Maths online anywhere, anytime

Teaching and learning are no longer confined to the classroom. Technology has broken the monotony of the classroom, physical barrier and limitations of a time-bound teaching. Computer has widened the horizon of teacher-learner relationship. What other subject can be apt to teach online than maths? Knowing the potential of the subject, TMS Math Academy was recently launched at the Garden Terrace of Navin's Triumph Building, Nandanam. T.M. Soundrarajan, fondly called TMS by his students, has more than thirty years of service at Ahobila Mutt Oriental Higher Secondary School, West Mambalam, to his credit.

His aim of beginning the TMS Math Academy is to provide an online social learning and teaching environment for students who can have access to his teaching anywhere, anytime. This Academy handles an integrated teaching plus revision course. TMS' teaching style combines real life situations with the fundamental principles of mathematics.

Thanks to Entrayn Education Technologies, the dream of bringing students closer to mathematics with the help of the Internet was realised with ease. Pavithra Srinivasan, the founder and CEO of Entrayn, came up with the idea of video lessons. Whether the students belong to State board or CBSE, of Class X and XII, TMS lessons are ready for them. Students have to merely log on to the classroom. In a series of video lessons, the online lessons turn into a virtual teacher. In a personalised way, TMS explains the concepts again and again.

When asked about what is his take on repetition, TMS says, “Practice makes a person perfect. One's memory and skill are enhanced by repetition. Also the learning style, ability and confidence of all students are not the same. So, video lessons at TMS Online Academy are designed to enable the child to rewind and check a particular concept, in case he/she is unable to grasp it the first time. Students will be enthused to probe into the subject if they understood it better. If the repeat button helps them in doing so, I think Entrayn has done the right thing. Repeating etches the topics in the mind.”

The other advantages of the academy are discussion forums, FAQs, leader rounds, etc. In the common forum if a student raises a doubt, he can expect a response from the teacher in 24 hours or from fellow students who have grasped the concept. Repeated doubts in a particular area qualify it for the FAQ session. Thus if one goes through FAQs, they stand to benefit. Children can also slowly go through the sessions page by page and book mark the difficult ones which can be revised later. Similar to Facebook, if someone explains a doubt he/she will get a number of likes and thereby feel motivated to learn more.

The leader round lists the toppers. This list varies for each topper as it shows each student how much portion he has covered. By looking at the list, students can vie with each other and increase the speed of study. These are some of the salient features of the system.

Even school teachers can use these lessons to supplement and reinforce their regular classroom teaching, especially for repeatedly explaining important concepts, clearing doubts, revision, etc.

These online sessions are a hit among students and parents because of proximity to a teacher, one-on-one learning, no commutation involved and motivation through vibrant techniques.

Future plans

TMS considers education as a powerful social leveller. He is looking at rendering the lessons in Tamil, so that rural students can also benefit. For this, Entrayn Technologies is searching for philanthropic organisations and individuals to help sponsor Tamil lessons for deserving students and Government schools.

TMS also wants to extend Online teaching for Classes VII to IX and XI besides taking it to the college level. In addition, he along with Entrayn, is also looking to add online question banks for various topics, so that students can be assessed on their learning and application.

About the master

TMS has been in the panel of authors appointed by the Educational Department, Achievements Government of Tamil Nadu; for the revised text books in Mathematics for the Higher Secondary classes, in addition to being appointed Key Resource Person in Mathematics by the Government of Tamil Nadu for a Training-Orientation Session for Mathematics Teachers of Tamil Nadu.

He also influenced and made a substantial contribution at the training programme on question paper setting, jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu State Board of School Examinations and NCERT, New Delhi. He has always supported students who have shown active interest in studies by providing and facilitating scholarships, grants and other aids. This has been a motto regardless of student background.

To enroll into the academy, contact Pavithra of Entrayn at 95000 20740. Teachers who are interested to teach physics, biology and chemistry in a similar fashion, can get in touch with Entrayn Education Technologies at Navin's Triumph, 802-804, Anna Salai, Nandanam. Ph: 4320 7777.