging students in the development process is crucial to creating effective and relevant educational tools.
The launch of "Math Mania" is anticipated to be a significant step forward in the use of technology to enhance learning, and the collaboration between a local student and a tech company serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of empowering young minds.
