ABOUT THIS EPISODE
There's a sea of online math supplements, from drills to games to whole courses, all promising advancement for your struggling student (or your stellar student who has outpaced his cohort). What kind of program, if any, is right for your student? Under what conditions are digital tools most effective?
Heights math teacher David Maxham gives us an extremely practical guide to the best digital resources out there and how to use them effectively. He also shares the failure modes you may not see coming when "hiring" a digital tutor for your child.
Chapters:2:19 Digital tools at a liberal arts school 3:47 For students at both ends of the spectrum 11:41 Online drills: assisting academic virtue 14:12 Parent guidance still needed 18:56 Benefits of in-person lessons 23:32 How digital data can help teachers 27:08 Getting student buy-in, gaining confidence 32:22 Whole online courses: Math Academy over Khan 41:44 Remediation without embarrassment 46:46 Common pitfalls to outside help
Links:Math Facts Lab drills, broadly recommended by Mr. Maxham
Rocket Math drills, also mentioned
Math Academy courses, recommended by Mr. Maxham
Khan Academy courses, Mr. Maxham says best as a supplement, not as a class
Matific, gamified math practice
Beast Academy
The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—and
How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath
Also on the Forum:Automaticity and Creativity by David Maxham
Automaticity: Where 'Rote' Fits into the Liberal Arts featuring David Maxham
How to Help Your Son When He Struggles Academically: Part I by Michael Moynihan
How to Help Your Son When He Struggles Academically: Part II by Michael Moynihan
Featured Opportunities:Headmaster's Lecture at The Heights School (October 3, 2026) – link coming soon
Fall Open House at The Heights School (October 24, 2026)
Fatherhood Conference at The Heights School (early November 2026) – link coming soon
Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 11-13, 2026)
