Mobile Maths tool boost for students

Nokia Mobile Mathematics is a service that enables learners across Tanzania to access quality Mathematics content.PHOTO|FILE 

By Mkinga Mkinga ,The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

“We have started with a scope of some schools here in Dar es Salaam. But after we have realised how it performs then it will spread countrywide.....a project of this kind has been a success in South Africa,”

Dar es Salaam. Secondary school students will now have an opportunity to learn Mathematics skills using a mobile phone tool.

The initiative unveiled yesterday means students who loathe or view the subject as difficult can combine fun in social media while deploying the same to boost their confidence and skills.

The pilot project - Nokia Mobile Mathematics - will be first rolled out in 10 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking during the launching of the project at the headquarters of the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), the deputy permanent secretary in the ministry of Communication, Science and Technology, Mr John Mngodo, said the project would improve the mathematics pass rate.

Mr Mngodo said mathematics was the bridge in all science subjects including Physics and Chemistry. He said the country’s development needed the appropriate and effective use of science and technology.

The Microsoft representative at the launching function, Ms Lilian Nganda, said participating schools included Jangwani, Azania, Zanaki, Kibasila, Benjamin Mkapa Secondary School, Chang’ombe, Kisauke, Tambaza, Keko and Kambangwa.

“We have started with a scope of some schools here in Dar es Salaam. But after we have realised how it performs then it will spread countrywide.....a project of this kind has been a success in South Africa,” Ms Nganda said

COSTECH director general Dr Hassan Mshinda said the idea started some years ago, when a delegation led by deputy minister for communication, science and technology Mr January Makamba visited Finland at the Nokia company headquarters and were briefed about how mobile phones can assist students in Maths subject.

He said since students are very active in social networking he is optimistic that they will also use the same gadgets in doing Mathematics. He said the project has since been successful in Sout Africa.

Nokia Mobile Mathematics is a service that enables learners across Tanzania to access quality Mathematics content.

in an engaging and interactive manner directly from their mobile phones, completely free.