A new website created in Mayo, www.TheMathsTutor.ie, had its official launch at the MathsFest 2012 education show in Cork on Saturday October 20.
The system was launched by Charlie McConalague TD, the Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Education and Skills, on behalf of its creator, Ballina-based Eamonn Toland.
Appropriately for an online learning system, Deputy McConalogue carried out the inauguration online via Skype, to a large audience at the MathsFest 2012 education show.
In his speech Dep McConalague said: “I am delighted to join you over the internet today to launch TheMathsTutor.ie It's very appropriate to do so online, to inaugurate such an innovative, effective and affordable approach to supporting Irish maths students. Maths skills are a cornerstone of the knowledge economy, and vital for the creation of high quality jobs.
“TheMathsTutor.ie complements the important work of Irish maths teachers in imparting these skills. I wish TheMathsTutor.ie every success in helping Irish maths students to excel.”
The website focusing on Project Maths was launched in trial mode in time for 2012 exams, and has received excellent feedback from students, parents and teachers.
Given the high uptake and success of this trial, the system has been expanded with new features and content to cover the latest Project Maths syllabus changes.
The brainchild of Eamonn Toland, TheMathsTutor.ie is unique as it is the only e-learning website focusing specifically on Project Maths. It offers a full online learning environment, with video lessons, interactive exercises as well as additional online supports.
Mr Toland said: “Our website fulfils the demand among students for a high quality, affordable online support for Project Maths. For less than the cost of two grinds, students can benefit from unlimited online support for the full duration of the school year. We are delighted to complement the vital work of teachers in implementing Project Maths.”
He added: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the trial version of the system up to the 2012 exams, especially among students locally in Mayo, and already this year we are seeing a huge uptake by students across the country. We have just launched our free 12 page booklet on exam technique, and we have plans for live weekly online seminars as well. We look forward to supporting even more Irish maths students this year.”
