Mathigon vs Mathspace

Mathigon is a free mathematics learning app for web, iOS and Android. It describes itself as a mix of interactive textbook and virtual tutor. Courses are divided into small sections with problems, simulations, patterns and other interactive components. A knowledge graph is used to adapt course content, while the virtual tutor provides tailored hints and encouragement. Illustrations, narratives, real-life applications, puzzles and historical context are used in the courses. Polypad includes more than 50 virtual manipulatives, along with dynamic geometry, graph plotting and sharing. Teachers can track student progress, view saved Polypad canvases and import student rosters from Google Classroom. Mathigon also offers free webinars, tutorial videos and a library of more than 50 free student activities and teaching ideas. Most parts follow WCAG 2.1 AA, according to Mathigon, and course audio narration is available in English. Offline access and parent reporting are listed features. Use is limited to non-commercial purposes unless a commercial licensing agreement is arranged. Mathigon says it cannot promise when courses marked under construction will be finished. Its free plan is listed for students, teachers and parents.

Mathspace is an adaptive mathematics learning platform for students and teachers, available on the web and iOS. Student materials include interactive textbooks, video lessons, practice questions, adaptive tasks, and diagnostic skills check-ins. StepSmart gives immediate, context-sensitive support as students work through a problem step by step. Teachers can create or assign tasks, use automatic marking, and review reports spanning class insights and individual work steps. Mathspace lists Canvas, Clever, and SchoolsPLP as LMS integrations. With Canvas, school administrators manage classes, and some teacher controls, including adding a parent email, are unavailable. A free account allows one class of up to 30 students. Classes costs $8 a year per student, and Schools costs $15 a year per student; eligible schools can try Classes or Schools Plus for 30 days without commitment. The student iOS app is recommended for iPads, while the web app is recommended for teachers on desktop or laptop and students who cannot use iOS. Mathspace says it follows FERPA and GDPR requirements and does not sell personal information to third parties.