Free Primary Maths Software for Students, Parents, Teachers and Schools @ Star Maths Online

AssociatedLStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 11:55
Last edited 09/02/2018 - 11:56 by 1 other user

Moved to Forum: Original Link

Hi Ozbargainers!

Been a long time user of this site and have had a lot of fantastic deals, so I'd thought I'd post this freebie for parents and teachers who would like to help their children improve in primary Maths. We've built this software as a hobby over the years, and now we're giving it out to all Aussie parents and teachers :)

This Maths software is more game like so that our children can have fun while they are learning! It also has some neat features for teachers to manage their class as well as providing useful data so that every child will receive individualised attention without burning too much time.

You can register at https://starmathsonline.com.au/

The software is not perfect, but we would love to hear feedback for us to improve on it further!

We are trying to research on some machine learning to see how much it can help students and teachers. This feature is not yet available, but hopefully, we'll get there one day!

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Comments

  • carlenet on 09/02/2018 - 12:00
    +1

    I've just signed up, thanks. As a former Primary School teacher with an 8 and 6yo I will be very interested to see how they like this. They are both Mathletics diehards hence something different will be good.

    First bit of feedback, hyphenated names are not accepted by your sign up form.

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:05
      +3

      Thanks Carlenet,

      Will feed this back to our team!

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 11/02/2018 - 00:48
      +7

      Hi carlenet, as an ACTUAL TEACHER, and Hi OP (as, well, the OP), I'd be very interested in both of your opinions on the following. I would have numbered my points below, but OzB applies slightly wacky 'renumbering' to numbered points sometimes, so I've gone for letters instead :)

      Dear Stymie,

      I had my own son (not yet quite ‘school-age’ but maybe a bit ‘smarter than the average bear’) attempt the initial ‘50 questions’ of one of the 1st grade lessons/schedules while I looked on with interest… I regret to inform you that there are clearly pretty severe problems with the actual ‘course-content’, as it currently stands. The problems are too numerous to individually itemise completely, but they include:

      A. Incorrect grammar/incorrect English expression is extremely frequent, throughout. Approximately 30% of the questions (and/or the options provided as potential answers) include some sort of English/grammatical/wording error, or multiple English/grammatical errors. This is clearly not acceptable/appropriate for any sort of educational course-work intended for administration to very young children, who are only just beginning to learn (by example) how English is supposed to be worded/structured. I realise that your ‘program’ is focused on maths, but that does not mean that it is in any way acceptable for it to contain a large number of English wording/grammatical errors.

      B. Re approximately 15% of the tasks presented, it is not actually clear (even to me, as an adult with a science degree) what exactly is being asked. The most glaring example is the ‘Select which object will hold more water’ questions. These are simply bizarre/completely nonsensical; there is no way any kid could logically deduce what is actually being asked (I certainly couldn’t!).

      C. Most of the questions/answers about PRISMS seem to have been devised/constructed by someone who does not actually know what a prism is (or by various peeps whose opinions on this differ?!?). Either the ‘expected’ answer is wrong, or two (or more) of the available options are correct but only one is (erroneously) deemed to be correct, etc.

      D. Some of the questions about ‘faces’ (as a side note, I suggest sticking to the word ‘surfaces throughout your program to allude to the sides of 3D structures, because some year 1 or maybe even year 2 kids might be easily confused by the word ‘faces’; they may start thinking ‘happy’/’sad’ etc.) of 3D shapes are similarly flawed. For example, in one question the child is prompted to:

      "Select the 3D shape (shapes are not actually 3D, but I will not go into that at this point) 'has' [sic; the word “that” is missing here] 1 curved surface”

      The three options presented include one with no curved surfaces, a sphere, and a cylinder. The glaring problem with this question is that both a sphere AND a cylinder have ‘one curved surface’. The correct answer to this ‘un-winnable’ question, according to ‘the system’, turns out to be the sphere. Of course it is undeniable though, that a cylinder also has ‘one curved surface’.

      I tried not to chuckle too loudly when the subsequent question ‘How many curved surfaces does a cylinder have’ came up as one of the 50 … and the answer that was deemed to be correct was (correctly), one!

      E. Re the ‘how many fit in the box’ questions, the one including the spanners should be removed/deleted. My boy immediately worked out that he could fit in more spanners than what was ‘supposed to be possible’ (according to your system/program), by placing one spanner-head behind the other/snug-up against it, and thought he had been very clever in doing so (so did I). Erroneously, the ‘system’ declares that only a lower number of spanners than can clearly/easily actually fit into the box (‘Tetris-style’) is the correct answer. The ‘system’ erroneously applies an unstated rule that the spanners must be placed end-to-end. Such ambiguities could be completely avoided, via question design.

      F. One question asks how many days there are in February, and the expected ‘correct’ answer is deemed to be 28. I suggest deleting this question, because in fact that is the only month of the entire year that has a variable number of days, depending on what year it is. I understand that the kid is supposed to refer to the graphic/visual representation to deduce the answer, but using/including February in this task is simply unnecessarily problematic/ unwise. What if the kid is actually answering that question in a leap year? They are then expected to enter an incorrect answer, in order to be awarded a ‘correct answer’. What if they were actually BORN on February 29th?!? They are then expected to declare that their birth-date does not exist. OK I’m being a bit silly now, but I hope you take my point. I strongly suggest not including ‘How many days are there in February?’ as one of your standard/'1st-grade' questions.

      I noticed quite a few more problems with the system/site (the ‘games’ for example?!?), but I think I’ve said quite enough for now in this platform. Re the extreme level of incorrect English expression apparent even in the small amount of material I’ve seen so far (in just 50 ‘1st grade’ questions), I think you definitely need to ‘fix this up’ forthwith, to render the software credible for its intended purpose. I would be happy to help you do that—free of charge of course, given that you are not charging users to utilise the service and I think you are doing an admirable thing in that respect. I would be happy to contribute my (professional) English editing services to this endeavor entirely gratis, because I love what you are doing, and I believe you have really nailed the ‘infrastructure’ side of things… Just not the English expression/precise content of some of the questions, but that is a relatively easy fix, compared to the extent of the foundation you have already laid.

      If you would like my assistance with fixing up the issues I’ve noted above, I would be happy to provide it for no charge whatsoever (absolutely free), send me a ‘PM’ via this site (OzB) including an email address I can contact someone on, and we can go from there. If for some reason you do not want to, I will take no offense whatsoever. In that event though, please have someone fix up the English expression (etc.) throughout your software, before you unleash it ‘en masse’…

      • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 11/02/2018 - 11:06
        +1

        Hi Gnarly,

        To put that much effort to provide us with constructive feedback is much appreciated! I will definitely PM you so that we can improve this software to be amazing on all ends.

  • jv on 09/02/2018 - 12:02
    +2

    How is this different to Mathletics?

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:04
      +7

      The design is more game-like and also when students start to use it, it will slowly personalise their learning by picking up their strengths and weaknesses :)

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:09
          +5

          Agree with you on that JV,

          But if you can't beat them, why not try to curb their enthusiasm :)

          We wanted to build a software where kids an have fun while they learn. Very hard to do but would be cool to be able to get that good balance!

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 12:14
          +2

          @Starme:

          But if you can't beat them, why not try to curb their enthusiasm

          I don't find that approach works with most kids these days.
          Games are addictive and many kids these days have a higher level of anxiety than we did growing up due to changes in society.
          Playing more games and hope they learn something extra is just feeding that addiction.

          In many cases, it's best to use a different approach…

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:27
          +10

          @jv:

          Valid points JV!

          But I think gaming if done right, it can give a positive effect on our children. We've done some research on the benefits of gamification and seems to be a plausible strategy.

          Most children don't tend to use educational software for long because they get bored or unless forced upon. And no matter how intelligent or amazing the software is if our children don't use it then it won't benefit them.

          Its extremely hard to find this balance but we'll keep trying until we find it.

        • troyww on 09/02/2018 - 12:29
          +2

          @jv:

          I've reverted back to the olden day method of parenting …
          We used Mathletics extensively as an aid , It has been a great help especially because my sons primary school had a ridiculous "no homework policy " .

        • [Deactivated] on 09/02/2018 - 12:29
          +12

          @jv: You're so annoying

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 12:31
          +1

          @Starme:

          Most children don't tend to use educational software for long because they get bored

          They shouldn't need to use it for long. There should also be other methods used to teach them maths. It doesn't all need to be screen based…

          My comments are based on this approach specifically using games, and trying to make them 'educational'.

          I don't encourage any parents to add 'more' game time for their kids…

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:52

          @jv:

          Yeah agree with your points mate. In time when we have the results and we'll confirm if the idea did yield educational results:)

          Thanks for the feedback.

        • Uberwolfe on 09/02/2018 - 12:59
          +15

          @jv:
          So much negativity. Have you actually tried the product? or are you just basing your entire argument on the fact it is designed to be "game-like"?

          For information, I struggled with maths in secondary school. I had zero interest in the lessons because I could not apply or see a practical use for any of it beyond the obvious basics.

          Our school introduced us to game programming via Unity 3D using C# and an amazing Unity addon known as Playmaker.

          In creating my game, all of a sudden these equations and methods made perfect sense as I applied them. Not only did my understanding in class increase, but also my enjoyment and my actual interest too. So much so, that I purchased books on calculus to further my learning out of the classroom.

          My example is obviously advanced from the OP's product, but it was thanks to games and game programming that I took an interest in maths - so please don't discount the fact the games can be an incredibly powerful tool for learning.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 13:01
          -3

          @Uberwolfe:

          I struggled with maths in secondary school

          This, and Mathletics are targeted for Primary schools.

        • sevendollarsfifty on 09/02/2018 - 13:02
          +13

          @jv: Yes JV. I'm sure you're an excellent role model for not getting addicted to digital technology….

        • Uberwolfe on 09/02/2018 - 13:04
          +4

          @jv:
          As I said, my example is advanced from the OP's product. But my point still stands.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 13:06
          -4

          @Uberwolfe:

          But my point still stands.

          Not really… Young kids getting addicted to games is becoming a big problem in society today. It affects both their behaviour and their learning.

        • Uberwolfe on 09/02/2018 - 13:15
          +1

          @jv:
          I'm sure they said the same about games or any other media when you were a kid.

          And as far as I am aware there are no studies that link educational games to behavioural or learning issues.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 13:19
          -3

          @Uberwolfe:

          I'm sure they said the same about games or any other media when you were a kid.

          No PC's when I was a kid…

        • FabMan on 09/02/2018 - 13:24
          +10

          @jv: You went from having valid points to being petty.

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:09
          +3

          @jv:

          I don't find that approach works with most kids these days.

          Based on your extensive research and expertise in the field?

          Kids learn differently. So do adults for that matter. Your one man crusade to get people not to use tech and caution against addiction is ironic for someone spending so much time on an Internet forum, don't you think? A case of do as I say and not as I do, I suppose. But it weakens your argument.

          I'm all for gamification when it's working. When it's not, there are as you said other methods. No need to throw this one out without trying it though. My kids have learnt from games and they've learnt from going and playing various sports. I don't see why I need to limit them. At the same time I won't desperately spend a fortune on education subscriptions.

          Beware the luddite that blogs about it.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:13
          -5

          @syousef:

          Based on your extensive research and expertise in the field?

          Yes.

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:14
          +1

          @jv:

          I look forward to seeing your research papers. Which journal?

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:16
          -3

          @syousef:

          Which journal?

          I only do lectures.

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:17
          +6

          @jv:

          At the Dunning-Kruger School of Anecdotal Evidence?

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:23
          +1

          @Jake Elwood:

          Research continues to show that home has limited benefits in primary ages children.

          lol…

          I've heard people say that too… Usually lazy teachers that don't like extra work.

        • SupeNintendoChalmers on 09/02/2018 - 14:24

          @jv: Kids have changed jv, the gamefication of learning is inevitable.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:26

          @rodripa:

          the gamefication of learning is inevitable.

          nope, just an additional challenge for parents in our current society…

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:28

          @jv :

          jv do you have kids?

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:30

          @syousef:

          jv do you have kids?

          of course… doesn't everybody?

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:30

          @jv:

          Thankfully no. How old are yours?

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 14:52

          @syousef:

          Thankfully no. How old are yours?

          Primary School…

        • StingyBritches on 09/02/2018 - 15:55
          +3

          @jv:
          Oh, dear. How often do we hear "lazy teachers" - yes there are some, but the vast majority work their butts off, with incredibly long, unpaid, thankless hours of work.

          I'm married to a teacher, so I can see both traditional and gameficiation methods working.

        • belongsinforums on 09/02/2018 - 17:46
          +1

          @syousef: rofl

        • gimli on 09/02/2018 - 21:42
          +1

          @syousef: good call

        • virhlpool on 09/02/2018 - 23:27

          @StingyBritches: Laziness isn't specific to a profession. There can be lazy taxi drivers, lazy doctors, lazy plumbers, lazy lawyers, lazy coders.. why not! But there has to be a check in place which keeps the laziness in control. In corporate world, there are reviews, performance pressure, managers, and fear of losing job that keep laziness at check. Not saying that motivation can't do the trick, but it's hard to believe that motivated people are always good at work ethics. Since I am not familiar with education sector so much, I am not sure if above factors (or any other) are in place to keep lazy teachers on toes and make them thrive for performance.

        • [Deactivated] on 10/02/2018 - 05:47
          +2

          @virhlpool:

          I think this is a valid point. A major dilemma in performance reviews is who is having impact on students performances and how to test for it. NAPLAN? But that is not designed to be reflective on individual teachers. (For example literacy is not the sole domain of English. It’s meant to be taught across the board. Indeed maths is heavily dependent on literacy, “understanding the question”. Year 7 NAPLAN tests for skills taught in the previous stage, so years 5-6. But it’s impacted by the students year 7 teachers too.

          As someone who was an engineer in a former career I am naturally lazy or ‘efficient’ as most of us would say. I don’t want to spend time on things such as homework if the impact is limited or not existent. If research is showing that at younger ages it doesn’t have a positive impact, why do it?

          As with JV ‘s response, a lot has to do with parental/ societal expectations. We do things not just because they have sound educational research behind them but to please people.

  • Savas on 09/02/2018 - 12:34
    +1

    How do i play?

    • jv on 09/02/2018 - 12:35
      -8

      Buy a bat and ball.

      • FabMan on 09/02/2018 - 13:26
        +13

        Advising other people how to live without electronic media via electronic media.

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 13:39
          -4

          I'm using a mechanical keyboard.

        • FabMan on 09/02/2018 - 14:06
          +2

          @jv: My apologies

  • blackfrancis75 on 09/02/2018 - 12:39
    +4

    thanks for the offer, but https://www.prodigygame.com/Play/ did it better, IMHO

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:45

      Thanks for the link mate! They definitely did a great job on it.

      Ours is a bit different because we have portals for parents and teachers as well.

      • blackfrancis75 on 09/02/2018 - 13:20
        -1

        yeah prodigy has that too

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 13:58

          Ours is also Australian curriculum based:)

          But good on them if they are providing an amazing software for free!

        • blackfrancis75 on 12/02/2018 - 09:59

          can anyone explain in the name of all that's holy why this comment was down-voted?

  • bt123123 on 09/02/2018 - 12:40

    I just register and login

    when I login to STAR, i have error message "Cannot read property ID of undefined".

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:43

      Are you able to pm me with a screenshot bt123123? I'll have our team look into that asap!

      • bt123123 on 09/02/2018 - 12:44

        I register as a parents.
        How to register as a student for my child?

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 12:46

          When you register, you would have registered your first child. If you need to register more children then it can be done on the children tab.

      • dundasbr on 09/02/2018 - 14:49

        same here, I can't login. I get the same error

  • Savas on 09/02/2018 - 12:48
    +2

    had my 5 minutes of fun, how do i delete my account?

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 13:02
      +2

      If you could PM your user id and I can remove them from our system Savas :)

  • hashiemotto on 09/02/2018 - 12:51
    +1

    how do you keep our private information secure? upon registration u ask for child name, school name and grade. I am not ok on providing you with this information. Why do u need this? Obviously I have signed up using a fake name. a leaked DB in the wrong hands could be very bad!

    • nswtiger on 09/02/2018 - 12:53
      -3

      that's why it is free :) they want this data to have fun

      • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 13:01
        +2

        Our software is encrypted with 256bit encryption, so it is very secure.

        And we only ask for the bare minimum information to create an account, any less and it would not be possible. Because the software sets exercise work for each student, which is why we need their year.

        In terms of school, if we had enough students using the software from a particular school, then we could provide a school portal to that school directly.

        I hope this help in terms of the information we ask for.

        • hashiemotto on 09/02/2018 - 14:11

          i get the name and grade, but i do not agree with the school. Leaking that info gives exact location of your child. U may have encryption in transit and at rest, and you may be 100% storing your data in Australia, and you may have ACLs and security groups around your compute servers, but you cannot guarantee your data wont be leaked. All it takes is one simple rule accidentally left open and ppl will find your open node. my recommendation is that you drop the school name.

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:22
          +1

          @hashiemotto:

          If you are not comfortable then you can enter in dummy data:)

        • hashiemotto on 09/02/2018 - 14:46

          @Starme: at least identify the field as optional on the form, that way parents will at least think about whether they are ok in providing this information.

        • hashiemotto on 09/02/2018 - 14:49
          +1

          @hashiemotto: you also dont have a privacy statement in your terms and conditions, and Governing laws are from Austria - "Governing Law

          These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Austria, without regard to its conflict of law provisions."

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 16:11
          +2

          @hashiemotto:

          construed in accordance with the laws of Austria,

          Is that you Arnie?

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 19:39

          @jv:

          Nope Arnie has left the building and he will not be back :)

    • jv on 09/02/2018 - 13:12
      +1

      Why do u need this?

      According to their Privacy Policy, they can pass on all this data to both internal and external stakeholders for purposes of 'research', training and support…

      • FabMan on 09/02/2018 - 13:30
        +10

        If they ever hire external software testers or contract out this is a required statement and not out of the ordinary at all.

        Why don't you go outside for a bit, get off the computer, it is unhealthy to spend so much time moaning on it as you do?

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 16:09
          -1

          Why don't you go outside for a bit, get off the computer,

          I’m at the beach typing this.

        • FabMan on 10/02/2018 - 08:10

          @jv: Good work, wear sunscreen

      • hashiemotto on 09/02/2018 - 14:54

        where did u find privacy policy? not in terms and conditions upon sign up. It seems to be governed by Austrian laws, unsure what their privacy laws are in comparison to Australia's. At least we know in Australia, there's a fine per breach

        • jv on 09/02/2018 - 16:08

          where did u find privacy policy?

          Link on their site.

  • mahdi on 09/02/2018 - 13:07

    is it adaptable to tablet and phone screens or is it designed for desktop?

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 13:11
      +1

      It is adaptable to tablets but not on mobile phones. Desktop and laptops are ideal for this software at this stage, if we do get enough users then we can move it to an iOS and Android app:)

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 13:34

    I can't seem to edit each child's login details, i.e. their (computer-generated) username and password. Is there any way to edit these things?

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 13:56

      You can change their password via your parent login and go to children tab.

      • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:19
        +1

        Or in this case, my teacher login… great, it worked, and thanks for such a quick response OP. I had seen the 'reset password' option, but usually 'reset password' refers to a new password being 'randomly generated' digitally; but in this case 'reset password' allows you to specify/set your own password. Maybe change the wording of that option to 'change password'?

        This is only a very small point, but is it so that there is no way to actually change each child's digitally assigned username? I.e. simply to their actual first and last name? It's just that the lack of the proper punctuation (all lower case), the full stop in the middle, and the 'random' number at the end seem a bit 'robotic'; it would be 'nicer' if the child good simply login with their actual first and last name, entered with correct punctuation (i.e. capitalisation). As I said though, this is really no 'big deal'.

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:46

          Thanks for the feedback Garly!

          We did it originally so that it would save time for parents/teachers creating them manually. But will take this feedback on.

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:52

          @Starme:
          Ah yes I see now, that time-saving consideration is a good point particularly if setting up profiles for multiple classes full of kids. So I guess the current system should remain as it is, as the 'default' system, for that precise reason; so that teacher's don't get discouraged/give up half way because it's taking too long to manually set up all the usernames. It would be nice if there was an option to personalise a child's username though.

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 15:13

          @GnarlyKnuckles:

          Yeah, I will ask our team about to see if its possible. If it is possible after an account is created, we'll definitely add that in.

  • Grale on 09/02/2018 - 13:37
    +2

    so much negativity..
    keep up the good work though OP.
    like a previous poster, gaming definitely helped with my learning as well.

  • MagicTsukai on 09/02/2018 - 13:46

    will this be free forever?

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 13:56
      +2

      It's pretty obvious that the dudes plan to monetise it at some point (because it seems to have involved hundreds of hours at least, to create; what I've seen so far looks good/professional), so I guess the real question is: when you start charging for it, will you only start charging new registrants to use it? It would be a real kick in the teeth to spend days (literally) setting up accounts for each child in multiple classes full of kids/generating several 'year plans', only to receive notification a month or two later that unless I began paying a certain amount, access to it would no longer be available.

      Is their any chance of that happening?

      By the way, I haven't actually had any child login/try it yet, but I have got to the point where I am ready to do that, and it was surprisingly easy/intuitive to set up the accounts (Main administrator, teachers, and children).

      I also think that you are 'underselling it' in a way by simply calling it 'maths' software. It actually goes well beyond that, as it includes things like reading analogue clocks, etc. Anyway that's no biggy and perhaps it is better to just keep the name of it simple, with a reference to maths.

      From what I can tell so far/before actually having a child test it, you have done a stirling job with it. I will get a child to use it this afternoon, and post details of how it went here, for anyone who is interested…

      • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:20
        +7

        Thanks for the compliment Garly,

        With regards to our software, it is free forever. Education should be made free and made for everyone.

        We are researching into machine learning where we can really drive personalisation of every child's learning to bring the best out of each of them. The reason why we started this was to try and push educational technology to the 21st century. Technology is moving very fast but educational technology is snailing away. If we can achieve then we will monetise on it but if we can't then this version will remain free.

        And also, our team mate who is a maths teacher and wants to tell his daughter that he built the software she is using :)

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:34

          I'm a little confused by your answer, because "it's free forever" is subsequently contradicted by 'If we can achieve then we will monetise on it but if we can't then this version will remain free.'

          Thus, I am still hesitant to actually launch into setting up profiles for entire classes full of kids, and constructing year-long lesson plans.

          Can we have a rock-solid guarantee that for current registrants at least, the software/systems/resources that are currently operating will always be available/free?

          BTW, regardless of what happens with the 'drive personalisation of every child's learning'/monetisation endeavor, have you looked at asking the Australian Government for some money, to 'officially launch' it in some of there schools? Or maybe use Australia as an 'always free' testing ground, but try and monetise it overseas? I understand that everyone needs to earn a crust, and it seems that a lot of hours have gone into creating it. It really would be fantastic if the current version could always remain free though, at least for Australian Government schools (free for the actual schools/teachers/parents/kids I mean; I think asking the Australian Government for a monetary contribution/some basic funding would be entirely justified, if they adopted it to any substantial degree).

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:44
          +1

          @GnarlyKnuckles:

          Sorry for the confusion mate. This version of the software is free. If we can achieve on our machine learning research then it would be an upgrade where parents or schools can pay for that technology.

          But this version of our software is definitely free.

          We have thought of monetising it overseas but for now it's making sure the software can help children and teachers. Would be awesome to bring money in Australia rather than having monies going out!

          Hope this helps mate.

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:46

          @Starme:
          Thanks for clarifying. Awesome work, I'll keep you posted with how the 'road-testing' goes.

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:59

          @GnarlyKnuckles:

          Thanks mate! If you do have any feedback on how we can improve it for teachers and children, we'll definitely take that on board!

      • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:34

        I don't know OP so no idea if this particular software will remain free as he claims.

        BUT there is plenty of free online learning material. Some of it created by people who were paid to do it and tacked on the extra or their employer gave it away (e.g. Uni Lectures, Open Courseware etc.). Some of it created for purpose by people who want to help and only take donations (e.g. Khan Academy). Not everyone is driven by money.

        • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:43

          Everything you say is correct syousef. With this thing though, there would be at least some costs associated with even just maintaining the service (running the server, responding to queries/'help' requests/ fixing any bugs that exist or develop in the future), particularly if it really takes off. If that happened, the developers could not really be expected to keep providing the service for free, at an actual monetary cost to themselves! It would be at that point that I would hope the Australian Government would step in and at the very least cover all their costs (and some extra, to repay them for developing it in the first place!).

          Turnbull likes to rant about 'tech innovation' and his apparent willingness to fund Australian tech innovation for the betterment of the country… what better example of it could there be than this endeavor, assuming that it works as well as it initially seems to. I am now really excited about having some kids test it out.

        • syousef on 09/02/2018 - 14:48

          @GnarlyKnuckles:

          A lot of communities get by on donations, at least for a while. I use to be a member of a few different sites for MS Flight Simulator about a decade ago now. A few of those were run off annual drives for donations to keep servers up for hosting files etc.

          I wouldn't bother pressing OP on the future of the system though. Circumstances change. Control of entities like this changes hands. Even if he gives you an answer of what he honestly intends it may not pan out. Just enjoy the freebie while it lasts and don't get too dependent on it. In this case if you can get kids hooked on maths there will be other books, sites and games to keep them interested.

        • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 15:07

          @syousef:

          Thanks for your thought on it Syousef, it is true that the distant future is unknown, but I will keep this version of the software free for all Aussies as long as our original group remains as the owner of the software :)

          It's also a good goal for us to set if we would like to monetise on our software by providing something really amazing that can bring value to all users!

  • lknight on 09/02/2018 - 13:50
    +2

    excellent work. For those dont want to share your private information just make up the name. dont know what's the fuss.

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:25

      Thanks mate!

      Hoping this software is able to help children with their maths foundations or teacher who are open to using software tools to help their class.

      Agree with you on that you can always enter dummy data if you are not comfortable in providing such details.

  • fiso on 09/02/2018 - 14:05

    it doesn't work - after rego you can't log in?

    • GnarlyKnuckles on 09/02/2018 - 14:19
      +1

      It works fine for me. Did you verify your registration via the email that was sent to you, before you tried to log in?

      • fiso on 09/02/2018 - 16:05

        yes of course - it says: "can't read property ID of undefined

  • unity1 on 09/02/2018 - 14:24

    Hi OP, which age groups is this aimed for?

    • AssociatedStarme @ Star Math Online on 09/02/2018 - 14:26

      It's for primary maths years 1 - 6.

      It also has NAPLAN practical exercises for those who would like to build their confidence.

      • unity1 on 09/02/2018 - 14:44

        Thanks Starme, will be happy to give this software a trial.

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