Gamemaker Polymath: Transforming Math Learning into a Fun Roblox Experience!

As digital learning platforms evolve, **edtech companies** are increasingly challenged to engage young learners who are captivated by gaming giants like Roblox and Minecraft. Recent innovations in educational technology aim to blend fun and learning, creating immersive experiences that keep children motivated and focused on their studies.

Polymath: A New Frontier in Educational Gaming

Polymath is at the forefront of this movement, offering a unique educational sandbox game that merges gamified elements with adaptive math lessons. This engaging platform allows children to explore a vibrant virtual island, where they can:

• Customize avatars and express their creativity
• Build structures using a variety of materials
• Interact with villagers to enhance their learning experience

To progress in the game, children must solve math-related questions, ensuring that educational goals remain a priority while they play.

Recent Funding and Growth Plans

In an exciting development, Polymath announced a successful $1 million pre-seed funding round on Monday, with support from Blackbird Ventures and GD1. This funding will enable the platform to expand into new markets, with notable backing from Liam Don, the Chief Technology Officer of ClassDojo.

Understanding the Vision Behind Polymath

Sophie Silver, co-founder and CEO of Polymath, brings a wealth of knowledge in human learning and developmental psychology from her studies at University College London. Her experiences as a part-time nanny revealed significant gaps in children’s mathematical skills, leading her to create engaging games to motivate learning.

“The kids really did not enjoy maths, so I would start to invent games with cards or dice to motivate them,” Silver shared. She recognized that traditional teaching methods often conflict with how children learn best.

Adaptive Learning Algorithms

Polymath employs an adaptive algorithm to tailor the learning experience for each child based on their progress. This innovative approach allows the platform to:

• Analyze responses to find the most suitable next question
• Identify knowledge gaps and address them effectively
• Optimize the timing of new concepts to enhance retention

Exploring the Virtual World

Within the Polymath universe, children not only tackle math challenges but also apply their skills in practical scenarios. For example, when players want to build a house, they must:

• Measure dimensions accurately
• Calculate the number of wood blocks needed

“There’s a shopkeeper who occasionally gives incorrect pricing, creating critical thinking moments for students to question the accuracy,” explained Christian Silver, co-founder and CTO.

Flexible Learning Options

Polymath caters to different learning environments with both at-home and classroom versions:

• The classroom version allows teachers to monitor progress in real-time and enables collaborative learning.
• The at-home version gives parents the ability to oversee their child’s engagement and receive weekly progress reports.

In addition, children can connect with friends using a unique friend code, enhancing the multiplayer experience without a chat function for safety.

Future Developments and Availability

Launched in January 2023 through the Startmate accelerator in New Zealand, Polymath has quickly gained traction with thousands of users in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Future plans include:

• Expanding the curriculum for advanced learning opportunities
• Introducing collaborative gameplay features
• Offering purchasable avatar assets as a potential revenue stream

Polymath is currently available for free on the web, as well as on iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide audience. For more information, visit the official Polymath website.

As the landscape of educational technology continues to evolve, Polymath stands out as a promising solution for engaging children in math through an enjoyable and interactive gaming experience.