Wolfram MathWorld: The Web's Most Extensive Mathematics Resource

Online math teaching tools are becoming more and more important not only to educators but students alike. There are many tools that one can access to learn math such as YouTube videos or Kahn Academy. Also, there are outlets which aid in understanding such as GeoGebra or Desmos. However, today we will focus on a resource which claims to be "the most extensive mathematics resource;" Wolfram MathWorld.

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What is Wolfram MathWorld?

Wolfram MathWorld is an encyclopedic repository of all of mathematics, ranging from simple Algebraic equations to complex concepts of Analysis. Also, if one wants to learn about some biographical information of famous mathematicians, this is the resource that can aid approaching that topic. 

How Does Wolfram MathWorld Challenge Users?

Because of the nature of the resource, Wolfram MathWorld does not facilitate challenges but presents concepts in a terse, objective way. Once the user explores a topic, they are responsible for seeking more information themselves externally.

How Can the Teacher Use This Resource?

This resource is excellent for teachers to gain topics to engage students. However, it does require in depth knowledge to use effectively. A teacher may get lost using this resource because there are no user-friendly search engines.

How Does Wolfram MathWorld Engage Social Aspects of Learning?

Because this is an encyclopedia, there is no place for collaborative learning. There is no means of communication.

What is Great About Wolfram MathWorld?

This platform is an excellent stepping off point for getting research topics to inspire students. Because this platform is exhaustive, a teacher can have potentially infinite avenues of discovery. Yet, it does require a teacher with apt knowledge in the subject.

How Could Wolfram MathWorld Imporove?

Being called Wolfram Math"World" insinuates a connection with others. Adding a social aspect to this platform could bring others to math topics in a way that genuinely fosters learning. As of right now, the best social math experience is found in the math subreddit. Having a website complexly dedicated to math socialization can bring more mathematicians together.

Author

John Snell is an M.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in the study of Arithmetic Functions. He has spent the last seven years teaching, educating students from 8th grade to Calculus. His passion is for student growth and an appreciation for mathematics as a whole.