Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) has launched its mobile curriculum for Algebra 1, the HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 App, in the App store. A first for K-12 education, the app provides award-winning Holt McDougal Algebra 1 core curriculum enhanced with the interactive capabilities today’s students demand. At $59.99, the HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 App gives school districts seeking to invest in cutting-edge mobile content and technology a high-quality curriculum option that has the potential to lower costs while improving learning. As part of its digital strategy, HMH is also poised to release Geometry and Algebra 2 apps for spring 2011 availability and is optimizing its major K-12 titles for use across a multitude of digital devices.
Modern Methods to Engage Modern Students
The app is designed to deliver Algebra 1 curriculum in a way that engages tech-savvy 21st century students. Students receive step-by-step animated instruction, instant feedback on practice questions, the ability to write, record and save notes, and access to over 400 video tutorials with the touch of a finger. The app’s programming combines instruction with ongoing support and intervention, allowing teachers and students to customize learning and meet individual needs. The app also helps teachers monitor performance with real-time student-specific feedback via Wi-Fi.
The HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 App is currently being piloted by approximately 400 students in the Long Beach, Riverside, Fresno, and San Francisco Unified School Districts in California. A third party education research firm is comparing student performance with the app to that of approximately 600 students in the same districts, with the same teachers, learning from the print Holt McDougal Algebra 1 textbook. The pilot is the largest study to-date on iPad use in K-12 education. HMH is also collecting qualitative feedback from pilot participants and has used this valuable insight to continually update and improve the app, now in its fourth iteration.
Trial Program Brings Satisfaction
“Participating in the HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 pilot has been very exciting and rewarding for San Francisco Unified School District,” said Richard Carranza, Deputy Superintendent, San Francisco Unified School District. “Overall, our students are reporting that the HMH app is a great tool that far surpasses traditional textbook learning. One of our primary goals as educators is for students to be engaged and joyful learners – this app really makes that possible. It’s simply remarkable.”
